Wedding Bells Will Ring

There are a handful of events in a child’s life that can make a parent giddy with anticipation.  Marriage is one of them.

As the days tick down to son #1’s wedding in June, that’s exactly how I’m feeling, so please indulge me while I give you a sneak peek into what’s ahead.  In case you missed my post about their engagement, you can read about it here.

A few weeks ago, Gilles and I visited the wedding venue for the first time, and attended the menu sampling for the event.

1871 Berkeley Church – now a special event venue

The Berkeley Church is a heritage building with a history dating back to 1871, but it is now a special event venue.  The church itself is much too large to host our event, but its companion building across the small courtyard to the right – the Berkeley Field House – is perfect.

Once upon a time, I might have been dismayed by this rustic and eclectic venue, but over the past few years, I’ve explored enough of Toronto’s heritage buildings to have developed a boundless love for these old beauties.

I was thrilled to discover it provided many wonderful doors that added to its unique character.

The doorway off the courtyard with a doorknob that is about knee height.

I had forgotten my camera at home, so I had to rely on my new iPhone for all these photos.

The same door from the inside

The Field House is non-descript from the outside – in fact with the grand old church dominating the corner – we didn’t even notice it was there. However, the inside of the building, and it’s accompanying courtyard where the ceremony will take place, is charming.

On this bitterly cold afternoon in the fading light, we had to use our imaginations to visualize the garden in spring bloom – with its tall mature trees, small creek, and 2-storey treehouse.

Of course Jordan and Dempsey had seen it when it wasn’t buried under a layer of snow and ice.  We’ve been assured it is a whimsical oasis in the heart of the city.

One thing I do know for sure, the food will be amazing – a tall order when the guest list includes those who are either vegan or celiac.

The doors that lead to the kitchen – where magic will happen!

As the wedding details start to trickle out, it’s becoming more real to me.  The vibe of this facility matches the “elegantly casual” event that Jordan and Dempsey are planning.

I am already visualizing the gathering of our family and friends to celebrate this special day – the music, the laughter, and above all, the love and joy that comes with a wedding.

I can hardly wait.

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Thursday Doors is a weekly photo feature hosted by Norm Frampton at Norm 2.0.