As a wedding planner, I get to experience a lot of locations, from barns to boats, from vineyards to hotels. Toronto is fortunate to have so many unique spaces where life’s special moments can be shared. Graydon Hall Manor remains the true jewel in the crown. The lush gardens that feel more Tuscan than Toronto, the classic ballroom, the moody speak-easy lower level lounge and the swoon-worthy bridal suite, this location checks boxes you didn’t even know needed checking!
It was time for Graydon to celebrate it’s own major milestone – twenty five incredible years! To honour this achievement, a midweek party in the gardens invited nearly 300 industry friends to walk the chic black carpet and experience the elevated level of hospitality that is normally reserved for clients and cherished guests of the manor. Like a fine wine, this beautiful 29 room, nearly ninety year old mansion only gets better with each passing year. Under the careful stewardship of Nicole Pieckenhagen, the historic charm has been thoughtfully preserved and enhanced and it was a joy to gather with industry friends and raise a glass to their achievements. A big thank you to 515 Photo Co. for capturing the magic of the day.
Setting the tone for the event, guests were greeted by the white glove valet service at Gatsby Valet. As guests entered the space, black accent garden furniture and the most sumptuous green velvet sofas lined the terrace courtesy of Detailz. The equally lovely curved pistachio linen sectionals provided the perfect places to perch and enjoy the lush June gardens. Rachel A. Clingen Wedding & Event Design created her signature floral magic in hues of rose, violet and true coral. Breathtaking collections of florals and candles became instant selfie spots for eager guests.
Definite Gatsby vibes in their newly re-designed Conservatory bar where Crêpes Suzette and a delightful affogato station delighted guests.
Every party needs a soundtrack and arriving guests enjoyed a live sax player as they walked the chic black carpet. On the terrace, Sole Power kept the party lively while beautifully attired guests were delighted to pose for, and receive an exquisite hand-drawn sketch to commemorate the evening. Cocktails in complimentary hues of rose and coral were in continuous circulation.
It is no secret that Graydon Hall and it’s in-house catering company, Couture Cuisine have the best food in town – I will challenge anyone to a duel at dawn who suggests otherwise. Their vast menu continues to expand and evolve, each and every season. Guests on this particular evening were treated to scallop ceviche, beef carpaccio rolls, lobster biscuits, oysters with the teeniest, tiniest bottles of tobasco, grilled octopus, steak frites and my favourite – their soy-braised pork belly baos! If you strolled a little further, there were chef attended paella and even caviar stations.
As the evening progressed, a handsome server floated through the crowd filling fresh cannoli on site.
The beauty of Graydon Hall Manor, from it’s grand forecourt, through to the terrace, toward the fountains and into the gardens is undeniable – the place is breathtaking! However, the secret sauce remains the leadership of Nicole and the entire Graydon Hall team. They remain laser focused on providing the highest level of true service and gracious hospitality. This remarkable venue has never been content to rest on it’s laurels, Nicole continually reinvests in the property and the experience. She remains an industry leader and tastemaker with an unfailing eye for beauty and unwavering commitment to guest experience.
Graydon Hall is more than a location. It is a feeling, a vibe, a mood. It is a place where each event is carefully crafted by it’s team of dedicated event specialists who work tirelessly to create authentic experiences for their clients. From bridal showers to corporate retreats, from celebrations of life to the fabulous trend setting weddings that grace the editorial spreads and social feeds we love to see, Graydon Hall is truly one of a kind. It is not simply ensuring consistently flawless events, but that those attending feel cared for the moment they step onto this enchanted property. Cheers to you dear friend.
For over a decade, Karina Lemke has been one of Toronto’s most sought-after wedding planners, gaining international recognition as a featured expert on “Rich Bride Poor Bride”, Entertainment Tonight Canada, and numerous national media outlets. A firm believer that wedding planning should be exciting rather than exhausting, she famously organized her own Laguna Beach wedding to Mark Breslin in just 30 days—complete with a Vera Wang gown, celebrity chef cake, and live band—proving that dream weddings don’t require years of planning, just the right expertise and vision.
