COCKTAIL / FOOD STATION FORMAT:

We wanted to give 'em pumpkin to talk about, so our wedding is a Halloween-inspired cocktail party to keep things casual and give us more time to mingle with you, our nearest and dearest.

Will there be chairs?

Yes, there will be some seating. There are some deliciously padded chairs in the lounge and will be other seating options scattered around, but as dinner is served at food stations, we recommend you wear comfortable footwear (read: you will likely be on your feet for longer than at a traditional sit-down dinner).

Will there be dinner?

Yes. There will be food stations and passed hors d'oeuvres. There will be more than enough food, but not in the form of a traditional seated dinner.

Will there be drinks?

Reid's is a gin distillery. We've got you sorted.

The vibes?

Fun, casual and a little silly.

TIMELINE:

6 to 7pm: Cocktails and lighter bites (although Reid's is a gin distillery, so cocktail hour is pretty much 6+ hours long);

~7 to ~7:15pm: Ceremony (the ceremony will be short and informal and will take place at roughly 7pm. Blink and you'll miss it);

~7:30pm to late: Let the ghoul times roll (food stations, short speeches, dancing, late night snacks and general revelry).

What's the dress code?

Halloween costume. Costumes do need not to be "formal", but please do not wear anything political or culturally insensitive.

Not sure? Ask yourself: "can I look Gwen or Debi in the eye and explain my costume?" If the answer is "no", please go back to the drawing board (you can even dress as a literal drawing board).

If you're not comfortable in a Halloween costume, please cover your essentials in anything appropriate for a cocktail party - we're not too fussed.

Please consider wearing comfortable footwear.

Stumped? Here's a few ideas to get you started:

- Scary staples (zombie, vampire, Frankenstein's monster, ghost, werewolf, witch)

- Fairy tale favourites (Red Riding Hood, Robin Hood, Bo-Peep)

- Disney classics (Mickey/Minnie Mouse, Alice in Wonderland, Jafar, Pinocchio, Maleficent, the Incredibles)

- Dynamic duos (Bert and Ernie, Mario and Luigi, Bonnie and Clyde, Lucille Ball and Vivian Vance, SpongeBob and Patrick, Shrek and Donkey)

- Animals and inanimate objects (lion & tigers; bag of jelly beans, cheese & grater)

- Puns (Cereal Killer)

We had high hopes of finishing this section first, but here you are reading, and it's not quite done yet.

ChatGPT has given us a head start on some questions, but please reach out to us at rodsandlaraf@gmail.com.

No Tricks, Just the Treats!

We’re so excited to celebrate our wedding with you! Below are answers to some common questions. If you’re still left wondering, don’t be afraid to boo-gie into our inbox! [Editor's note - ChatGPT gets credit for that pun]

What time should I arrive?

Cocktail Hour begins at 6. The ceremony will start at or around 7pm.

Where is the ceremony and reception taking place?

Both the ceremony and reception will be held at:

Reid's Distillery, 32 Logan Avenue in Toronto, ON.

Where should I stay?

There are plenty of great hotel options in downtown Toronto for every comfort level and budget. Here are a few:

Broadview Hotel - this option is walking distance from the wedding

One King West Hotel & Residence – Stylish suites with great views and a central location. This clickable link should offer you a room discount [note: this should be a real link, this is us writing and not ChatGPT; One is a ~9 min drive from Reid's] ]https://reservations.travelclick.com/95964?RatePlanId=2517849

Toor Hotel - a relatively new hotel located on Jarvis Street, about an 8 min drive from Reid's.

Fairmont Royal York – A Toronto landmark with classic charm right across from Union Station. [We're back to ChatGPT suggestions now and Fairmont is on the pricier side, but the lobby bars are divine]

["Editor's" note - ChatGPT was feeling way too bougie with its suggested options so we cropped the list. Broadview Hotel is really the only option that's walkable from the venue but there are tons of other options a short Uber away.

We will update this list and the "travel" section soon. If you're looking for Airbnb's, we'd recommend something closer to the east end of downtown; if it references being close to Leslieville, the Beaches or the Distillery district, you're in the right area].

What should I wear?

The dress code is Halloween costume. Please see the section on "dress code" for more inspo. One important tip: wear comfortable shoes — there won’t be a formal sit-down dinner, and we want you to be free to mingle, move around, and hit the dance floor without summoning any blisters.

What kind of food will be served?

There will be passed hors d’oeuvres and food stations with a variety of tasty options to keep you well-fed all night long. Come hungry and ready to graze! Dietary accommodations will be available — please let us know on your RSVP if you have any specific needs.

Is there an open bar?

Witch, please. I'm a little offended you had to ask.

Is there parking available?

There is parking nearby-ish. Details will be updated ASAP.

Still have questions?

Reach out to us at rodsandlaraf@gmail.com — we promise not to ghost you.

If you have a few days in town, here are ChatGPT's finest suggestions (along with our edits, naturally) for some great ways to spend a few hours (or a whole day) while you're here:

🍂 SEASONAL HIGHLIGHTS

Legends of Horror at Casa Loma – Explore the historic castle grounds during an immersive haunted experience filled with theatrical scares and gothic atmosphere.

Halloween Haunt at Canada’s Wonderland – This theme park transforms into a terrifying playground with haunted houses, scare zones, and nighttime rides.

Toronto After Dark Film Festival – A cult-favourite event for horror, sci-fi, and genre film fans. Screenings take place in downtown Toronto theatres.

Pumpkinfest at Downsview Park – A family-friendly (but still fun for adults!) festival featuring pumpkin-themed activities, food trucks, and seasonal treats.

Ghost Walks and Haunted Tours – Take a guided ghost tour through the city’s most haunted spots, including the Distillery District and University of Toronto.

Just outside town - check out Caledon for apple picking and nature trails or the McMichael Gallery in Kleinburg (each is a short drive from Toronto)

🛍️ NEIGHBOURHOODS TO EXPLORE (for Shopping & Dining)

Kensington Market – Known for its eclectic vibe, vintage shops, diverse street food, and relaxed energy.

The Distillery Historic District – Cobblestone streets lined with local boutiques, craft breweries, art galleries, and restaurants in a charming 19th-century setting.

The Ossington strip - (Ossington Avenue between Dundas Street West and Queen Street West) is a vibrant and eclectic area known for its unique blend of shops, restaurants, and bars. The strip is characterized by its independent boutiques, trendy eateries, and lively nightlife, creating a dynamic and engaging atmosphere.

Queen Street West – A trendsetter’s paradise with independent fashion shops, record stores, cafes, and lively nightlife.

Yorkville – Upscale shopping and dining with designer boutiques, fine dining restaurants, and luxury spas nestled in charming Victorian-era buildings.

Leslieville – A hip east-end neighbourhood filled with brunch spots, antique stores, local bakeries, and quiet charm—perfect for a relaxed afternoon.

ChatGPT didn't include Roncesvalles, Bloor West Village / High Park or the Junction, but the west end of Toronto is near and dear to us

🏛️ CULTURAL ATTRACTIONS

Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) – Explore a vast collection of Canadian, Indigenous, European, and contemporary art, including special fall exhibitions.

Hockey Hall of Fame – Iconic Canadian institution showcasing the history of hockey with interactive exhibits and famous memorabilia.

St. Lawrence Market – Sample artisanal foods, browse local products, and grab a famous peameal bacon sandwich at this historic market.

Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) – A world-class natural history and world cultures museum with engaging exhibits for all interests.

Musicals and Plays - check out Royal Alexandra Theatre, Princess of Wales Theatre, CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre, Meridian Hall and/or Roy Thomson Hall.

If you're here for a few days and want some more suggestions, please email us at rodsandlaraf@gmail.com

(Arguably the "our story" section should've been easy to fill out, but it's been a busy 8 years so we'll update this soon)

Your presence is more than gift enough, but if you'd like, we'd graciously appreciate a contribution towards our honeymoon.