Location: Montreal, Ontario, Canada
Setting: Maison Principale
The number of guests: 275
Wedding Season: Fall
How long did the couple plan the event: 10 months
Wedding theme/style: Glamorous, classy & timeless.
Elena and Chris’s love story began in the most unexpected way. In June 2016, Elena went to the salon to get her hair done for a wedding, where Chris’s sister, Rita, happened to be her hairstylist. Chris decided to visit his sister’s salon during her appointment, leading to a brief exchange of hellos and smiles. Little did they know that seemingly casual encounter would mark the beginning of their beautiful love story.
Several months later, Chris made plans to attend the Ludovico Einaudi concert in Toronto. To Elena’s surprise, she woke up to a message from Chris one morning. After exchanging a few messages, he invited her to join him and his friends for a get-together downtown after the concert. Without hesitation, Elena brought along her best friend, and they all met at Lavelle Lounge in Toronto—a night that would later become a significant chapter in their love story.
Elena and Chris tied the knot after nearly seven years in a long-distance relationship, traveling between Toronto and Montreal. “Through those years, our love only grew stronger and stronger, and our devotion to one another overcame all obstacles,” the couple shared.
Chris and Elena have always felt a connection to the Gatsby era as if they belonged to that glamorous time in another life. While their wedding theme wasn’t strictly Gatsby, it was inspired by the same spirit of elegance and celebration. The vision was glamorous and classy, filled with endless partying and dancing. The theme was black and white, a black-tie event where guests wore gowns and tuxedos, enjoyed drinks, and danced the night away.
Their photographer, Ana Nunez, perfectly captured the essence of the wedding. She paid meticulous attention to every detail that mattered to the couple, ensuring that each moment was preserved beautifully. Ana’s artistic approach brought the entire event to life in the photographs, reflecting the joy and elegance that defined Chris and Elena’s special day.
On Elena’s wedding morning, the atmosphere was truly special—filled with love from her family and friends. She brought her trusted hair stylist, Amy Griffiths, from Toronto, and her go-to makeup artist in Montreal, Ani Mouralian, to enhance her beauty. Additionally, they were joined by another hair stylist and two more makeup artists to glam up the rest of the bridal party.
For her big day, Elena wore two stunning dresses. Her first gown, a creation by Milla Nova from Toujours Bridal in Toronto, exuded elegance. The second gown, a Pronovias design from White Toronto, captured her beauty in a different yet equally enchanting way. Despite her meticulous nature when selecting outfits for events, Elena’s quest for the perfect wedding dress proved surprisingly effortless: “Anyone who knows me knows that when I am invited to a wedding/event, I usually go through many dresses before finding the one. In my mind, I really felt that finding my wedding dress was going be the hardest task of them all but when, in fact, it was the easiest. It took three stores and 1.5 days, and bam, I found both my dresses. I never second-guessed it and loved them both. “
Chris’s tuxedo was custom-made by Battaglia & Aly Bespoke, ensuring a perfect fit and exceptional style. His polished black dress shoes added a sleek touch to his overall look. The ensemble was completed with a classic black bow tie and elegant cufflinks, highlighting the sophistication of his attire.
The couple celebrated their union with two different ceremonies. The first was a traditional church ceremony at Sourp Hagop Armenian Church, where their two nieces, Eva and Vana, served as adorable flower girls. Their nephew Aved took on the role of ring bearer, accompanied by three little nephews as his helpers. The church ceremony was deeply moving, filled with the beauty and solemnity that will be cherished forever.
Following the church ceremony, the celebration continued with a Persian Sofreh Ceremony at the reception hall. This vibrant and culturally rich ceremony showcased their heritage and traditions and added a unique touch to their special day. Both ceremonies were beyond beautiful, creating unforgettable moments that the couple will treasure for a lifetime.
Right after the ceremonies, the newlyweds enjoyed some time alone and shared tender moments, capturing their love and happiness on their special day. The beautiful fall colors provided a stunning backdrop for their photoshoot. The vibrant hues of red, orange, and yellow leaves created a picturesque setting as they walked through a park, hand in hand. Ana Nunez perfectly captured the essence of the season and the joy of the newlyweds, making these memories even more precious.
The reception space was a vision of elegance and sophistication, perfectly aligning with the couple’s black-tie theme. The venue was adorned with grand chandeliers, casting a warm, inviting glow over the entire space. The tables were draped in black linens, creating a striking contrast against the clear chairs. Each table was beautifully set with classic dinnerware and silverware, accented with clear glass candle holders that added a touch of sparkle.
The floral arrangements were spectacular. Towering centerpieces of white hydrangeas and roses stood atop tall, elegant stands, creating a luxurious and opulent atmosphere. The head table was a centerpiece of its own, decorated with a lush, cascading floral arrangement that spilled over the edges, adding drama and romance to the setting. The cake, a minimalist white design with subtle ruffles, stood elegantly on a glass table, surrounded by the soft glow of candles. The overall decor, with its classic color palette and sophisticated details, created an unforgettable ambiance for the celebration.
We absolutely fell in love with our flowers, the entire design of our wedding and just seeing how beautiful our guests were!
Elena and Chris’s reception was unforgettable for them and their friends, filled with endless energy that carried through the months leading up to the wedding. They planned every detail together, and everything fell into place seamlessly. They never stopped trusting the process and embracing each moment as a team. When it was all over, they experienced withdrawal for weeks, missing the excitement and joy of their celebration.
The wedding wasn’t just a single day but a weekend full of celebrations, love, and cherished moments with family and friends. Dancing and partying are integral parts of both their cultures, so they made sure to have both an Armenian and Persian DJ. The result? A dance floor that was never empty, with everyone joining in the fun and festivities.
Advice from the couple:
• A good friend of ours told us that no matter what, make sure that no more than 10 minutes go by without you locking eyes with your partner, and that’s exactly what we did. Although we both felt this wedding was more than just about us but about our families, we still made sure through it all, we locked eyes and felt that moment. The day will come and go and just know there is nothing more beautiful than surrendering yourself to the day, trusting every bit of what’s meant to be, and celebrating your love with your favorite people.
