Real Weddings 2013: a Distillery District wedding with karaoke, temporary tattoos and a pickle bar

Environmental educator Lindsay Bunce, 34, and resource conservation manager Reid Bodley, 31, met on a dance floor in 2010 when each was taking an out-of-town friend out for drinks. They still argue about who approached whom, but either way, the relationship soon became serious. The following Thanksgiving, Reid insisted that they attend a wine appreciation night at now-shuttered Parkdale restaurant Café Taste. Lindsay, who had spent the day researching for her master’s, went reluctantly, wondering why anyone would hold an event on a holiday Monday. She realized something was up when Reid led her to the café’s back patio, which he had decorated with cards printed with romantic text messages from their courtship. The only card in red ink read, “Will you marry me?” The couple worked hard to make their wedding a thoroughly fun party, throwing over many traditional elements like a cake and garter toss in favour of karaoke, Mad Libs and a temporary tattoo station. Lindsay also used the occasion to prove she, too, can orchestrate a romantic moment. She surprised Reid with a piñata filled with some of his favourite things: cigars, patterned socks, booze and candy.

See the wedding album »