Proposal

May and Jay got engaged two years ago. This year was their 10 year anniversary and they just didn't know where to start. With May's family from Syria and Jay's from Sri lanka, they werent sure how to plan and execute the perfect intimate wedding blending both cultures. Even trying to pick a date was getting complicated, because of Jay’s Hindu background - we needed a date that was aligned with the stars (kind of romantic actually)

Here is their story -> https://howheasked.com

Guest List

May and Jay knew that all they wanted was an intimate and casual affair with nothing extravagant like most South Asian and middle eastern weddings. Their guest list was also an important issue to deal with. Both coming from large families, they wanted to scale the seating chart down. Although we really tried and started with 50 guests at the beginning, it grew slowly and ended up just under 100!

Family is super important to both of them, so to add some traditions from their cultures - they wore floral garlands during the ceremony, which was a civil one.

First Look

They really wanted a first look to spend some time together, totally relaxed and private. We always propose our clients to do this, its such an intimate moment in a much needed hectic day. You really get to connect and think about all the reasons you’re getting married in the first place! Jay, their awesome photographer and now friend, picked out the perfect spots with that Montreal ‘je ne sait quoi’ charm…

Best Montreal First Look Locations

They even got coffee and bagels from their faves Cafe Olimpico and St Viateur Bagel. We love when couples infuse little personal touches into their wedding day.

Best Montreal Coffee Shops

Bride

May's dress from Dream it yourself Boutique had the most elegant lace bodice and straps yet a flowing, boho, chiffon skirt. She stayed natural keeping her curly hair and adding a minimalist greenery crown. Hair and makeup by the awesome team at Atelier Eva Blanca. Don’t go crazy with a hairdo you’ve never tried before, ask your partner how they like your hair. You’re most beautiful when you’re your awesome, relaxed self not all dolled up with too much going on!

Best Makeup Trends-> https://junebugweddings.com

Groom

Jay's burgundy suit fit perfectly with the color palette and how about those velvet shoes?! A lot of our grooms ask us where to find an affordable suit because they don’t want to spend a fortune at Harry Rosen. There are a bunch of awesome new local companies in Montreal offering custom made suits. But there are also some good online options. Jay bought his on ASOS - which is one of our fave sites for bridesmaid and wedding guests.

Surprise!

Jay found out May was going to surprise him with a traditional Indian dance. So he asked us to help him come up with his own surprise, but we didn’t expect this…Jay stole the show and surprised her with a tattoo {their wedding logo} that he had hidden from her for weeks, and her reaction, well you can see in the pictures…O-M-G!

We absolutely LOVE the idea of surprising your partner with something that’s meant for just the two of you. AND then…Jay serenaded her with a violin solo….come on! #couplegoals

Decor and Flowers

OK, now our favorite part (we’re a little biased) the decor! Canvas Loft in Lachine is a really awesome venue with a modern, industrial vibe with brick and wood which was the perfect backdrop to all our boho elements. May wanted deep, rich fall colors so we decided to play with textures like wood, macrame, gold and velvet to match the warm tones.

How about that burgundy crushed velvet draping for the ceremony arch? or the Sweetheart table! #sweetheart table goals - Don’t you just LOVE everything about this, the rustic table, the mirrored geometric lanterns, tons of candles and greenery garland!

And those custom engraved wood pieces (menu, seating chart and welcome sign) all by the talented Mademoiselle D, added that extra boho vibe and customization we always offer our clients.

The flowers….drool…we love everything Sheena at Hellébore does! So naturally, we brought her on board so she could create these gorgeous pieces for the arch and sweetheart table, simple centerpieces and a stunner bouquet!

Cake

Last but not least, more amazing work from our friends at Bayard Gateaux! They created an impressive, three tier, naked cake with gold foil and matching flowers! Looks so good presented on our gold bar cart.