Jeff and Giulia’s Jam Factory wedding: A tasty affair that hit all the right notes
When bride-and-groom-to-be Giulia and Jeff were planning their dream wedding, the first thought on their minds (after what delicious meal they’d be serving!) was the venue.
The couple knew they wanted to tie the knot in Toronto. Would they choose a traditional banquet hall setting? Perhaps one of the city’s beautiful parks followed by an intimate dinner with guests at a top restaurant? After some deliberation, they agreed to look for a venue that was unique and elegant, retro yet current in both look and feel with a mind to contemporary design and aesthetics. In the end they chose the Jam Factory for both their wedding ceremony and reception. They couldn’t have made a better choice—the Jam Factory is one of our favourite event spaces in the city.
Happy couple Giulia and Jeff
As we covered in a previous venue spotlight, the brick-and-beam beauty tucked into Toronto’s east side—a district that was once home to gritty factories, but which now plays host to Toronto’s posh Riverside neighbourhood—features views of the city’s downtown skyline and brick-and-beam architecture that adds retro cool to any wedding. Owners Kristin Light and Shannon Refvik have managed the 3,000 sq. ft. space since 2017, refurbishing and revitalizing what was most recently a dilapidated co-working office that need more than a little TLC. Their reimagining has proven hugely successful.
The ambitious owners saw an opportunity to transform the 1870s home of the Sheriff Jam Company into one of Toronto’s most sought-after meeting spots. The Jam Factory now hosts everything from dog yoga on weekends to high-profile corporate launch parties.
The retro cool Jam Factory–fully renovated and revitalized–is the perfect wedding or event space.
For Giulia and Jeff, it was the perfect locale to share their vows and celebrate their new life together. Then came the planning. They wanted to play off of the Jam Factory’s casual vibe with a laid-back night that reflected their personal styles. Our event planners worked with the couple to develop a customized design vision and a plan for how the night would unfold.
Kiss the Cook event planners Matt Heersink and Azeemah Abowath.
It being a summer wedding, Giulia opted for an organic-inspired, leafy green décor that complements the century-old rustic look and feel of the space. Their wedding chuppah would be a white-draped canopy supported by a natural birch wooden frame that delivered an intimate and romantic setting for the vows. The room featured a neutral colour palette that drew all eyes to the happy couple.
Giulia and Jeff exchanged vows under a leafy white canopy.
And then, there was the real star of the show (after the bride and groom): the food!
Giulia and Jeff allowed us to build a menu that not only aligned with their culinary vision and wish list for the perfect wedding meal, but would also put a smile on guests’ faces.
That meant putting a focus on food stations (a Kiss the Cook specialty!) and cocktail reception-style service that left plenty of time for mixing, mingling and dancing the night away. That last part was especially important for the couple because they wanted guests to be free to move and wanted to avoid an hours-long sit down meal. In doing so, they highlighted just how awesome a more fluid meal service and reception can be. As you can see from their guests’ reactions, they appreciated the time and care the couple put into choreographing the night.
Giulia and Jeff’s guests loved the fluid vibe of the event.
Now, back to the menu.
In the planning phase, we browsed through the Kiss the Cook food station line-up, presenting our mouth-watering range of options from authentic poutine and hand-carved roast beef, to pasta stations that would make any discerning Nonna proud. They chose several, including our delicious build-your-own taco bar featuring beer-battered cod fried freshly onsite, and accompanied by a buffet of irresistible toppings. Build your own stations ensure that guests can customize the dish to their preferences – another nod to the thoughtful couple as they truly cared about the guest experience being unforgettable and enjoyable for everyone.
Our staff putting together the awesome Kiss the Cook taco station.
A guest builds his perfect fish taco.
Tacos, tacos and more tacos!
The two opted for a slider bar with Kiss the Cook’s famous beef and BBQ pulled pork sliders—again, perfect for a quick bite on the way to or from the dance floor. They also selected a wide array of tray passed hors d’oeuvres including our classic Caprese pops with creamy bocconcini, ripe cherry tomatoes and freshly-picked basil, drizzled with our tangy balsamic glaze. Delicious!
A Kiss the Cook server offering up our signature Caprese Pops.
Our famous mason jar salads were another hit of the night. Everyone loved the unique presentation of selecting their choice of salad from open shelves set on an antique ladder. One of the couple’s picks; our broccoli salad with mandarin oranges, diced cranberries, red onion, bacon and almonds hugged by a creamy dressing. So good, and pleasantly light, on a warm summer’s night.
Who can say ‘no’ to mason jar salad goodness? Answer: No one!
To put the right accent on the affair, the couple chose our barn board wrapped chafing dishes and hand-cut wood platters. These rustic service elements added a perfect complementary touch and a flash of presentation flare that was right for both the venue and the bride and groom’s preferred design aesthetic.
One of our hand-cut wood serving trays covered in delicious prosciutto and olive canapes.
Overall, Jeff, Giulia and their guests shared an evening of dancing, laughter and delicious food that they’ll never forget—and in one of the hippest event venues our city has to offer. The perfect wedding? Our team (and, most importantly, the happy couple) certainly think so!
Fia Pagnello, Founder and CEO
Contact us now to book your wedding at the Jam Factory!
