Location: Quebec City, Canada
Setting: Historic Estate
The number of guests: 50
Wedding Season: Fall
How long did the couple plan the event: 1 year
Wedding theme/style: Classic, romantic, timeless.
Laurence and Dylan are a couple whose love story began in a cozy cafe in Toronto and blossomed into a beautiful journey. Laurence was completing her Master’s degree in Toronto when she met Dylan, who worked at her favorite cafe. After many visits to the cafe and a little encouragement from her, Dylan finally asked her out on a date. Five years later, Dylan proposed in Paris, a special place for them as it was their first trip together as a couple during their first year of dating. Laurence was completely taken by surprise, and the moment felt very surreal. They spent the next year enjoying their engagement and slowly planning their wedding for the following year. “I had always dreamed of a fall wedding with my family and close friends. Quebec City offered a perfect romantic destination that was not too far from home,” Laurence added.
The lovebirds decided to have an intimate civil ceremony with just the two of them and a larger celebration for their loved ones. They wanted these special moments captured beautifully, so they chose Kristina Bastien as their photographer for both events. She skillfully used both digital and film cameras to capture all the warmth and love, creating timeless and romantic photos that perfectly display their unique bond.
Laurence and Dylan decided to have an intimate civil ceremony in Toronto, keeping the day just for the two of them.
Laurence looked stunning in a Herskind dress that perfectly mirrored her elegant and minimalist style. “I wanted both looks to feel effortless, simple and elegant. I wanted to wear something that I could look at in 20-30 years and still feel like me”. The dress featured clean lines and a sophisticated silhouette, complemented by her vintage earrings that added a touch of timeless glamour. Her natural and fresh makeup highlighted her beauty without overpowering her look. Dylan, equally stylish, wore a classic black suit that perfectly matched the overall aesthetic of their day.
We had a civil wedding in Toronto with just myself, Dylan, and a photographer which honestly took a lot of pressure off for the reception in Quebec City.
The day was filled with genuine moments of happiness and love, beautifully captured by Kristina Bastien in both candid and posed shots. Every moment was a testament to their deep connection, from walking the city streets to sharing a private embrace. The simplicity of the civil ceremony allowed their love to take center stage, creating an serene and profoundly romantic atmosphere.
The wedding in Quebec was incredibly special as Laurence and Dylan wanted to share their love with their closest friends and family. They shared: “It was important to us that the whole day felt like us. We wanted to incorporate elements from both our cultures — from the food we served, the party favors, and our reception outfits. We wrote each other notes to read while we were getting ready, which I thought was a nice touch to ground myself in the day and enjoy it. Being a small guest list, we were able to write genuine and personal thank-you notes to everyone attending. Dylan was proud of the custom coffee we gave each guest.”
The ceremony and reception took place at a historic estate, Domaine Cataraqui. The ceremony space was intimate and elegant, with white chairs neatly arranged on the stone courtyard. Floral arrangements featuring a blend of white and deep burgundy flowers adorned the aisle, adding a touch of romance. Delicate white ribbons tied to the chairs enhanced the elegant ambiance. The rustic charm of the stone buildings and the lush green ivy climbing the walls provided a picturesque backdrop for the vows.
Laurence and Dylan wanted a wedding that felt deeply personal and intimate. Their friend officiated the ceremony, writing it in both French and English so that both of their families could feel like they were part of it, which was very special. While they included some traditional elements, their main goal was to ensure the day felt natural and truly reflective of their personalities. “We were happy to hear that everyone had such a lovely time. It felt very calm and peaceful, which was important to us,” the newlyweds shared.
During the cocktail hour, guests were treated to a delightful experience in the back garden, which overlooked the water during the sunset. A talented jazz band provided a lively soundtrack to the evening, setting a joyful and relaxed tone.
The couple shared celebratory moments with their guests, who toasted with champagne, creating a festive atmosphere. The venue’s beautiful architecture added to the romantic ambiance of the gathering.
The reception was truly personal. For their first dance, the newlyweds chose “Happiness” by Rex Orange County, a favorite from a record often played at home. Guests enjoyed two signature cocktails—a Saint Germain Spritz and an Espresso Martini—along with a selection of wines. The evening featured live music during the cocktail hour, followed by DJs who kept the energy high throughout the reception. The entire celebration was filled with joy and warmth, creating unforgettable memories for everyone present.
The whole day felt very memorable and special. Having both of our families in one place at the same time was very dear to us, these are memories we will cherish forever.
The Yelles created stunning and heartwarming videos that beautifully captured the emotions of the newlyweds and the essence of their special day.
Advice from the couple:
• People always say your wedding day happens so fast, but I felt like we had the time to take it all in and be with our loved ones. It was a nice pace, and overall, I didn’t feel like we missed anything. Our advice would be to plan some time to rest as a couple during the day, even if it’s just for 10-15 mins. Having these moments to share our feelings and soak it all in just the two of us made it more intimate and very special at the same time.
DETAILS PHOTOGRAPHER & CIVIL WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER Kristina Bastien | VIDEOGRAPHER The Yelles | VENUE Domaine Cataraqui | PLANNER Simplement Nous | WEDDING DAY PHOTOGRAPHY Tyler Hayward | FLORIST Atelier Carmel | BRIDE’S HAIR Francis Bouchard | BRIDE’S MAKEUP Julie Cusson | BRIDAL DRESS Anna Quan | BRIDAL SECOND DRESS Herskind | GROOM’S OUTFIT Harry Rosen | OFFICIANT & MC Gilbert Coyle | CATERING Bistro Évolution | DJ & LIVE JAZZ BAND A1DJs |
