Winter wedding at L'Ambroisie and L'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.  

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!