The rainbow crosswalk in The Village at Church and Wellesley
1. Julie Riemersma Photography
Julie Riemersma is a seasoned photographer with over 14 years of experience shooting events, products, advertisements and more. Their impressive client list includes Union Station, the Canadian Cancer Society, University of Toronto Schools, Centennial College and Canadian Film Centre. Besides photography, Riemersma can also create stop-motion and vertical videos perfect for sharing event content across Instagram and TikTok. They boast a five-star rating on Google and are also certified with Canada's 2SLGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC).
2. Perrier Planning
Founded by power couple Holly and Sydney Perrier in 2019, Perrier Planning is an Earth-conscious event-planning company. With a roster of sustainable vendors on hand, they can easily ensure your next event is as friendly to the environment as it is for your guests. This can look like flowers being sourced locally, menus being planned around seasonal ingredients and invitations being printed on organic cotton or plantable seed paper. The Perriers like to foster “inclusive spaces and products that resonate with all individuals, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation.”
3. Craig’s Cookies
Anyone craving a sweet bite in the city has definitely heard of Craig’s Cookies. Founded by Craig Pike in 2013, the business has now grown to 17 locations across the province (with nine in Toronto). For events, they offer four package options, from just the cookies and special packaging to corporate gifting and on-site baking. They also have a bright pink food truck that can be parked on-site for a fun dessert catering experience. Their menu includes over 100 flavours, including carrot cake and Pop-Tart, so there is sure to be something for everyone.
4. Pardis Pahlavanlu
Pardis Pahlavanlu is a Toronto-based artist and illustrator who hosts customizable printmaking workshops, perfect for a standout team-bonding activity. Participants will learn how to use block-printing techniques on soft lino and will not only walk away with a piece of handmade artwork, but a new skill and eagerness to learn more. Pahlavanlu has hosted these workshops with organizations like the Toronto Biennial of Art, C Magazine, Theatre Passe Muraille and more.
5. Levant
Located on Bloor Street, Levant serves up some of the city’s best Sicilian-style pizza slices—with a Palestinian twist. Owned by Nader Qawasmi and Tamer Agha, their focaccia is cold-proofed for four days and topped with ingredients like sumac caramelized onions, smoked eggplant and shawarma chicken. The catering menu also includes sandwiches, salads, specialty dips and desserts. These special flavour combinations are sure to get guests buzzing.
6. Junto Studio
Junto Studio is located inside a 1930s heritage building on Dupont Street and is the perfect space to host your next event. Owned by couple Rana Attia and Theresa Dang, this 1,500-square-foot studio can host 80 standing or 60 seated and comes fully furnished with colourful decor and eclectic accents. If you need any help with decorating or planning, their sister company Attia Events can also help. Additionally, they have a helpful vendor directory on their website with local videographers, DJs, catering companies and more.
7. VIGYL
These vegan and cruelty-free candles from VIGYL are the perfect premium inclusion for a gift basket or goodie bag. Owned by Stephen Michlits and Theshan Puvirajasingam, the candles are designed in Toronto and hand-poured in Montreal. Their Hanlan’s Candle, named after the historic queer safe space in Toronto, has unique top notes of pistachio, bergamot and pink pepper. Part of the proceeds from the sale of this candle goes towards Rainbow Railroad, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping at-risk 2SLGBTQ+ people get to safety worldwide.
8. Paradise Grapevine
David Everitt and Christian Davis are the minds behind Paradise Grapevine, a multi-faceted company that encompasses everything wine. For private events, they offer three different locations for booking, based on your capacity and needs. Their original wine bar on Bloor Street West is cozy and casual, serving up classic small plates, vino of course, alongside craft cocktails and beer. Their restaurant on Geary Avenue has a more upscale feel and offers a seasonal menu. Next door is their winery that uses premium grapes across the Niagara Peninsula and is an atmospheric location perfect for intimate dinners and wine tastings.
