Wedding Rings and Other Things - Leif Benner

I have mentioned Melanie and my wedding rings in the past on Three. After a strong recommendation, Stephanie ended up getting them made at the same shop as well. Funny how small a city like Toronto can be. Though I don't have the honour of saying I discovered the craftsmen behind our rings, that falls to my wife, I do have the honour of writing about them. The Distillery District is home to "Leif Benner".  Home of beautiful handmade rings, and one of a kind pieces of jewellery.    

Now Leif, the designer, goldsmith and craftsman behind "Leif Benner", is not a well kept secret.  From the busyness in his shop, you can tell that the clients keep calling.  He manages somehow, even with all of these people pulling him and his talented crew in a million different directions, there is a level of authenticity to the work.

Leif attended George Brown right here in Toronto, and after choosing jewellery design over the culinary world, has excelled in his field. That authenticity I mentioned above? I think it comes from his passion.  You see it in the design variation, the quality of the pieces and on Leif's face when he has the opportunity to speak about his work.    "We do a lot of wedding jewellery and I love that I get to share that really special moment in peoples lives"

One of a kind is right, these pieces (pics provided by Leif), are Sapphire and 18k Ultra White Gold, WITH Diamonds.  Wow, wild!  

And don't let all the ring photos fool you, ideas flow here for any custom pieces you may need as well. There are broaches, pins, shimmering necklaces and everything in between.

When I asked Leif what the future holds for him, "More of the same! We try to manage the growth of the business to keep it grassroots. I still meet with every client. We have the best customers, and they come with great ideas that we develop into beautiful custom rings".

I know that when I need another piece, I'll be back.  I do have that first anniversary coming up after all. 

Stop by and see for yourself.  Say hello, meet the gang, who knows what you may find.

Bill
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My Vintage Garden Fairytale

I am so so so excited to be sharing this with you.  Looking at these images brings a flood of memories back of my incredible wedding day.  I have so many people I would like to thank for making my dreams come true, but first the beautiful pictures....

  

Love & Thanks to....

My sister Ange for designing the most incredible stationary

Kim from Blooms & Posies

Damien from StreeterStevens Photography

Lisa Marie from Mobile Bridal Beauty

Aubrey from Pearl Bridal House

Eva from The Grand Victorian 

Sara from Bobbette & Belle

Michael from Playhouse Productions

~Wedding design was created by Stephanie Marquis Design~

Stephanie

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Meet me at the alter in your white dress.....

....Lets get married!!!!

Off to never never land, see you in a few weeks!

Stephanie

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Weekend Pics-Last Minute Wedding Details

I added a pink sash to my dress and I think it's the perfect final touch!!!

Stephanie

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Wedding Mood Board

With only a few weeks to go, I decided to share my wedding inspiration images.  I am so excited to see how everything will turn out!!! 

Via

Stephanie

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Back from St.John's

So the wedding is over, the party is done.  There is this slight "whats next", a moment 

of low, a feeling of loss... ...but then you remember... ...your weekends are free... ...there is no more planning... ...suddenly free time is creeping up, the rest of your life is yours 

with your spouse!

And that, is the best feeling there is.

Thought I might post a few pics, none of the wedding yet, but some honeymoon hits. You'll notice the balmy weather. 


And people thought we were crazy to go to Newfoundland in May.

Bergy Bits 

Fred's - An honest to God Record Store

So Fred's - If you are in St.John's, you need to go there.  Seriously, the best record store I have ever been in.  Its honest, the staff is incredibly knowledgeable, and the selection is unbeatable.

Long Dick's Sausage Emporium (hot dog stand)

The Docks

Houses on the battery - Hike from here up to the top of Signal Hill

Pretty Much every afternoon

Yellow Belly Brewery, one of three Micro Brews in St.John's.  And awesome pizza too.

I'm going to follow up with a post about the Rocket bakery a little later. Its this fantastic new spot on Water Street (formerly of Queen St in T.O.). Fresh baked, real coffee, and so much charm. 

Go to St.John's.

Bill

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Wedding Treats

Homemade, even the word sounds good.  I like homemade.  

Thought i would share a recipe that we're using for our wedding "Take Homes".

We made them over the last couple of nights.  Lots of work, but lots of fun too!

cheater washing

Out of the oven. - Crispy Goodness.

Jar Filling Fun

So. Many. Lids.  

 The Mini Mason Jars look great. Simple ribbon to go around them and we're set.  Only 3 days to go now!

See recipe after the jump.

Bill

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Monday Pics - Spring Green? Trendy Purple?

One more little detail for the wedding, my tie. I've decided to go very classic on the shirt, simple white, with a simple white pocket square.  My tie however is up the in the air. I picked up these two on the weekend, couldn't decide which to choose so I thought I'd bring them both home and decided later. Then I can return one (or not). 

I really like the green, its bright, feels like spring.  The purple has a touch more class (as much class as this pattern can have).  

Thoughts?  Suggestions?  Favourites? Please comment and let me know!

Bill

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