“A good marriage is one where each partner secretly suspects they got the better deal.” – Unknown
Stefano pulled off a meaningful surprise proposal for Thana aboard a beautiful boat, surrounded by their nearest and dearest as a grand gesture of his love. The couple had been together for a few years, fallen madly in love and were eager to start the next chapter of their lives together. “Their proposal was a unique experience and, after hearing it, I instantly fell in love with the couple, their family and their beautiful love story. I just adore who they are as a couple, how they represent each other and how perfectly matched they seem to be,” says Diana Pires, founder and creative director of Diana Pires Events, a full-service event-planning, design and production firm based in Toronto, and the incomparable visionary behind Stefano and Thana’s utterly magnificent wedding.
Pires has been producing highly curated events and weddings of all sizes and styles for more than 13 years. Defined by her vast knowledge, experience and passion for her work, Pires is one of the most celebrated and sought-after event professionals in the Greater Toronto Area. So, it’s really no surprise that she has perfected the science and art of planning. “When it comes to weddings, my goal is to create the most memorable experience for my couples and their guests. We put together flawless, seamless weddings because we fully understand the couples we work with and what they want for their guests in advance,” says Pires. “Providing a wonderful experience for the couple and their guests is crucial. Whether they prefer an elevated black-tie affair complete with a Champagne tower, or a more casual celebration where guests can enjoy a variety of activities during cocktail hour, we really do play such an important role in making the clients’ day one of the best of their lives. It’s about creating something unique, inspiring, fun and personal.”
That’s precisely what Pires did for Thana and Stefano Serpa, the blissful bride and groom who said their vows on Saturday July 9, 2022. Pires met with Thana and both of their mothers about a year before their nuptials and was instantly connected to the family. “When we met, and I learned about them and their vision, I was so inspired to create something dreamy. Thana trusted me a lot and gave me the creative freedom to propose ideas I felt would work perfectly for her big day,” says Pires, “Thana wanted a suspended piece over the dance floor, which we ended up moving above the head table for more impact. Thana and both families also wanted a live band, as well as incredible cinematography that would tell a beautiful story. She also had her heart set on a dress by couture designer Ines Di Santo. Those were her only asks,” says Pires. “She was open to colours — including a modern touch of black — and was really drawn to a vision of infusing a sexy, elegant vibe.”
While their ceremony took place at a local Greek Orthodox church that holds meaning for the bride’s family, guests were invited to celebrate with a cocktail hour and reception in the magnificent Aria ballroom at The Four Seasons Hotel Toronto. “What I loved about this wedding was the high-end, luxurious colour palette — the room was done in mauve, dusty rose and hints of black. It was very unique and featured an ombre effect,” she says. “It was also special because of the gorgeous suspension over the head table, and the floorplan was distinctive — it felt like a runway leading up to the couple.” Flowers were a prominent feature — Rachel A. Clingen Weddings & Event Design handled the spectacular arrangements, which were filled with roses and greenery.
For dinner, the couple curated a delectable meal. On the menu was a fennel and arugula salad with roasted pear and goat cheese, beef sirloin as the entrée and two lush desserts — a mascarpone cheesecake and a caramel milk-chocolate pave. “The food was fantastic,” says Pires. “They also opted for latenight treats celebrating their cultures — they had veal sandwiches and mini pork gyros. That was fun.” Add speciality coffees, a fully stocked bar and an elaborate cake into the mix, and the party continued into the early-morning hours, with a nine-piece band putting on a fabulous show.
“Diana has an ability to make special moments that are filled with purpose and magic. She created the most picture perfect atmosphere with the decor — it was bright, elegant and absolutely stunning.”
By all accounts, the wedding was a phenomenal success, with every detail accounted for and the bride and groom’s every wish granted. “We felt complete support from every angle of the planning process, right until the end of our celebration. Not only did my husband and I have the night of our lives, but our guests had nothing but compliments for our wedding,” says Thana. “Diana’s attention to detail and creative edge comes from her ability to make special moments filled with purpose and magic. She created the most picture perfect atmosphere with the decor — it was bright, elegant and absolutely stunning. Diana and her team made our dreams come true with the colour palette and my favourite flowers. It’s as though she’s always known what we wanted. She gave us moments we’ll cherish forever.”
“I’m so honoured to have played a role in this milestone moment celebrating this beautiful couple and their families coming together,” Pires says with delight. “And I’m proud of the work we did. They loved their experience — it really makes what we do so special.”
Photography by 515 Photo Co.
