Sweets played a big role in the relationship between chef Alexandra Courts and music industry professional Pat Murphy. It started when the two would-be lovebirds first met at Toronto’s plant-based bakery, Bunner’s Bakeshop, where Courts worked at the time.
Eva Joelle Photography
Moving in together less than a year later, both celebrated when she opened up her very own vegan dessert destination, Sweet Hart Kitchen. Fast-forward to the couple’s nuptials and the first chapter of their love culminated in an equally sweet ceremony in a magical forest setting. For the event, Murphy enlisted the help of masterful musicians to enchant friends and family with transcendent tunes before a rapturous dance party erupted after dark. Guests dined on haute vegan cuisine, snapped pics in an old Volkswagen van converted into a photo booth, and schmoozed around a campfire. As Murphy’s personally curated playlist kept revelers moving to Daft Punk and Drake, the food continued to flow, with late-night sliders and, yes, a perfectly sweet s’mores station.
The love story
Their sweet connection continued as the pair moved in together, and Courts became the new mom to Murphy’s two cat companions.
The proposal
After hiding the ring in the bread maker, Murphy proposed on a cold Toronto night as the couple indulged in late-night treats at Courts’ own Sweet Hart Bakery.
The city
A quick drive from bustling Toronto—Woodbridge, Ontario offered a glorious country escape just outside of city limits.
Eva Joelle Photography
The Big Day
The venue
The ceremony and reception were held at the Kortright Centre for Conservation, an expanse of Ontario’s untouched forest, wetlands, and fields where visitors learn about sustainable energies and protecting wildlife.
The décor
The decorative touches reflected the gorgeous Ontario wilderness that surrounded them, with rustic tables, green vines swirling around soaring wooden beams, and a roaring bonfire burning outside.
The music
An artist manager in the music industry, Murphy carefully selected a homegrown band of local luminaries that serenaded guests with songs including “Beyond” by Leon Bridges and “Late To The Party” by Kacey Musgraves, to which the newlyweds embraced for their first dance.
Eva Joelle Photography
The personal touch
With the procession taking place in the woods, Courts had bridesmaids skip traditional high heels in favor of nature-friendly flats.
Best wedding gift
One of Courts’ cousins gifted the newlyweds a hand-drawn sketch portrait she made of the couple to commemorate their union.
Eva Joelle Photography
The food
- Mini potato latkes with apple chutney
- Beet tartare in cucumber cups
- Battered artichoke bites with vegan aioli
- Polenta discs with sun-dried tomato pesto
- Caprese salad skewers with mozzarella
- Roasted beet and arugula salad with toasted almonds and a white balsamic vinaigrette
- Potato-leek soup with parsley oil
- Chickpea croquettes with quinoa, spinach, fennel, charred tomatoes, and tamarind chutney
- Vegan chicken fingers and fries for the kids
- Beyond Meat burgers with assorted toppings and condiment
The dessert
- Chocolate mousse with seasonal berries
- Marshmallows, graham crackers, chocolate, and roasting sticks
Eva Joelle Photography
The cake
The vanilla cake, decorated with beautiful blooms and berries, featured a layer of strawberries and cream, a light aquafaba-based icing, and a drizzle of rich caramel sauce.
The signature drink
Watermelon cocktail with Ace Hill Hard Kombucha
The honeymoon
The pair escaped to the plant-based Fivelements resort in Bali, where they dined on gourmet vegan meals, learned to meditate from an enlightened Balinese spiritual teacher, and soaked in the tropical sunshine.
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Maya Gottfried is a relationship expert and the author of Vegan Love: Dating and Partnering for the Cruelty-Free Gal.
