“I just kept saying “Pinch me! Pinch me! This can’t be real,” says Amanda Mina of her now-husband, and longtime friend Tony Nahas’ dramatic proposal. After having her picked up and driven around town at random, Tony—with a rose in hand— finally popped the question to Amanda on the edge of Seaview Park. “My heart was racing, my hands were trembling,” she says of the unforgettable moment. The two made quick work and planned their fairytale wedding in just two months. They found a reception venue that would allow them to bring their own food (Tony’s family owns the Mezza restaurants, which catered the event along with late-night snacks from Ol’ School Donuts), and with the help of their decorator Teresita Doucet and wedding planner Claudia Habib, chose a mixed metals theme that reflected both of their tastes via slate greys, champagnes and subtle sequins. “I wanted to pick things I knew he’d love as much as I did,” says Amanda. She also credits her mother, makeup artist extraordinaire Vicky Mina, for helping her make it all happen on a tight deadline—including changing her dress two weeks before the big day. “No matter how long you plan your wedding, it’s not going to be perfect,” says Amanda. “We just really wanted to be married.” Stand out moments from her nearly perfect day include the showstopping walk towards her fiance—“My dad beside, my aunt singing me down the aisle and Tony looking at me”—and of course, the party fuelled by music, food and family. “My only regret is not eating more donuts,” says Amanda.”
DETAILS
Dress:
Chester & Felicity
Bridesmaids Dresses:
All Dressed Up
Suits:
The Suitor
Flowers:
Chelsea Lee Flowers
Decor:
GoldenDog Productions (Teresita Doucet)
Wedding Planner:
Simply Weddings (Claudia Habib)
Makeup:
Vicky Mina Makeup Artistry
Hair:
Nicole Carlson of The Parlour Boutique Salon
Cake:
Gourmandises Avenue
Caterer:
Mezza Lebanese Cuisine
Stationery:
DIM Design
Sound and Lighting:
Advanced Systems
Late Night Snacks:
Ol’ School Donuts
Sweets:
Everything Nice and Golden Bakery
Dress Hanger:
Make Merry Events
Rentals:
MacFarlands
Venue (ceremony):
Saint Antonios Orthodox Church
Venue (reception):
Greek Community Centre
This article appears in May 5-11, 2016.