For Brittany Moore and Brian Tod, the pandemic turned out to be a surprise boost to their budding romance in 2020. The couple had met online and were to have their first date in January of that year, but a snowstorm left Brian stranded in Chicago on a business trip, so they rescheduled the date for the following night. “If you know the online dating world, rescheduling is the riskiest move ever because it typically leads to never meet up at all,” says Brittany. “The snow didn’t stop, but Brian made it for our date, and we braved the storm for cocktails at Toronto’s Poor Romeo, which was a local spot for both of us.”
Brittany and Brian share a first look on the rooftop terrace of their wedding venue, the Elora Mill Hotel and Spa. Photo. Erin Leydon Photography
Two months into dating, COVID lockdowns hit, and Brittany and Brian quickly became a bubble couple. “To be honest, I don’t think we would have the closeness we have today if it wasn’t for COVID,” says Brittany. “We were in the early stages of our relationship and couldn’t rely on restaurants, movie theatres or any external activity to stoke our romance. We cozied up indoors, cooking each other dinners, had cocktail mixology nights, binge watched a lot of TV and played lots of Yahtzee. With the nicer weather we shifted to dog walks and porch sitting.”
The florals, created in a soft spring-inspired palette of peach, blush, and ivory paired with loads of lush greenery were a decor highlight of the day. Photo: Erin Leydon
Brian proposed in April 2021, surprising Brittany with an intimate birthday party for just the two of them. Since they couldn’t travel, Brian styled their home as a “Caribbean oasis,” setting up beach chairs and towels in the living room and decorating the space with palm leaves and inflatable pink flamingos. He mixed up pina coladas and strawberry daiquiris, made dinner, and then gifted Brittany with a favourite jacket that she had on her birthday wish list.
Olive green was a tone that prevailed throughout the day and for Brittany’s bridesmaids. “Using green shades was a nod to my birth month and my birthstone, which is emerald,” says Brittany. Photo: Erin Leydon
“He very convincingly played it like that was everything, then got down on one knee and popped the question,” says Brittany with a smile. “I did not see it coming, and it really was the best surprise ever. After I told him he was holding the ring box upside down I said yes!”
The effortless look of the wedding details reflected Brittany and Brian’s wish for their day to have an authentic, natural and down-to-earth vibe. Photo: Erin Leydon
Fast-forward a year to May 2022 and the couple had a stunning spring wedding day, playing host to 135 guests. Though Brittany says they weren’t attached to a specific theme for the day, they did have a definite mood in mind. “We wanted it to feel like a romantic adult retreat: ethereal, warm and above all dreamy,” says Brittany. “We wanted everything to feel authentic against the Elora Mill’s natural elements of reclaimed wood, aged mirrors and painted brass.”
“We wrote our own vows, and it really made our ceremony feel incredibly personal and intimiate,” says Brittany. Photo: Erin Leydon
The couple turned to wedding planner Narelle Allen of Narelle Janine Events to bring that vision to life. Olive green was the star shade of the show and featured heavily throughout the day via bridesmaid dresses, decor fabrications and flowers. Brittany says the florals for the day were next level and one of her and Brian’s favourite elements. “All the florals were exceptional. Our florist did an incredible job of interpreting our directive for an earthy, organic looking with lots of layered greenery.”
Brittany and Brian’s night ended with the couple encircled by their 135 guests lighting up the night with sparklers. Photo: Erin Leydon
Brittany and Brian say their vows were also an incredibly special part of the day. Writing their own words was important for both, but putting all those feelings down and sharing so publicly was more emotional than they imagined. “It wasn’t easy, but we wanted to share our openness and vulnerability in front our most important people,” says Brittany. “It made our ceremony feel so personal and intimate; we were both crying happy tears. That moment will forever be the most meaningful memory of our day.”
“Our wedding outfits were amazing, and I loved that Brian’s custom-made tie was a bespoke match for our wedding florals,” says Brittany. Photo: Erin Leydon
Highlight Reel
Select standouts from Brittany and Brian’s big day
The dress
Photo: Erin Leydon
Brittany wore the Azalea dress by New York designer Alexandra Grecco, which she loved for its comfort and delicate details. “This dress encapsulated the ethereal and romantic feeling of our wedding day,” says Brittany. “I loved the movement of the satin skirting beneath the tulle overlay and the intricate hand-embroidered floral appliqués—they looked so beautiful when caught in the light!”
The rings
Photo: Erin Leydon
“We selected matching hammered gold bands, with mine being slightly slimmer than Brian’s to pair with my engagement ring,” says Brittany. “I love that we have a matching set and the fact that they are bespoke. The hammered pattern is unique to each of our bands and signifies how our individual memories and experiences imprint upon us. They are an expression of the singular story we will craft together.”
The ultimate photo moment
Photo: Erin Leydon Photography
“I will never forget climbing down the steep embankment leading to the Elora Gorge and scaling a small tree trunk to land on this dramatic rock in the midst of the gorge’s rushing water,” laughs Brittany. “It was worth the adventure—and wrangling my six-foot tulle train—for the most exceptional photographs. The lighting was so perfect.”
Brittany and Brian’s wedding directory
Wedding dress: Alexandra Grecco from Loversland
Groom’s suit: Sydney’s
Groom’s tie: Handsome and Lace
Hair: Bridal Hair Collective
Makeup: Shade Makeup Studio
Flowers: Forever Wildfield
Donuts: Donut Monster
Favours: A.P.G Apothergeri
Music: QA Entertainment
Photographer: Erin Leydon Photography
Wedding planner: Narelle Allen of Narelle Janine Events
Venue: Elora Mill Hotel & Spa
