The term "modern" gets tossed around a lot when it comes to describing weddings currently, and it certainly can mean a couple different things. First, it could mean the design, as in no frills and minimalist or even a bold and punchy look. Next, it could be referring to the actual wedding: the structure, traditions not observed, and general approach to the wedding day or weekend. So what happens when you find a wedding that combines both of these definitions? A wedding that is, yes, modern and also completely unique to the couple filled with meaning, one-of-a-kind details, and some unexpected twists along the way.
We recently came across such a wedding that took place in Montreal at Ristorante Beatrice that was everything mentioned above (save minimalist, bold and punchy is more like it). It was filled with anecdotes from Lauren and Jason's life together, bold designs, and a general disregard for the 'old' way of doing things. We caught up with their photographer, Emilie Olson and event plannner, Melissa Gianna Renda about everything that went into the day from the custom floral wall to booking a restaurant as a wedding venue. Check it out below.
Photography by Emilie Olson
Tell us a little about this wedding!
Held at the beautiful Ristorante Beatrice in Montreal, the couple styled the restaurant to suit their own personalities on this special day. Instead of sitting in pews or rows of chairs, guests were seated at their tables for the ceremony, which flowed seamlessly into the speeches and reception.
How was working at this venue? What was your favorite part?
This space is incredibly unique, especially for the center of Montreal, due to their ability to open the roof on warm, clear nights. They dining room includes a wall of greenery, ambient lighting, and a large tree that the floor has been constructed around. They’ve done a beautiful job bringing the outside in while maintaining a comfortable interior.
The place is convenient for multiple events as they have a spacious upper floor for more intimate gatherings, while the main dining room caters to restaurant goers and larger events.
What made this wedding special to this couple?
Lauren and Jason are not ones to follow tradition, just for tradition’s sake. Instead, this rule-bending couple did things their own way.
Instead of meeting each other at the aisle, Lauren and Jason stuck together for the entire day—from the morning, right through to last drinks. As such, they were there to greet the guests as they arrived with cocktails in hand, then moved into the main room for the ceremony and reception. A modern approach for a very modern wedding.
What was the design inspiration?
Lauren and Jason wanted a wow element. To make the wedding pop, they chose a floral feature wall where the ceremony and the speeches took place.
Located in the center of the room was a feature wall covered in an abundance of vibrant peonies, chocolate cosmos, anthuriums, ranunculus, roses, carnations, stocks and snapdragons.
Were any special touches incorporated?
It was the little details that made this wedding so special from the temporary tattoo station to the gift of honey pots sourced from Lauren’s parents’ backyard.
The bride and groom also wanted to share a little bit of themselves with the guests, serving their favourite cocktails for guests to enjoy—Lauren’s Aperol Spritz and Jason’s Old Fashioned.
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Credits
Photography: Emilie Olson Photography | Venue: Ristorante Beatrice | Cake: Tillemont | Stationery: Design by Kismet | Wedding Gown: La Perle Blanche by Stefania Orlando | Shoes: Cole Haan | Suits: Boutique Moda | Flowers: Atelier Carmel | Wedding Planning and Design: Melissa Gianna Renda – MGR | Entertainment: Shaharah + DJ Toddy Flores | Wedding bands: Chemin D’Or + Spinelli Kilcollin | Balloons: Haute Balloon | Temporary Tattoos: Tattly | Lighting and Sound: Total Events | Party Favours: Alveole | Cake Toppers: Cocco Designs | Mirror Decal: Sticky Media | Confetti: Oh Happy Day
