Tuesday, January 18, 2011

For Your Information

Hello! We're thrilled you are coming to our wedding! Below you will find all sorts of information related to our special day. If you have any more questions, please leave a comment and we'll get right on it.

Topics:
Wedding venue location and directions
Schedule for the day
Menu
Children
Accommodation
Gift Registry
Things to do in Toronto

WEDDING VENUE AND DIRECTIONS
The wedding and reception are both taking place at the Berkeley Church in Toronto. It is an old church that has been converted into an event venue and we just love the vibe. The ceremony will take place upstairs on the "balcony", followed by cocktails on the lower level, and finally dinner and dancing on the main floor.

The Berkeley is located at 315 Queen Street East, between major cross streets Jarvis and Parliament. As a geographical reference, the Eaton Centre is located just a few blocks west of the Berkeley. If arriving in Toronto by car, you can take the Jarvis Street exit from the Gardiner Expressway or the Richmond Street exit from the southbound Don Valley Parkway. If arriving by TTC, the 501 Queen eastbound streetcar will drop you off virtually at the door or you can walk about 10 minutes from Queen subway station.


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SCHEDULE FOR THE DAY
5:00pm - Ceremony upstairs
5:30pm - Cocktails downstairs
7:00pm - Dinner

MENU
FOOD UPDATE: The menu is set (at least the entrees are). When you RSVP, please let us know which one you'll be having. Choices are:

- Steak: NY striploin (cooked medium) with fries and natural jus (Pretty much speaks for itself. Note that "medium" is likely to be more "medium rare" if the tasting was an indication.)

- Salmon: Butter poached salmon with sweet pea and fava bean risotto (Very yummy and light.)

- Vegetarian: spinach and ricotta gnocchi with Gorgonzola cream, candied pear and walnuts (Delicious! Not a huge portion, but so rich you won't need more!)

In case it affects your choice, note that the starter is a delicious pear and watercress soup. Unusual but tasty!

CHILDREN
While we cannot accommodate children beyond immediate family at the reception, children are welcome to witness the ceremony. If you would like to have your children with you at the ceremony, please let us know so that we may set out sufficient seating.

If you'd like, you can try to arrange a group rate with other parents looking for a sitter in Toronto. This service comes recommended. Post in the comments section if you would like to find other parents looking for a service for the evening.

ACCOMMODATION
Hotel - Rooms have been set aside at the Grand Hotel on Jarvis Street (at Dundas), just a few short blocks from the Berkeley. Rooms are available at a special rate of $159/night for a king bed or $179/night for two queens. To book a room, simply call the hotel at 1-877-324-7263 before April 1st and mention the "Jutzi/Sullivan wedding". All in-house guests enjoy complimentary services such as local calls, movie channels, hi-speed/wireless internet connection and full hot/cold breakfast each morning in the lovely Citrus Restaurant. Guests are also eligible to collect 500 Aeroplan Miles for each night. The hotel features a gym, a spa, a stunning indoor pool, rooftop patio & gazebo with nightly movies under the stars and fantastic city views. Each room has a kitchenette. Underground parking with in-and-out privileges is available for $20 or $30 for valet service. Click here for map & directions. Click here for photos.

Beyond the original block of rooms, prices skyrocket. If you did not manage to get one of the reduced rooms at the Grand, you may wish to contact the Hilton Toronto (in the heart of downtown on Richmond, or the "Garden Inn City Centre" on Jarvis closer to the venue) which will have rooms set aside for $169 for either a King or two Doubles. The Hilton Toronto has set up a web page for our guests - just click here.

You may also wish to try your luck at Hotwire.com. To avoid disappointment, we would recommend a search that begins with 3.5 stars or better. The Berkeley would be located in the "Downtown Toronto East" area. Hotels.com is another good resource with reduced rates.

B&B - Toronto has a surprising number of bed & breakfast establishments, some located quite close to the Berkeley. Note that some have restrictions on minimum stays, children and/or pets. Trip Advisor is a good resource. B&Bs particularly close by include:
312 Seaton
A Seaton Dream
Toronto Garden Inn
Banting House
213 Carlton
Cabbageville B&B

GIFT REGISTRY
The happy couple gratefully welcomes envelopes towards a future home. A gift registry has also been established at The Bay and Home Outfitters. (Strangely enough, there are TWO Philip Sullivan's registered at The Bay, but only one is marrying Alison Jutzi)

THINGS TO DO IN TORONTO
Toronto has something for everyone. For the first time visitor, the obvious sights include the CN Tower, the ROM, the Toronto Eaton Centre, the Art Gallery of Ontario, Rogers Centre (home of the Blue Jays), Air Canada Centre (home of the Leafs), High Park, the Toronto Zoo, the Hockey Hall of Fame and Casa Loma. We might recommend visiting Kensington Market, St Lawrence Market, Bloor-Yorkville, the Distillery District and the Beaches.

Did we miss something? If so, leave us a comment or write us an email: philipalison2bwed@hotmail.com


See you on April 30th!