A Love Story in Black, Gold, and Mushroom
Cole Adler and Alicia Stiliadis met on a sun-soaked Father’s Day in 2016 at Cabana Pool Bar, thanks to a mutual friend, a drink in hand, and maybe just a little cosmic magic. What started as casual conversation quickly became a friendship built on shared humour, style, and creativity. For three years they navigated inside jokes, adventures, and the quiet understanding that they were slowly falling for each other. Seven years later, after countless laughs, late-night chats, and moments that felt bigger than life itself, Cole popped the question. Alicia recalls the journey simply: “We were together for about seven years before we got engaged. No rush, no ultimatum on either end. Everything flowed smoothly, naturally and effortlessly.” That effortless patience became the foundation for everything about their wedding day.
Patience is clearly one of their superpowers, but so is style. Alicia has the eye of an interior designer and the soul of a storyteller. Cole speaks fashion like it’s a second language and grew up surrounded by art, culture, and the kind of creativity that only comes from being a true original. Together, they have a spark that is obvious to everyone who meets them. Asked to describe their dynamic in three words, Alicia says: “Silly, determined, respectful.” Those qualities carried through every aspect of their wedding, from the decor to the music to the playful, unforgettable personal touches.
When it came to planning their wedding, bold and unforgettable was the only option. No cookie-cutter flowers or predictable décor. They wanted a day that would make their guests pause, look around, and think, “Yes, this is exactly them.” Enter Frank Rea of Forget Me Not Flowers. Frank had been waiting for the perfect couple to use one of his signature ideas: mushrooms. Not just any mushrooms, but whimsical, gold-dusted mushrooms that felt modern, playful, and entirely unexpected. Alicia laughs as she remembers the moment. “The mushroom idea came from Frank. He said we were the perfect couple to use them with. How could we disagree?” Black draping added drama, gold accents brought warmth, and suddenly the wedding palette was fun, sophisticated, and completely unique. The gold inspiration came from a giant gold mammoth statue at Miami’s Faena Hotel. Only a couple like Cole and Alicia could see a giant gold mammoth and think, yes, this belongs at our wedding.
Venue hunting began in Florida, where they imagined sun-drenched terraces and romantic nights under the stars. But nothing felt right. Then Cole suggested the Writer’s Room at Park Hyatt Toronto, a moody, cinematic rooftop bar that had already been a favourite date-night spot. Alicia admits she hesitated at first but quickly realised the venue could deliver everything they wanted. “What sold me was that we were able to have that outdoor terrace vibe we were hoping to find in Miami, but with an indoor option as well,” she says. The venue perfectly mirrored the couple: stylish, slightly dramatic, and entirely captivating.
The ceremony was nothing short of cinematic. Ghost chairs, ivory florals, candles everywhere, and bold black draping made the moment feel like stepping into a dream. “I just needed the drama and Frank/Candace delivered,” Alicia says with a mischievous grin. Frank and Candace Zwicker of Candace & Co Events orchestrated every detail seamlessly. From the sweeping black drapes to the ivory floral arrangements, every choice was intentional, every design element meaningful. The décor blended organic and modern effortlessly: ivy-draped chandeliers, glass and pewter accents, pearls, and black and gold tones created a space that was luxurious, whimsical, and totally unique.
Everywhere you looked there were personal touches. Custom-branded ice cubes, bespoke stir sticks, napkins with clever details made guests feel like they were part of a private celebration, not just a wedding. Music was another element carefully curated. Cole had one non-negotiable request: Jesse Gold. Abby and Jesse from SolePower created the soundtrack, swapping a trumpet for an electric violin to suit the rooftop acoustics perfectly. Every note was perfect, every beat danced to, every guest smiling, laughing, and celebrating alongside them.
And then came the champagne pop on Bloor Street, a moment so joyful it made the city itself feel like part of the celebration. Cole and Alicia shook the bottle more than they probably should have, sending champagne flying as cars honked and pedestrians cheered. Alicia remembers laughing uncontrollably. “The pop was hilarious. Everyone was laughing. I remember looking at Candace and saying, ‘WHO SHOOK THIS?’”
Late-night burgers from Burger Shack were the final flourish. Cole’s lifelong obsession became a shared memory for everyone, proving that a wedding can be glamorous, dramatic, and still wonderfully relatable. From champagne to dancing to fries at midnight, every moment was perfectly them.
Every detail told a story about Cole and Alicia. Mushrooms for whimsy, ivy for romance, black and gold for drama and opulence. Alicia sums it up perfectly: “Everything encapsulated Cole and I perfectly.” The peak moment of the day was dancing on the terrace with their friends to Jesse Gold’s mashup of One Dance by Drake. “Pure joy. The kind of moment you wish you could freeze forever,” she says.
The takeaway from this perfect, joyful, and stylish day? Patience, communication, and staying unapologetically true to yourself. “If you’re overwhelmed, say it. If you need help, say it. Listening is everything,” Alicia says. Her advice to other couples is simple and powerful: “Vendors and planners matter! Take the time to learn their personalities and have them learn yours. Trust matters.”
From whimsical gold mushrooms to candlelit drama and a champagne-soaked city street, the wedding of Cole Adler and Alicia Stiliadis was a perfect blend of fun, personality, style, and love. Bold, joyful, and completely magical, it was a day that celebrated not only their union but the brilliant, inspiring, and utterly fabulous couple that they are.
The Dream Team Behind the Day
Venue: Park Hyatt Toronto – Writers Room
Flowers: Forget Me Not Flowers – Frank Rea
Wedding Dresses: Valencienne – Erin Carvaggio & Olivia
Music & Entertainment: SolePower – Abby & Jesse Gold
Furniture & Rentals: Detailz
Cake & Mini Cakes: Artsy Baker
Wedding Planner: Candace and Co Events – Candace Zwicker
Illustration: Lauren Pearson
Photography: 515 Photo Co. – Colton, Bryton & Jaycee
Videography & Edited Pictures: Ashley Hassard
Stationery & Printing: Raquel Walman Creative Studio
Custom Kippot, Napkins, Stir Sticks: Lux Kippot – Debbie
Vinyl/Record Setup: Axe Media Group – Dave
Champagne Service: Medusa Entertainment
Take-Home Candles: Kandl – Louise Abela
Late Night Burgers: Burger Shack – Simon
Custom Ice: Ice Chef – Johnathan
Officiant: Ceremonies by Shael – Shael Riseman
Friday Night Dinner Catering: The Edible Story
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