This editorial shoot, created in celebration of Pride Month, aims to inspire couples to express themselves authentically while blending traditional wedding elements with personal style. “Upon discussing a collaboration with the photographer Julia Garcia-Prat, we both agreed that we wanted to create something not only creative but also meaningful. Being of mixed cultures myself, I am very conscious of how I contribute to representation in my work and felt strongly that black queer representation was missing in what I often see online within my network,” shared Deidre at Cools Events.
With the incredible talents of photographer Julia Garcia-Prat, the photoshoot achieved a level of artistry and elegance that surpassed all expectations. Her expertise, combined with the collaborative efforts of the entire team, resulted in a series of breathtaking photos that perfectly encapsulated the vision of the shoot.
With this in mind, I knew that I wanted to create a space where members of the LGBTQIA+ community felt seen, heard and reminded that weddings are for everyone, that love is to be celebrated by all.
From the color palette to the fashion choices, the aim was to create a project that defies conventional expectations of what a wedding “should” look like. This editorial is a vibrant, bold statement that celebrates individuality and diversity in love and marriage.
THE VENUE
The chosen venue, Theatre Cartier, once a historic church, has been beautifully restored to become one of Montreal’s newest and most unique event venues. Its stunning architecture captures the essence of its rich history while offering a fresh, elegant space. The remarkable details inspired the team to showcase this venue, allowing others to discover and appreciate its beauty and charm.
THE OUTFITS
Both looks were custom created at Atelier 1200 by Ryan & Rose, reflecting mid-90s styling with a modern twist. The goal was to create garments that truly mirrored each individual. The use of black and white pays homage to the elegance of traditional matrimony, while the unique silhouettes represent a rebellious take on this heritage.
The makeup artist, Steven Cabeleira, drew inspiration from both the outfits and the models’ personalities to enhance their looks. Both the designer and the MUA fully embraced the concept of presenting a look that deviates from traditional wedding fashion, believing strongly in equal representation and celebrating diversity in wedding portraits.
Both models pursue careers in the fashion and entertainment industry and have a very unique sense of style. With this in mind we allowed them both to accessorize the outfits with items they already owned for added expression of style.
THE CEREMONY
The ceremony space was breathtaking. With its intricate detailing and historical artwork, the grand altar served as a majestic backdrop, adding a sense of timeless beauty to the setting.
Floral arrangements of red roses and anthuriums are placed in minimalist black stands, creating a striking contrast against the elegant marble surroundings. This unique setup beautifully merges contemporary design with traditional elements, making the ceremony space both visually captivating and deeply symbolic.
THE DECOR & THE DINNER
Keeping in line with the message, I wanted to display bold colors to represent the overall theme and chose the color red as it is associated with romance but not often to weddings.
The reception space was a stunning blend of elegance and boldness. Set in a grand venue with high ceilings and stained glass windows, the tables were adorned with delicate yet striking floral arrangements. The florist, Aurélie from Atelier Floral, worked with the planners to create a delicate single-stem floral design that still presented bold without being too overwhelming.
The table settings featured intricate floral-patterned plates, black napkins tied in elegant knots, and crystal glassware. Deep red roses, anthuriums, and candles added a dramatic flair to the white tablecloths, creating a sophisticated and eye-catching contrast.
At the center of the decor was a breathtaking cake by La Maison Sucree surrounded by a lush arrangement of red roses and anthuriums. The cake itself was a masterpiece, designed in rich red tones with detailing that perfectly matched the overall theme. This combination of elements created a visually captivating and memorable atmosphere for the reception.
THE TEAM
The team’s favorite part of this shoot was truly allowing each collaborator full freedom of expression. The most challenging aspect was putting together the details of this shoot in just over a month. With full faith and trust in their collaborators, the results were beyond what any of them could have ever imagined.
This project is a love letter to my friends in the queer community and my black peers who may not always feel seen, welcomed or accepted, as well as a reminder that weddings are celebrations of love, without boundaries or rules.
