Oh wow. Oh wow oh wow oh wow. That was a goooood party. Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate! All 589 of you. The photos snapped by the supremely talented photographer Lizzie O’Donnell show off the heart and soul of our community beautifully.
When we set out to throw a celebration, we wanted to capture the energy of Shedoesthecity IRL, and that was most definitely achieved with the help of Lexington and Co. Lexi Haslam, our spectacularly imaginative event planner, perfectly reflected the vision we had for Shedoesthecity’s anniversary and brought us to life. THANK YOU!
Under a canopy of red and pink balloons, DJ Blush played all the get-up-and-dance faves while guests floated and bounced from room to room in the gorgeous Knixwear loft. We got theatrical in the Fujifilm Instax photobooth, built by Dani Roche and her hip-as-hell team from Kastor & Pollux, and took a trip back in time with a gallery wall of best-of moments from our archives by longtime SDTC party photographer Becca Lemire.
While reminiscing about our colourful history, we enjoyed the most colourful (and healthy!) party eats ever by plant-based catering company The Fix + Co before treating ourselves to divine Holy Cannoli.
Beyond delicious food, we’re feeling a little braggy about our drink offerings that gave guests a wonderful selection of both beloved boozy favourites and very special non-alcoholic bevys to choose from. From bathtubs of Beau’s All Natural Brewing and Pommies Cider to pretty pours in white and rosé from XOXO Wines, not to mention Toronto’s biggest-ever mocktail bar, which included magical tinctures from Pluck Teas, Good Nectar Kombucha and hand-crafted Perrier-based mocktails (created and shaken by NOW Drinks Editor, Sarah Parniak), the choices and flavours were abundant!
For those needing a little break from all the action, our Simon & Schuster Book Nook provided the perfect hideout to peruse all the latest titles before shimmying back to the dance floor. This quiet oasis was glammed up with the help of Turco Persian Rug Company and plantbaby studio, who added some charming and decorative greenery.
After exploring and catching up with friends, we huddled together for the most stupendous surprise performance by the COC Ensemble Studio. Soprano Lauren Pearl Eberwein and pianist Rachael Kerr selected three pieces with the theme of female empowerment. When Eberwein hit the high notes of Puccini’s “O mio babbino caro,” shivers were felt from the backs of our necks to our groins.
Of course, it wouldn’t be an epic birthday party without a completely over-the-top cake. Eberwein led the room in a round of “Happy Birthday,” while a crew of Shedoesthecity contributors ran to the seven-tiered red velvet cake created by The Wedding Cake Shoppe.
As the night wound down, we took a seat and tarotologist Hilary Thurston helped us see what is in store for the future: another decade of adventure, love and brilliant women supporting one another, through the fun times and the hard times.
To pay it forward, Shedoesthecity has partnered with United Way and promised a $10,000 giveback to help the organizations in this city who support women: Sistering, Planned Parenthood Toronto, YWCA Toronto, West Neighbourhood House, Eva’s Initiative. We encourage you to recognize the support that a woman has made in your life and pay it forward with a donation to our 10th anniversary give-back campaign.
Thank you for being here and for joining us on this wild journey. We’re stronger together.
xoxo
Click on any image to view as a gallery.
Follow Us On Instagram
