Leslie & Graham

EVENT: Leslie & Graham’s Wedding
DATE:  July 2014
LOCATION: Evergreen Brick Works – Toronto, ON
FORMAT: Instrumental acoustic guitar

A beautiful facility of industrial heritage buildings nestled in Toronto’s Don Valley, Evergreen Brick Works is one of the most creative spaces in which I’ve performed.

Here, the past meets the present in the most stunning of ways: Modern architectural amendments clash with old brick and steel; Graffiti pops against elegant landscaping and lighting.

Leslie and Graham were amazing to work with. Our life paths were oddly similar. We shared many sensibilities in art and music. Upon our first meeting, we talked more about our favourite concerts instead of the wedding details at hand.

The passion and creativity that Leslie and Graham put into their wedding was absolutely inspiring. Everything, from the vows to the flow of music, was extremely personal, poignant and unique.

The day began in the main Pavilion. This open, brick and steel structure made for a stunning entrance. It also sounded phenomenal. Leslie and Graham chose a great blend of material for the pre-ceremony, including songs from Adele, Coldplay, The Dave Matthews Band and Pearl Jam.

For their major cues, the Bridesmaids proceeded to Here Comes the Sun (Beatles), followed by Leslie’s processional to Wonderful World (Louis Armstrong). Their custom recessional showcased one of their favourite songs: Caught by the River (The Doves). An incredible touch during the ceremony was the signing song. It featured their cousin, Toronto jazz singer Shannon Butcher, performing an Elvis song to the accompaniment of a stand-up bass.

Cocktails took place at the Koerner Gardens. Much like the main Pavilion, the blend of an old industrial shell and modern landscaping made for a beautiful backdrop.

By far my favourite part of the day was shortly after cocktails began. Upon Leslie and Graham’s arrival, they sang Ring of Fire (Johnny Cash). It was a poignant moment: that particular song sung with fervor by a newly married couple.

As the day faded into night, I slowly packed up. I had no interest in going anywhere quickly. It was a beautiful Toronto summer evening. Everyone was happy to be exactly where they were, and the Evergreen Brick Works were just beginning to shine.

Jake Dudas
Guitarist, Singer, Songwriter

All photography by Sue Morley Photography.

2014 Wedding, Corporate & Private Event Performance Schedule

01.04.14 – Private Event – Huntsville, ON
02.01.14 – Irwin Inn – Stoney Lake, ON
04.12.14 – Archeo Restaurant – Distillery District – Toronto, ON
05.10.14 – Thompson Landry Gallery – Distillery District – Toronto, ON
06.21.14 – Private Residence – Pigeon Lake, ON
06.28.14 – Sherwood Inn – Port Carling, ON (Muskoka)
07.12.14 – Berkeley Church – Toronto, ON
07.26.14 – Windermere House – Windermere, ON (Muskoka)
08.02.14 – Taboo Resort – Gravenhurst, ON (Muskoka)
08.15.14 – Market Hall Performing Arts Centre – Peterborough, ON
08.16.14 – Windermere House – Windermere, ON (Muskoka)
08.23.14 – Bala Bay Inn – Bala, ON (Muskoka)
08.29.14 – Deerhurst Resort – Huntsville, ON (Muskoka)
09.07.14 – White Oaks Resort & Spa – Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON
09.13.14 – Deer Creek Golf & Country Club – Ajax, ON
09.27.14 – Grandview Golf Club – Huntsville, ON (Muskoka)

2014 Public Event Performance Schedule

01.15.14 – Trent University – The Ceilie – Peterborough, ON
02.14.14 – Irwin Inn – Stoney Lake, ON
04.20.14 – Parkhill on Hunter – Peterborough, ON
05.11.14 – Viamede Resort – Stoney Lake, ON
06.29.14 – Irwin Inn – Stoney Lake, ON
08.03.14 – Irwin Inn – Stoney Lake, ON
08.31.14 – Irwin Inn – Stoney Lake, ON

2013 Wedding & Corporate Event Performance Schedule

01.26.13 – Locks Salon & Spa Event – Peterborough, ON
04.07.13 – Aria – Peterborough, ON
05.09.13 – Systagenix Event – Toronto, ON
05.11.13 – Casa Loma – Toronto, ON
05.18.13 – White Oaks Resort & Spa – Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON
05.19.13 – Auberge du Pommier – Toronto, ON
05.23.13 – SSFC Private Event – Peterborough, ON
06.01.13 – Jamie Kennedy @ The Gardiner Museum – Toronto, ON
06.06.13 – Trent University – President’s Dinner – Peterborough, ON
06.08.13 – Graydon Hall Manor – Toronto, ON
06.15.13 – Greyhawk Golf Course – Ottawa, ON
06.29.13 – Irwin Inn – Stoney Lake, ON
07.05.13 – Evergreen Brickworks – Toronto, ON
07.06.13 – Willow Springs Winery – Stoufville, ON
07.13.13 – St. James Gardens  – Toronto, ON
07.20.13 – Holland Marsh Wineries – Newmarket, ON
07.26.13 – Parkwood Estates/Deer Creek Golf – Ajax, ON
07.27.13 – Private Event – Toronto, ON
08.04.13 – Inn on the Twenty – Jordan, ON
08.11.13 – Atlantis Pavillion – Toronto, ON
08.17.13 – Oakview Terrace – Toronto, ON
08.24.13 – Windermere House – Windermere, ON (Muskoka)
08.29.13 – Le Select Bistro – Toronto, ON
08.31.13 – Hart House – University of Toronto – Toronto, ON
09.07.13 – Rosewater Room – Toronto, ON
09.14.13 – Greystone Golf Club – Milton, ON
09.21.13 – Bala Bay Inn – Muskoka, ON
09.28.13 – Lumina Resort – Huntsville, ON
09.29.13 – Vineland Estates Winery – Vineland, ON
10.04.13 – Royal Ashburn Golf Club – Ashburn, ON
10.19.13 – Marriott Kingston – Kingston, ON
11.01.13 – Private Event – Toronto, ON
11.30.13 – Evinrude Centre (Private) – Peterborough, ON
12.03.13 – Market Hall Performing Arts Centre – Peterborough, ON
12.07.13 – Inn on the Twenty – Jordan, ON
12.15.13 – Private Event – Peterborough, ON
12.20.13 – Peterborough Golf & Country Club – Peterborough, ON

2013 Public Event Performance Schedule

02.14.13 – McKeck’s – Haliburton, ON
02.16.13 – Irwin Inn – Stoney Lake, ON
03.31.13 – Viamede Resort – Stoney Lake, ON
04.04.13 – Parkhill on Hunter – Peterborough, ON
05.12.13 – Viamede Resort – Stoney Lake, ON
06.30.13 – Irwin Inn – Stoney Lake, ON
09.06.13 – Market Hall – Peterborough, ON (Artsweek opening)
09.27.13 – JW Marriott – Minett, ON (Muskoka)
11.02.13 – Art Gallery of Peterborough – Peterborough, ON
12.06.13 – Prince of Wales Hotel – Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON
12.31.13 – Irwin Inn – Stoney Lake, ON