Canal Space – M + M Wedding

It was at Espace Canal & L'Ambroisie that M+M exchanged their vows almost a year ago! I ran out of time to blog this wedding, which was one of my favorites from last year. I knew that choosing photos would be difficult because I find the lovers so photogenic. And then, what can I say about their complicity and the little hearts they have in their eyes when they look at each other! Looking back at their photos, I replay in my head this beautiful day spent in their presence.

So I began this wonderful, sunny day by going to join the groom at his parents' home. He was getting ready there, in a rather relaxed manner, with his three groomsmen.

Groom's accessories

Groom's accessories

Groom preparing with his groomsmen

Groom preparing with his groomsmen

Groom preparing with his groomsmen

Preparation of one of the groomsmen

Groom preparing with his groomsmen

I must admit that I always enjoy photographing the boys' preparations. A gang of guys together, let's face it, is often hilarious!

Groom's preparations with his groomsmen

Groom's preparations with his groomsmen

Groom's preparations with his groomsmen

portrait of the groom

portrait of the groom

portrait of the groom

the groom with his groomsmen

the groom with his groomsmen

the groom with his groomsmen

Wedding preparations at Château St-Ambroise

Once the guys' portraits were completed, I headed to Château St-Ambroise. The bride and her "squad" were having their hair and makeup done there. Studio Caroline Theoret. A lot of talent per square foot in Caroline's studio. The makeup artist had suggested that the bride come get ready there on the big day since they were already all going to be at her studio. And while the ceremony/reception was in the same building, it wasn't far to walk. Also, M chose 2 bridesmaids and a best man (his best friend) who I would call a "bridesman" haha. I'm seeing more and more processions with guys and girls mixed on both sides and it's perfect! A sign that there is always room for evolution in wedding traditions.

the bride having her makeup done by Caroline Théorêt

the bride's dress at Château St-Ambroise

bride's preparations at the Studio of Caroline Théorêt makeup artist

Bridal accessories at Château St-Ambroise

bride's preparations at the Studio of Caroline Théorêt makeup artist

bride's preparations at the Studio of Caroline Théorêt makeup artist

bride's preparations at the Studio of Caroline Théorêt makeup artist

bride's preparations at the Studio of Caroline Théorêt makeup artist

portrait of the bride at Château St-Ambroise

Although the studio is large and well lit, we lacked space to take portraits and photos with the wedding party because several people were present. So I sent my assistant (Miguel) to scout the Château St-Ambroise to find a beautiful place to take photos. And that's when he discovered L'ESCALIER! What a place full of life, both warm and industrial. I could have taken photos there for hours. Especially since the beautiful bride was easy to photograph with her model aura!

the bride at Château St-Ambroise

the bride at Château St-Ambroise

the bride at Château St-Ambroise

the bride with her bridesmaid

the bride with her procession at Château St-Ambroise

the bride with her procession at Château St-Ambroise

Indoor ceremony at Espace Canal

Since April is the beginning of spring, it's not yet very warm for outdoor ceremonies. The couple opted in advance to tie the knot indoors, at L'Espace Canal. With its industrial look, the room is bright and inviting. Because it's so large, it easily accommodated the hundred or so guests for the ceremony. Then, they moved the chairs and put them back in place at the tables.

the wedding ceremony at Espace Canal

the wedding ceremony at Espace Canal

It was therefore with great excitement but with a determined step that the bride headed towards the man of her life.

the wedding ceremony at Espace Canal

indoor wedding ceremony at Espace Canal

indoor wedding ceremony at Espace Canal

indoor wedding ceremony at Espace Canal

the bride and groom exchange their vows

the exit of the bride and groom during the ceremony

group photo on the stairs of Château St-Ambroise

For a group photo, you can't do better than this beautiful large wrought iron staircase that is so characteristic of the Espace Canal.

group photo on the stairs of Château St-Ambroise

the bride and groom's family at the Espace Canal

the bride's family at the Espace Canal

the bride and groom and their procession at the Espace Canal

the bride and groom and their procession at the Espace Canal

the bride and groom and their procession at the Espace Canal

the bride and groom and their procession at Château St-Ambroise

the bride and groom at Château St-Ambroise

the bride and groom and their procession at Château St-Ambroise

the bride and groom at Château St-Ambroise

the bride and groom on the stairs of Château St-Ambroise

the bride and groom on the stairs of Château St-Ambroise

the bride and groom on the stairs of Château St-Ambroise

the bride and groom on the stairs of Château St-Ambroise

 

wedding at Château St-Ambroise

the bride and groom at Espace Canal and Ambroisie

I could have taken pictures of M+M for hours if we could have. They are so natural and photogenic, it was a real pleasure to photograph them.

the bride and groom in front of the Château St-Ambroise

the bride and groom in front of the Château St-Ambroise

the bride and groom at Espace Canal and Ambroisie

the bride and groom at Espace Canal and Ambroisie

the bride and groom at Espace Canal and Ambroisie

the bride and groom at Espace Canal and Ambroisie

Wedding reception at Espace Canal

Located in the Château St-Ambroise, the Espace Canal venue is a favorite place for me to photograph weddings. I love the venue's industrial look, which is both modern and unique. I don't know any other venue that looks like it. We were warmly welcomed, the staff were friendly, and there were plenty of beautiful spots around the venue for taking photos.

wedding decorations at Espace Canal

wedding decorations at Espace Canal

wedding decorations at Espace Canal

wedding decorations at Espace Canal

wedding decorations at Espace Canal

wedding decorations at Espace Canal

wedding decorations at Espace Canal and Ambroisie

The evening spent with M+M and their guests was anything but boring. Punctuated by games, touching speeches, and comical anecdotes, the time passed quickly before the first dance.

the groomsmen make a toast

speeches of the bride and groom at the Espace Canal

wedding reception at Espace Canal

speech by the mother of the bride

wedding reception at Espace Canal

wedding reception at Espace Canal

photos of the tables with the bride and groom at L'Espace Canal

photos of the tables with the bride and groom at L'Espace Canal

Instead of taking the traditional table photos, I suggested a kind of game to the bride and groom in coordination with the DJ. They sat near the fireplace and the DJ invited each table to come and take two photos by positioning themselves around the newlyweds. At a certain point, the groups started competing to see who would be the most original and funniest for the photo!

photos of the tables with the bride and groom at L'Espace Canal

photos of the tables with the bride and groom at L'Espace Canal

wedding reception at Espace Canal

wedding reception at Espace Canal

the shoe game at Espace Canal

the shoe game at Espace Canal

wedding reception at Espace Canal

first dance of the bride and groom at the Espace Canal

first dance of the bride and groom at the Espace Canal

evening wedding dance at Espace Canal

evening dancing at Espace Canal

I absolutely loved the day I spent with the couple and their family and friends, and I left with a heart full of joy. It's weddings like these that make me love my job!

If you liked the M+M wedding at Espace Canal, visit my wedding portfolio to see more!

At L'Ambroisie Espace Canal – Wedding of M + D

Wedding photographer at Ambroisie Espace Canal

It was at L'Ambroisie Espace Canal last October that I had the chance to photograph one of the most original weddings I've ever had the pleasure of attending! Marian and Daniel's, with a Halloween theme! I don't know if they were keeping it a surprise or if they simply forgot to mention it during our first meeting, haha. We first met via video conference, then in person for their engagement photoshoot a few months later. And I was really looking forward to their wedding, as we were close and made a wonderful couple, so attentive to each other. And what a surprise it was to discover the beautiful black dress (taken at the Mariclod Shop) from Marian, when arriving at her parents' house on the wedding day! She was waiting for me in the entrance of the house haha!

Wedding dress Halloween Theme

groom's suit by Suitablee

Daniel's custom-made suit was purchased from SuitableI love the color of the outfit!

Wedding accessories Halloween Theme

Wedding accessories Halloween Theme

Wedding accessories Halloween Theme

The guys are getting ready for the wedding

The guys are getting ready for the wedding

Halloween Theme Wedding

Halloween Theme bride getting dressed

groomsmen getting dressed

groomsmen and the groom taking a walk

bride and groom portraits

bride with her mom

bride with bridesmaids

groom with groomsmen

A First Look in front of Ambrosia

The couple wanted a "first look" before the ceremony. What better place than Château St-Ambroise, across from the Ambrosia! I loved that moment; they were so emotional and touching! Right after, we took photos with the bridesmaids and groomsmen. Marian had two groomsmen and three bridesmaids, which I've been seeing more and more in recent years. We had initially planned to take all the couple's photos before the ceremony. But some unforeseen circumstances caused delays, so luckily, we had some time to take some after the ceremony as well.

Frist look of the bride and groom at l'Ambroisie

Frist look of the bride and groom

Frist look of the bride and groom

Bridal party at L'Ambroisie restaurant

Bridal party at L'Ambroisie restaurant

Wedding party at Espace Canal and L'Ambroisie

Wedding party at Espace Canal and L'Ambroisie

wedding party at l'Ambroisie

bridal party in front of Espace Canal

bride and groom at Espace Canal

The wedding ceremony at Château St-Ambroise

I'm not exaggerating when I say it was incredibly windy that day and not very warm for the bride! But the ceremony took place outdoors, as planned, under a radiant sun! I got to know the couple better, and it became clear then that they were meant for each other! After ten years together, their eyes still sparkle with love.

bride walking down the aisle

wedding ceremony at Chateau St-Ambroise

The wedding ceremony was officiated by Stephanie Courte of Rose Gold Celebrations, a celebrant with whom I always enjoy working!

wedding ceremony at Espace Canal

wedding ceremony at l'Ambroisie

wedding at Espace Canal

bride and groom at Chateau St-Ambroise

Newlyweds at Espace Canal

The newlyweds practiced their first dance in front of the majestic staircase of Espace Canal. It was then that Marian decided she would change into her second dress as soon as she entered the reception hall. The first dance was scheduled right after their entrance, and the bride wanted to be more comfortable while dancing!

Newlyweds at Chateau St-Ambroise

Newlyweds at L'Ambroisie Espace Canal

Newlyweds at L'Ambroisie Espace Canal

Newlyweds at Château St-Ambroise

bride and groom about to kiss at l'Ambroisie

bride and groom in Chateau St-Ambroise

wedding in Chateau St-Ambroise

I think that having the engagement photoshoot a few months before the wedding helped them feel comfortable in front of the camera. They were able to see my working style and how I guided them, and they trusted me with the results. I hardly ever had to tell them what to do or how to pose. Miguel, my assistant and boyfriend, was also the videographer for the day, and he was thrilled with the footage he shot!

bride and groom at l'Ambroisie

bride and groom in Chateau St-Ambroise

bride and groom in Chateau St-Ambroise

bride and groom in Chateau St-Ambroise

The wedding reception at L'Ambroisie restaurant

I'm not sure I've ever seen a theme so well executed and meticulously planned! The couple's love for Halloween was evident, and it was incredible to discover so many details everywhere! Marian, a graphic designer by trade, created the stationery herself and added her personal touch to everything. All the magnificent floral arrangements were the work of Decor and More Events Montreal And they did a fantastic job!

Wedding Halloween Theme decorations

Wedding Halloween Theme at L'Ambroisie

Wedding Halloween Theme

decor by Decor and More Montreal

newlyweds table decor and More Montreal

wedding decorations at l'Ambroisie

wedding decorations at Château St-Ambroise

decor by Decor and More Montreal

wedding decor at l'Ambroisie

wedding reception at l'Ambroisie

First dance with the bride and groom

Wedding reception at l'Ambroisie in Montreal

Wedding reception at l'Ambroisie

The evening went wonderfully, with moving speeches, the shoe game, and lots of dancing! The bride and groom even thanked me in their speech, which always surprises me! I was so touched; I even had tears in my eyes, haha! Marian and Dan, I can't thank you enough for the trust you placed in Miguel and me for this unforgettable day!

Wedding reception at l'Ambroisie

Wedding reception at l'Ambroisie

Wedding reception at l'Ambroisie

guests during the evening at l'Ambroisie

wedding shoe game at l'Ambroisie

table picture with bride and groom

the bride and groom cutting the cake at l'Ambroisie

cutting the cake

groomsmen having fun

first dance mother and son

father-daughter first dance

wedding party on the dance floor

Did you enjoy Marian and Dan's wedding at Ambrosia? Go check out my wedding portfolio!

Winter wedding at L'Ambroisie and L'Espace Canal

winter wedding at Ambrosia and Espace Canal

Audrey and Pierre-Alexandre got married last February at L'Ambroisie and L'Espace Canal, in Griffintown, Montreal. One of the reasons why they wanted to have a winter wedding was because they had their first date in winter. That was ten years ago, almost to the day. They chose L'Ambroisie and L'Espace Canal for the somewhat industrial look of the venue. And for the urban side of getting married in Montreal. They also wanted to have the ceremony outside, for the magical side of winter and the snow that fell that day, fortunately!

So I went to join them not far from their reception room, at Alt Hotel Montreal in Griffintown as well. The two lovers were getting ready in separate rooms, but next to each other. I arrived to see the guys first while the girls were on their way from Mascouche. I was expecting them about an hour later. But for blog posts, I like to mix the two preparations. Like in the printed books I often make for the bride and groom.  

accessories of the bride and groom at the Alt Hotel

the bride's dress at the Alt Hotel

The bride's bouquet at the Alt Hotel

The groom gets ready at the Alt Hotel in Griffintown

The groom gets ready with his procession at the Alt Hotel in Griffintown

The bride gets ready at the Alt Hotel in Griffintown

The groom looks out of the window of the Alt Hotel

The bride and groom's preparations at the Alt Hotel

The groom gets ready at the Alt Hotel in Griffintown

the laughing bridesmaids

detail of the bride's dress

guys get dressed at the Alt Hotel

Guys getting ready at the Alt Hotel in Griffintown

the bride puts on her jewelry

wedding preparations at the Alt Hotel

The bride has fun at the Alt Hotel

Winter Wedding at the Alt Hotel in Montreal

Portraits of the bride and groom at the Alt Hotel

the bride at the Alt Hotel Montreal in Griffintown

the bride and her bridesmaids at the Alt Hotel Montreal

the groom at the Alt Hotel Montreal

the bride with her bridesmaids at the Alt Hotel Montreal

Bridal preparations at the Alt Hotel Montreal

the bride with best friend at the Alt Hotel Montreal

the bride with her sister at the Alt Hotel Montreal

Pierre-Alexandre and Audrey wanted to see each other before the ceremony by doing a "First Look". One of the reasons being that they wanted to be with the guests during the cocktail. So we decided that everything would take place in the lobby of the Alt Hotel where there is a big wall of photographs. They were really cute and a little embarrassed because they were not alone at the reception haha!

First look of the bride and groom at the Alt Hotel

First look of the bride and groom at the Alt Hotel

The bride and groom and their wedding party at L'Ambroisie and Espace Canal

We headed straight to L'Ambroisie and Espace Canal after the "First Look." The weather was quite cold, unlike the rest of last winter! We wanted to maximize our time for photos, so we started taking pictures with the wedding party right away. Pierre-Alexandre isn't at all sensitive to the cold; he sometimes goes out in winter without a coat. He figured he wouldn't need one on the wedding day because he has "Viking blood." But the temperature dipped close to -15 degrees Celsius, and there's a limit to what the body can endure… So we cut short the couple's photo session and took some more after the ceremony. We also went into their reception hall to warm up a bit, just before the outdoor ceremony.

wedding procession in winter in Montreal

The bride and groom and the procession in the street in front of the Ambrosia

the procession with the bride and groom at Ambrosia

the groom and his procession in winter

the groom and his groomsmen in the snow

winter wedding at Ambrosia and L'Espace Canal

the bride and groom in winter at Ambroisie and L'Espace Canal

the full procession to Ambrosia and L'Espace Canal

the bride and groom on the stairs at Ambroisie and L'Espace Canal

winter wedding at Ambroisie and L'Espace Canal

the bride and groom in winter at Ambroisie and L'Espace Canal

The bride and groom kiss at Ambroisie and L'Espace Canal

the bride and groom in the snow at Ambroisie and L'Espace Canal

winter wedding at Ambrosia and L'Espace Canal

the bride and groom and grandparents at Ambroisie and L'Espace Canal

Outdoor winter ceremony at L'Ambroisie and Espace Canal

I have photographed several winter weddings. All over the place, in the Laurentians, in Montreal etc. and it was the first time I attended an outdoor ceremony. The guests had been warned, they had dressed warmly. It was magical and so beautiful, with the light snow falling. I really like the photo below, on the right. The grandparents who stayed inside for the ceremony, were looking out the window at what was happening. I really like the reflection with the guests and the snow.

ceremony in winter with guests outside

The groom and his groomsmen at the ceremony

The bridesmaid in the aisle

The bride-to-be walking down the Ambrosia aisle

Groom looks at his future bride in the aisle

winter wedding at Ambroisie and L'Espace Canal

ceremony in the snow at Ambroisie and L'Espace Canal

winter ceremony at Ambrosia

winter wedding ceremony at Ambrosia

The bride says her vows at Ambrosia and L'Espace Canal

ceremony in the snow at Ambroisie and L'Espace Canal

wedding ceremony at Ambrosia and L'Espace Canal

winter wedding ceremony

group photo at Ambrosia and L'Espace Canal

wedding cocktail at Ambrosia and L'Espace Canal

winter wedding at Ambrosia and L'Espace Canal

The groom with his friends at Espace Canal

cocktail in the Espace Canal room

married in winter at Ambrosia and L'Espace Canal

winter wedding at Ambroisie and L'Espace Canal

the bride and groom at Ambrosia and L'Espace Canal

The groom with his groomsmen at L'Ambroisie

a bride at Ambrosia and L'Espace Canal

the wedding procession at Ambrosia and L'Espace Canal

the married couple at Ambrosia and L'Espace Canal

winter wedding at Ambroisie and L'Espace Canal

I found their room and the kind of industrial look it has very beautiful. A simple and refined decoration went hand in hand with the Espace Canal room. The centerpieces were also created by the bride and groom. I always take advantage of the moment when the guests have not yet entered the room to take photos of decorations. I find this important because the bride and groom took time to think about what they liked and wanted to do.

Wedding decorations at Ambrosia and L'Espace Canal

decoration of the room at L'Espace Canal

The wedding table at Ambroisie and L'Espace Canal

Wedding details at Ambrosia and L'Espace Canal

wedding decoration details at Ambroisie and L'Espace Canal

The Espace Canal room decorated for a wedding

decorating a guest table

wedding decoration details

the decoration of the room at Ambrosia and L'Espace Canal

My assistant, who is also my boyfriend, and I left at the beginning of dinner. I still managed to take photos of each table, which I think is super important. I also pushed a little to make sure Pierre-Alexandre's dad's speech happened while I was still there, haha, so I could capture it.

The bride talking to her guests

wedding reception at Espace Canal

Wedding evening reception

wedding reception at Ambrosia and L'Espace Canal

My love for winter weddings

In short, I loved my day with them. I still have so much love for winter weddings that I find so magical and beautiful. I had another special and memorable day. Let's face it, in winter, many photographers are free! Because there are far fewer weddings between November and April than during the high season which is from May to October. So it's always flattering to be chosen as a photographer for such a precious day! It's important to click with the bride and groom during the first meeting! We hit it off right away with them so I knew in advance that I would have a great time! Thanks again Audrey and Pierre-Alexandre!

Did you enjoy Audrey and Pierre-Alexandre's wedding? See more Winter weddings HERE!