Birth of Venus — CANADIAN BRIDE GUIDE

There are weddings, and then there are weddings that feel like they stepped straight out of a Renaissance painting—where every detail is dipped in dreaminess, every look whispers romance, and every petal, plate, and place card tells a story. This recent submission to Canadian Bride Guide transported us to a world where Botticelli meets bridal couture, and let’s just say, we were spellbound from the first frame.

Shot at the stately and storied University Club of Toronto, this photoshoot—equal parts haute art and modern love letter—reimagines The Birth of Venus through a contemporary bridal lens. Think goddess energy with a splash of seafoam-chic, and you'll begin to understand the magic behind this creative vision.

At the heart of it all? A bride who channels Venus herself. Styled in two looks from Xana Couture, she radiates modern myth. The ceremony dress is an absolute showstopper: a structured corset bodice meets a cascade of romantic ruffles, complete with a dramatic train that commands attention (and Instagram likes). For the reception, the vibe shifts to playful and flirtatious—a shorter corset number, finished with a sweet bow, perfect for twirling and sipping something bubbly under the candlelight.

Florals by Daris Events strayed from the expected. Instead of traditional blooms, the bouquet featured Bells-of-Ireland—lush, sculptural, and vibrant. It’s a bouquet that feels less bridal cliché, more goddess emerging from the sea.

The tablescape? A still life in motion. From green-hued cocktails (that matched the seafoam palette to a tee) to seafood canapés that were as photogenic as they were delicious, the entire reception scene was a work of edible art. Center stage was a three-tiered cake from Criminal Desserts, delicately shaped like a luminous pearl—because naturally, Venus deserves nothing less.

Each touch felt intentional. Invitations by Invitations by Amandaa mimicked the fluidity of ocean waves, while gold-rimmed tableware from Golden Rental and ornate candelabras by Lemon Truffle Designs elevated the look to editorial levels. And just when we thought it couldn't get more dreamy, in walked a live wedding painter (Painted by Shauna)—brush in hand, capturing this fantasy in real time.

Behind the magic was a powerhouse team: concept creators Anna Krasovska Photography and Xana Couture, with Callie Pak Weddings orchestrating every poetic moment. Hair and makeup, by Zhanna Sokolyk and Alexewik MUA, gave the bride that timeless glow you usually only see in galleries.

This wasn’t just a wedding shoot. It was a celebration of femininity, fantasy, and fearless style—a wedding vision that asks the question: What if Venus didn’t just rise from the sea, but walked down the aisle?

Creative director / Photographer / Co-concept creator @annakrasovska_photography
Bridal designer / Co-concept creator @xana_couture
Planner & Coordinator @calliepakweddings
MUA @alexewik.mua
Hairstylist @zhannasokolyk
Cupcakes @shines_creations_
Cake & desserts @criminal.desserts
Live Wedding Painter @paintedbyshauna
Bartender @desmond.thackeray
Male model @vlad_zadorozhnii
Female model @_oliviamartinsss
Florals @daris.events
Furniture Rental @daris.events
Officiant @themarrymen
Backdrops @propthisparty
Content Creator @inna.video.ca
Tableware @goldentrental.ca
Invitations @Invitationsbyamandaa
Champagne tower @champagnetowersto
Candelabras @lemontruffledesigns
Venue @universitycluboftoronto
Catering @redberryartcaterin
Candles @aromacandles.ca
Menswear @tomsplaceto