Location: Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts, Canada
Setting: Mansion
Wedding season: Summer
The number of guests: 85
How long did the couple plan the event: 1 year
Wedding theme/style: Outdoor, elegant, classy, cozy.
As almost a classic love story in the 21st century, Hamid and Gina met on Tinder. Hamid is an Iranian who was raised in Australia and Canada, and Gina is a Mexican-Italian who grew up in France. Both were university students in Montreal; he was in his last year of dentistry, and she was in marketing. Being two strangers from different cultures and walks of life who would have never crossed paths, but one quick swipe changed the rest of their lives, sparking a connection that defied geographical distances.
Six years later – three of which were long distance – Hamid proposed to Gina in their favorite park in Brooklyn, where they often liked to picnic, a testament to their enduring commitment despite the miles that once kept them apart.
The couple’s quest for a wedding venue led them to the enchanting Manoir Davis in Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts, an hour north of Montreal. Drawn to its European charm, the mansion stood on a small hill overlooking a serene lake, embraced by the lush beauty of the Laurentians. This location felt like fate for Hamid and Gina, where elegance met homey coziness.
As the sun cast its warm glow on the morning of their wedding, Gina embraced the anticipation of the day ahead. Surrounded by her bridesmaids, she indulged in the effervescence of champagne while slipping into her wedding attire.
Gina’s dress from Christian Dior was the epitome of grace. The ivory silk and lace ensemble, chosen by Hamid as a surprise, graced her figure with an air of modern glamour.
Yet, the sentimental touches woven into its fabric made Gina’s attire truly special. The dress held fragments of her parents’ clothing intricately sewn into the lace, creating a poignant connection to her roots. Adorning her ears with her grandmother’s cherished vintage earrings symbolized the continuity of family love.
The Dior gown became not just a garment but a canvas where Gina painted her unique narrative—a story of love, family, and the beautiful journey she was about to embark upon.
From the bride: “Being a couple with such diverse backgrounds, we felt a traditional wedding wouldn’t work for us. So we decided to throw a wedding that represented us as people. You only get one shot at this, so we decided to do things our way instead of following the traditional template”.
On the flip side of the Manoir, Hamid and his groomsmen geared up for the big day. Amidst their close bond, stories, laughter, and a sprinkle of nostalgia from fond PlayStation battles created a lighthearted atmosphere filled with shared moments.
As Hamid was putting on his meticulously tailored wedding suit, his father, a steadfast presence in these meaningful moments, stood by his side, offering his support. Together, they shared the unique bond of preparing for this significant day.
The groom’s room resonated with the clinking of glasses, a toast to the bonds that transcended friendship.
Among the carefully chosen ensemble, Hamid wore Gina’s father’s shoes and the Cartier watch, gifts from his bride-to-be. These cherished items, laden with significance and sentimentality, infused the morning with a sense of connection that brought them all together.
A thoughtful touch awaited each guest in the form of the handwritten letters, meticulously crafted on delicate Japanese paper, and sealed with a personalized wax stamp—a sincere expression of the couple’s gratitude for the enduring support from their loved ones.
The couple loved the idea of getting married outdoors and using nature’s simplicity and beauty as the best existing decor.
The ceremony unfolded in a tapestry of touching moments as Hamid, accompanied by his parents, embarked down the aisle.
The heartwarming sight of Gina’s 91-year-old Nonna escorting her down the aisle added profound emotion to the ceremony. With each step, the aisle became a passage through generations, bridging the past and present in a poignant display of love.
It was an incredibly touching moment when Hamid caught his first glimpse of Gina in her stunning wedding dress. It was a scene that etched itself into the hearts of all present, a living tableau of familial love and the precious threads that weave together the fabric of cherished memories. The expressions of love and delight were clearly visible in the photographs by the amazingly talented photographer FCP Weddings.
The ceremony was elevated by the enchanting ambiance of live music, as a saxophonist and pianist played a melodic backdrop to the vows and emotions shared in this momentous occasion.
Incorporating a sweet tradition into their ceremony, Hamid and Gina sealed their vows with a symbolic gesture—feeding each other honey. This timeless custom represented the sweetness they aimed to infuse into their shared life journey.
The honey tradition became a heartwarming and flavorful addition to the ceremony, reminding everyone present that love, like honey, is best when shared and savored together.
FCP Weddings is stunning in capturing the profound moments of love and commitment. He skillfully freezes time during the ceremony or couple session and contributes to crafting timeless visual narratives. He crafted exquisite portraits for Hamid and Gina, preserving these moments of happiness for them, ensuring that each photo is a cherished window into the couple’s journey into a lifetime together.
Among the carefully chosen ensemble, Hamid wore Gina’s father’s shoes and the Cartier watch, gifts from his bride-to-be. These cherished items, laden with significance and sentimentality, infused the morning with a sense of connection that brought them all together.
In this dynamic celebration, every decision, from decor to cuisine, felt like a glimpse into the couple’s soul. The cocktail dinatoire, a departure from the norm, introduced an air of intrigue that captivated guests, many of whom were experiencing this unconventional dining style for the first time.
Guided by the culinary expertise of Chef Chris from Saison Traiteur, the reception embarked on a gastronomic journey, commencing with delectable canapés, transitioning seamlessly into moderate-sized tapas, and concluding with a tantalizing midnight snack. The menu, a fusion of flavors mirroring the couple’s diverse backgrounds, turned the reception into an immersive experience.
For their grand entrance to the jubilant applause of the guests, Hamid and Gina emerged onto a romantic balcony overlooking the picturesque landscape of Manoir Davis. Their inaugural dance unfolded under the evening sky, a tender and intimate moment shared between the newlyweds.
As they descended the grand staircase, the atmosphere became even hotter, with the dance floor transforming into a stage for their vibrant connection. The fun and fiery performance not only captivated the eyes but also sparked a contagious energy that resonated with every guest.
The reception unfolded as a symphony of heartfelt moments and vibrant celebrations, seamlessly weaving alternating toasts and touching speeches into the fabric of the evening. Each word spoken echoed with sincerity and love, creating an atmosphere that resonated with the warmth of shared stories and well wishes.
Then, a dance between the groom and his mother followed up. A slow and gentle rhythm characterizes it. As they swayed together, the dance unfolded with a quiet elegance, embodying the purity of their relationship in a serene and touching moment.
The dance floor came alive with spirited performances from guests, infusing the air with infectious energy and joy. The highlight, however, was the mesmerizing dance of the bride and groom. Executed with precision, their synchronized movements painted a beautiful picture of unity and love.
The evening reached its zenith with the reveal of a stunning wedding cake, a masterpiece that stood as a delectable metaphor for the couple’s journey. Layers of flavors intricately blended, mirroring the diverse chapters of their shared life. The cutting of the cake marked not just a sweet indulgence but a moment of unity and shared joy, leaving a lasting impression on all who witnessed the confluence of flavors and emotions.
In the final moments of Hamid and Gina’s wedding, the atmosphere resonated with the echoes of joy, laughter, and the shared moments that defined the celebration. This beautiful wedding was a testament to the power of love in transcending traditions, crafting a day that was as extraordinary and unique as the couple themselves.
Advice from the couple:
• We recommend getting a wedding planner, especially if you’re doing a wedding like ours, which requires renting everything from A to Z and setting it up at the venue. They know how to negotiate things and bring all the puzzle pieces together. It made the whole process a lot less stressful.
• What you envision for your wedding and what you end up with might be completely different, and that’s ok. Wedding planning is a process; your vision will probably change as you go through it. For a minute, we thought we wanted a barn wedding, but when we visited a couple of barns, we realized it wasn’t us. So take it one step at a time and choose what feels right, and slowly, your blank canvas will become a beautiful painting.
PHOTOGRAPHER FCP Weddings | VIDEOGRAPHER Beau Video | PLANNER Prime Events | VENUE Manoir Davis | FLORAL Lelili Fleurs | CATERING Saison Traiteur | DJ Alex Naim | STATIONERY KV Print Bar | RENTALS Tenue de soirée, Joe’s Prop House, DX – Mobilier, Gala Design | BRIDAL GOWN Dior | BRIDAL SHOES Dior | GROOM’S WATCH Cartier
