We’ve had quite a few inquiries from individuals looking for a place to stay in Toronto. In an effort to make it as easy as possible for you to come and visit us, we’re posting some information here.

I’d like to first recommend this portal as a pretty good resource for hotel listings. The link provided will get you to a page searching Toronto for the night of Nov 11, 1 room for two adults, in Canadian Currency.

the Clarion Hotel, at $80-85/night, $13/day parking, seems like a good option. It is located at Sherbourne and Bloor, easily accessible from the Don Valley Parkway. Here is a link to a map that shows the location in relation to the Vaughn Estate. We know that some people have already chosen the Clarion, so you won’t be alone there.

The Grand Hotel and Suites at $169
and the
Crown Plaza Don Valley at aprox $195
1250 Eglinton Ave. East Toronto, ON M3C 1J3
Phone: (416) 449-4111 Fax:(416) 449-5898
have also been recommended.

A lot is going on and if I took the time to formulate an individual blog post for each topic, the wedding itself would be in jeopary. So here is a brief account of our happy time preparing for the arrival all our family and friends, or at least those able to attend the reception.

Continue reading ‘General update’

The Persian Aghd, which is the legal ceremony of the Iranian wedding, is a beautiful and joyful event celebrated with lots of music, laughter, food and love. For Moslem weddings, the Aghd is a legal contract between the man and the woman and extends many rights to the woman that are not common in other legal marriage contracts. Because of the diverse background of the people of Iran, not all Persian weddings are Moslem, and therefore depend on the chosen faith of the couple. Regardless of the faith, the Sofreh Aghd is usually present during a Persian wedding ceremony. These days, with lots of bicultural weddings, this cultural ritual is a beautiful and elegant way to celebrate a union.

During this ceremony, a spread or sofreh is prepared for the bride and groom. Like other ancient Persian traditions such as the Haft Sin sofreh during Noruz, this event has roots in the pagan Zoroastrian faith and does not relate to the Moslem religion. The Zoroastrian faith is based on the four elements of nature: earth, fire, water, and wind, and still has a strong influence on Persian celebrations.

Continue reading ‘Sofreh Aghd - The Wedding Spread’

Andrew and I met in art school seven years ago when a mutual friend introduced us. Although we did not have many classes together, we still found a lot of time to hang out. The first event we organized together was a student demonstration called “Access 2000.” We mobilized over half the student population in a staged walkout and march towards Queen’s Park, all the while trumpeting and dancing.

Joint projects have always brought us closer together and this latest event is no different.

Andrew is an artist-designer who has been fascinated with fractals and data visualization. He has made numerous paintings and photographs in addition to his exceptional life drawings.

I have been working on photographic projects that varry from the highly abstract to pure documentary. Most currently I have been consumed with putting together an ongoing series that depicts contemporary life in Iran. To see my artworks, you can visit www.sanazmazinani.net (Andrew designed the site!).

Just a quick note to mention that, although the return card only mentions options for fish and chicken, there is a vegetarian option also available. At the time of printing we were not sure if we were going to be able to facilitate this option or not, as we hadn’t met with the caterers yet.

If you are interested in a vegetarian meal, please indicate so on the card or send us an email.

A more detailed description of the evening’s menu will soon follow.

I am relieved, after much duress, to have finally found a tailor that is suitable. I guess that makes me suit-able.

I’ve always had difficulty buying formal wear. Long arms and a thin neck have made shirts a tough find.

My search began at Harry Rosen, conveniently located next to my gym at Bay & Bloor. There was nothing on the floor in my colour of choice, but, looking at fabric samples, a suave 3-button Armani suit could be ordered for about $2500 in a very nice, very dark brown. Taking into consideration the brand premium and lack of a third piece in the suit equation, the search went on.

Continue reading ‘The great brown suit adventure’