On a particularly warm and sunny afternoon, the historic Miller Lash House opened its doors to engaged couples and wedding industry professionals alike for a beautifully curated open house. Nestled on 350 acres of forest on the University of Toronto Scarborough campus, this charming heritage estate gave guests a true sense of the magic it offers for weddings and milestone celebrations.
As a planner, I loved seeing how the venue’s elegant architecture and manicured grounds came alive through thoughtful ceremony and reception setups. Guests experienced the estate on self-guided tours, pausing to capture content and enjoy the creative vendor displays and inspiring design details that showcased just how versatile the space really is. Big thanks to Quarum Photo & Video Inc. for capturing the magic of the day.
The indoor Great Room is perfect for intimate gatherings of up to 50 guests seated or 100 standing. Outdoors, the Cocktail Patio is ideal for mingling with up to 200 guests, while the Reception Tent offers space for 200 seated or 300 standing under a graceful canopy.
Couples dreaming of outdoor ceremonies have two stunning options: The Evergreen site, surrounded by lush greenery, seats up to 200 guests. The River Rock Waterfall site accommodates up to 400 with the sound of flowing water creating a serene backdrop. For even larger celebrations, the open field can host over 1,000 guests.
Within the tented space, a talented lineup of wedding vendors welcomed couples at individual tables. From planners to caterers, DJ’s to photographers, each brought their unique offerings to life through engaging displays and one-on-one conversations. It was a fantastic opportunity for couples to connect directly with professionals who could help bring their wedding vision to life.
Our team at Events by Whim was thrilled to be on-site, connecting with fellow planners and some of the best in the industry. The atmosphere was elevated by the expertly mixed sounds of DJ Floh Back Productions, who kept the energy up and the vibe just right for guests and vendors alike!
We were especially delighted to see our friends at Enduring Promises, whose thoughtful officiant services help couples create meaningful and personal ceremonies. Outside, guests were treated to a special experience courtesy of A Celebrity Limousine, who brought along a stunning vintage Rolls Royce. Guests were invited to sit inside, take photos, and get a feel for the timeless elegance that such a classic vehicle brings to a wedding day.
With six preferred caterers in attendance, it’s safe to say no guest left hungry! en Ville Event Design and Catering started things off with their signature focaccia steak sandwiches grilled right on site. Complete with the perfect spread of house-made aioli, bringing out the rich, smoky flavour of the meat. To round out the experience, guests enjoyed beautifully presented mini apple tarte desserts, offering a perfect balance of warmth and sweetness in every bite.
Food Dudes delivered bold flavour and polished presentation with a decadent Striploin Station that quickly became a guest favourite. Their prime striploin was served tender and perfectly seasoned, paired with truffle butter, sunchoke purée, crispy FD tater tots, seasonal vegetables, peppercorn jus, and a fresh herb salad. Guests also loved their Caesar 2.0, a creative spin on the classic, made with romaine, Brussels sprouts, and black kale, tossed in jalapeño Caesar dressing. It was topped with double-smoked bacon, sun-dried tomato, cured egg yolk, parmesan crisps, shokupan croutons, Grana Padano, and chives.
Daniel et Daniel Catering & Events offered a playful and refreshing take on interactive catering with their Ramen Salad Bar. Guests customised their bowls with a variety of vibrant toppings, fresh vegetables, and flavourful dressings, all built on a base of chilled ramen noodles. It was a light yet satisfying option that added a creative and unexpected twist to the afternoon’s culinary lineup and was frankly quite refreshing on a warm day.
Kiss the Cook Catering delighted guests with their inventive Mac N’ Cheese martinis. This playful twist on a classic comfort food combined creamy, cheesy macaroni served in elegant martini glasses, making for a fun and memorable bite that perfectly blended sophistication with indulgence. A surefire crowd-pleaser!
Presidential Gourmet brought their A-game with a menu full of fresh, bold flavours and thoughtful touches. Their lighter bites included crispy vegan Pomme Anna potatoes topped with wild mushrooms and truffle oil, Korean bulgogi beef on crunchy wonton chips with tangy kimchi slaw and lime emulsion, and crispy chicken with creamy coleslaw on mini waffles drizzled with maple chili syrup. For heavier bites, the chimichurri flank steak was paired with roasted garlic pomme purée and green beans, while the zucchini rainbow salad was bright and fresh with fennel and seeds in a zesty dressing. Guests finished with an assortment of delicate mini choux desserts, which was a perfect ending to a wonderful experience.
This open house was more than just a showcase of beautiful spaces. It was a celebration of community, collaboration, and the kind of warm, attentive service that makes Miller Lash House such a trusted name in Toronto’s wedding scene. It’s a venue that truly offers timeless charm with a personal touch.
Alisha is the owner and lead event designer at Events by Whim. She has a project management background in learning and development, and 10+ years of experience planning and designing weddings and corporate events. She’s developed a proven planning process for couples who want to know how to create magic on their wedding day. She thinks in floor plans, endorses moving if you find a spider in your house, and has an oyster obsession.
