Samiha and Nabil had originally planned doing multiple celebrations for their wedding day in Toronto as well as in Lebanon and Egypt; but that all changed once Covid hit. After a few months on pressing pause, they realized that covid19 wasn’t going away anytime soon and so they decided to elope in Toronto with their siblings as witnesses. As soon as City Hall started accepting appointments for marriage licenses, they booked an appointment and then settled on a wedding date a month later in September of 2020.
With the help of their kick-ass planner, Lexy from Lexy Marie Weddings, they created a day that was truly catered to them and their personality. Here is how the day went down:
I met up with the groom, Nabil and his brother Youssef at Pirate Taxi by the waterfront. We hopped onto a private taxi that took us to the island (about a 10min ride). Traditionally in Arab weddings, the groom and his closest relatives go in a procession to the bride’s celebration area, meet their new relatives and bring the bride over to their celebration. The idea is to pick up your bride to spend the rest of your lives together. That journey to meet Samiha was important, and so Nabil thought the boat ride to Toronto Island would symbolize that.
The Bride, Samiha and her sister Alya were getting ready at the cutest airbnb on the Toronto Island: Click here to see. When we arrived to the airbnb for the first look, Nabil and Youssef hung out in the backyard while I went inside to capture some getting ready moments.
Nabil and Samiha did their first look outside the airbnb, and it was the CUTEST thing ever. see photos for proof!
We walked another 10min to the water and set up for the ceremony, a private and secluded spot that was chosen ahead of time. Nabil and Samiha love the water and so they wanted to incorporate it on their day. It was a beautiful spot and we even got some horn blows from the passing ships and boats!~
After the ceremony, we went back to the airbnb (stopping along the way for some photos of course) for some champagne and celebrations <3
Samiha and Nabil LOVE the cityscape, and so they wanted to incorporate it into their day. While everyone else went home and prepped for a dinner together, Nabil, Samiha, and myself went back to the mainland for some sunset photos in the financial district. We roamed around aimlessly, enjoying the architecture as we walked.
I love elopements so much because its a day that focuses on a couples love & connection. With a bigger wedding, you have to entertain your guests, make sure things are running smoothly, and by the time you know it, your day is over! Every single couple tells me how quickly their day went by (which is why its so important to get a good photographer to capture the whole day authentically). I think if what matters most to you is getting married, then I say, just do it! and party later!
*** Samiha and Nabil’s Elopement was Featured in Toronto Life! Check out this LINK to learn more about the couple <3
Here are the vendors that made this day possible:
Planner: Lexy Marie Weddings
Hair & Makeup: Corrie Elle Artistry
Florals: Coriander Girl
Dress: BHLDN
Officiant: Chris Yu from Enduring Promises
