You are currently browsing the category archive for the 'venue' category.
Reception: Riviera Parque
Grade: A+
First off, lemme say that we had the whole venue to ourselves that night! That’s right… there were two cancellations for the evening. Our contacts were Mark and Danielle. They were very accommodating and made sure we got what we wanted.
There was just one minor slip up… I wanted they to replace the podium used in the hall for the speeches because ours was chipped (see photo) but that was it. Hardly a deal breaker.
I was waited on hand and foot… even throughout the photo session… a server asked if I wanted a cool beverage… or anything to eat. The bridal suite was very nice, and there was fresh fruit and drinks awaiting us. The food was exemplary! We had a 4 course meal, which was enough for me! We added a full sweet table and fresh fruits. Half of the cakes went untouched. My parents were going to take it home with them (Dad rented a minivan) but there was no room!
We had the advantage of attending functions this hall previously. My company ’s annual Holiday Party was held there for the past few years, so naturally it was my first choice. I would definitely recommend this place… not only is there free parking, but the rooms are so grand and exquisite!
Parque V at Riviera Parque
Ceremony: St. Francis de Sales
Grade: A+
First things first, Nick’s Catholic, I’m not. So we knew we had to get married in a church in order for it to be recognized. So we started to go to our Parish church. I had no idea how Catholic churches work… and still don’t to this day, but my experience was enjoyable.
It all started over a year ago after we got engaged. I always wanted to get married in the church I attended growing up but they have changed a lot. I hate to say it, but they acted like a business more than a community church. It was too commercial. And the Pastor scared me… Nick too.
I remember going down on Good Friday to the afternoon service. Everything was perfect, the service was just as I remembered it. Fast forward a week later, we went to the “regular” Sunday service, and these peeps did a total 360! I felt like they pulled a fast one on me. They (the church peeps) were on their best behavior on Good Friday to welcome all of the visitors, and then went back to their old ways afterward. I felt awkward and disappointed.
That wasn’t the case with St. Francis de Sales. I liked Father Roy the minute I met him. Nick and I attended mass one Sunday and asked if we could speak to him briefly. He immediately said, “lemme see your hand”. It was pure jokes from there on. I remember him commenting how my bout of laryngitis was “a blessing”. The church is beautiful and very bright. And seeing how our floral budget was pretty small, we didn’t bother spending a dime to decorate. Besides, the church had poinsettias on display, I thought they did the trick.
Nick, Nat and Father Roy
We did the whole Pre Cana deal, and it was very entertaining to say the least, but we learned a lot from it… money well spent. And, I forgot to mention, there was no fee to have our wedding there. We just gave a nice offering.
After the first dance and quick intros, dinner started. We didn’t want everyone and their mother making speeches so we just designated a few key people to do the honors.
First up were the Best Man Aaron, and MOH Brandi.
It was easy to decide on the reception venue… the party of the year will be hosted at Riviera Parque. Nick and I have been to this hall a couple of times before for my company’s Holiday Dinner and Dance (read: Christmas Party). We fell in love with the ambiance and most importantly the food. It is located in the heart of the Wedding district… Woodbridge. Well actually 400/7 area…OK I lied, Concord. But If I told you that to begin with, you would have said, why so far? It’s actually centrally located between both families, and only a quick 30 minute drive from the church.
We checked out some other places in Scarborough, but not of them compared. One that made the shortlist solely based on location, was the Delta Toronto East Hotel on Kennedy. I didn’t like the run around we got when we were making out appointment, and the whole floor reeked of chlorine (there’s a pool on the main level), plus our guests would have to pay for parking, whereas with the Riviera Parque, it’s free!
If you look close enough, you can see me in the corner
Our hall was recently featured on an episode of Rich Bride, Poor Bride on Slice… and that’s our contact Dave talking to the wedding planner!
OK, so after running around town check out different churches, we have decided to go with my first (silent) choice. I want to get married at my childhood church, Malvern Christian Assembly in Scarborough.
Mom, Nick and I went to the 9:30 AM Good Friday service, and it brought back memories…I remember the place so well, the stairwell where Suzette, Mervin and I used to play on while we waited to be picked up from Sunday School. I still have, and use to this day, my bible given to me by my school teacher Lynn Schofield, October 12th 1986. I also remember in the summer months heading out to Beckers at Malvern Marketplace for some Kisko freezies after service.
Here’s a picture of the church.
