An Editorial Destination Wedding in Montreal on Film | Melanie + Charlie


There is a very specific reason why couples from New York, Chicago, and Boston look across the border when planning their wedding days. Montreal has this rare duality: it feels entirely like a European escape with its historic stone facades French language and romance, but it’s just a short flight from the US. It’s the ultimate destination for couples who care deeply about art, culture, and an incredible food scene.


When Melanie and Charlie reached out from Chicago, I knew their day was going to be something spectacular. They are the kind of homebodies who love deeply, appreciate effortless style, and wanted to bring their favourite people together for an unforgettable summer weekend in Montreal.


Their day was an absolute dream to document, and it was recently featured over on Together Journal (which you can check out right here!).


Because navigating a wedding from afar comes with its own unique set of logistics, as a Montreal wedding photographer, I’m breaking down the ultimate blueprint for planning your US-to-Montreal destination wedding, using Melanie and Charlie's stunning day as our guide. All their photos can be found at the end of this blog as inspiration!


1. Finding the "Secret Garden" Vibe in the City

Many US couples are drawn to Montreal for the historic, cobblestone charm of the Old Port, but the city also hides some incredible garden party type venues, just minutes from downtown.


Melanie and Charlie hosted their celebration out on Parc Jean-Drapeau, utilizing both the Pavillon de la Jamaïque and La Toundra. If you are looking for a lush, garden-party atmosphere, this area is a gorgeous canvas. Instead of focusing heavily on interior venue structures, my approach here is always to lean into the exterior experience.


Think massive willow trees, towering evergreens, and sun-drenched paths. It feels like an isolated sanctuary where your guests can sip cocktails outdoors and truly enjoy the Montreal summer energy. A plus is that this venue is on the F1 Grand Prix race tracks which is always exciting for guests to discover!!


2. Curation, Tonal Palettes, and Wardrobe Styling

Planning from afar means you get to bring your own distinct regional style and blend it with Montreal’s creative backdrop. Melanie absolutely crushed the styling for their day, opting for a fashion-forward yet timeless look:

  • The Dress: A stunning, strapless Jenny Yoo canopy taffeta gown that moved beautifully in the breeze.
  • The Details: Vintage pearl drop earrings and chic Stuart Weitzman kitten heels—perfect for walking through garden paths without sacrificing an ounce of style.
  • The Palette: Sage greens, sky blues, and muted pastels that complemented the natural greenery of the island perfectly.

When you're building your destination design, look for tones that harmonize with the season. Montreal summers are vibrant and rich; soft, intentional pastels contrast beautifully against our deep summer greens.


3. The Reality of Booking a Local Film Photographer

When you are planning a wedding in Canada, your main focus should be on trust and communication. Trying to coordinate timelines, lighting conditions, and a fluid wedding day from a different country can feel like a massive guessing game. Because I am based in Montreal, I can be your on the ground guide to best photo locations, things to keep in mind about Montreal, to ensure you have the best destination wedding! I shoot heavily on real 35mm and 120mm analog film alongside digital, and therefore, I approach your timeline with knowledge and confidence, as I will be scouting the locations for you and have years of experience in the city.


When we work together from afar, we iron out your timeline months in advance. I don't just hand you a rigid schedule; we talk about your vision and then look at the specific energy of your venue and curate a day that allows for spontaneous, candid moments. By the time you step off the plane, you don't have to worry about a thing- you know the photography logistics are handled by someone who knows the local rhythm like the back of their hand.


4. Crafting the Perfect Out-of-Town Guest Timeline

One of the biggest perks of a Montreal destination wedding is treating your guests to a mini-vacation. To make the most of it, think about the flow of an entire weekend celebration:

  • The Welcome: Host a casual welcome drink soirée in the Old Port the night before so your guests can take in the architecture, begin mingling and kick off the weekend in the best way.
  • The Transition: Keep transportation seamless by arranging shuttles to bring guests from downtown hotels out to nature-focused venues like Le Forest and Stream, Auberge Willow Inn, La Toundra.
  • The Insider Pro-Tip: Weave local flavour into the day! Whether it's late-night Montreal poutine on the dance floor, maple syrup customized gifts, or sourcing local vendors, giving your guests a taste of the city's identity makes the journey entirely worth it.


5. Why a Local Montreal Wedding Planner is Your Absolute Secret For Success

If you take only one piece of advice from this entire guide, let it be this: do not try to plan a cross-border wedding without a local Montreal planner.


Trying to coordinate a wedding from Chicago or New York means you are entirely at the mercy of Google reviews and Instagram feeds. A local planner is the difference between an incredibly stressful guessing game and an effortless, high-end weekend. They don’t just know the venues; they know the exact layout flaws of those venues. They know the permits required for historic city spaces, how Montreal traffic actually flows during summer festival season, and exactly who to call when a backup plan needs to happen instantly due to a sudden rainstorm.


Most importantly, they have deep, trusted relationships with the best local vendor teams. When you hire a planner who is deeply embedded in the Montreal creative scene, it changes the entire energy of your day. It ensures your vendor team communicates seamlessly, protects your timeline, and builds a safety net around your investment so you can actually just show up, drink amazing wine, and be present with your guests. Reach out to me for a list of some of my favourite wedding vendors to work with! <3


You Focus on the Weekend. I’ll Capture the Life in It.

Planning your Montreal wedding from New York, Chicago, or beyond means choosing a team on the ground who completely understands the rhythm, the hidden nooks, and the distinct light of the city.


If you want your day documented with honesty, less performance, and plenty of real analog film, I would love to be there to celebrate your love while effortlessly capturing all the big and small moments! Inquire here for your wedding date and let’s start dreaming up your weekend.

Bride and groom pose under a willow tree surrounded by elegant floral arrangements on their wedding day.
Elegant wedding invitation suite with white flowers, vintage stamps, and delicate lace details on a gray linen background.
Black and white photo of elegant wedding dresses and bridesmaid gowns hanging by a sunlit window.
Dramatic black and white photo of a cascading bridal bouquet with orchids held against a bright sky.
Elegant wedding table setting with gold cutlery, white plates, wine glasses and floral centerpiece on dark tablecloth.
Sunlight filters through dense green foliage of tall trees creating a mystical forest atmosphere.
A flowing white wedding dress with long lace train photographed against a gothic cathedral facade and modern building.
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A touching series of joyful wedding photos showing sweet candid interactions between the bride and a guest at an outdoor venue.
Motion-blurred photo of newlyweds running through a green garden, with the bride's white dress flowing behind them.
Wedding guests in formal attire seated outdoors watching the ceremony through soft focus trees and greenery.
A joyful emotional moment with a wedding party laughing together in a garden setting.
Groomsmen in black tuxedos and bowties relax on a blue couch at a formal wedding event.
Bridal party in colorful dresses helps with white wedding gown veil in front of historic gothic church spires.
Elegant mirror reflection shows person adjusting formal attire with tuxedo shirt and suspenders while getting ready.
White wedding dress with long cathedral train photographed against gothic church architecture in urban setting.
Sequence of wedding photos showing a flowing white bridal gown and veil against a gothic stone church backdrop.
Group of people in navy blue uniforms reaching up to hang clothing by a window with natural light.
Wedding party poses on grand steps, bride in white gown with groomsmen in tuxedos and bridesmaids in blue dresses.
Bride and groom in black tuxedo smiling together holding white floral bouquet on wedding day.
Bride in white gown with bridesmaids in blue dresses holding white and blue floral bouquets at a wedding ceremony.
Bride in strapless gown with lace-trimmed cathedral veil stands on steps of grand stone building holding bouquet.
Six groomsmen in black tuxedos with bow ties laugh and walk together outside elegant stone columns.
Six groomsmen in black tuxedos leaning against a stone column in a classic black and white wedding photo.
Hand holding elegant white orchid and wildflower wedding bouquet against blue sky outdoors.
Bride in white gown with bouquet sits on grass as groom in tuxedo holds her heels in a garden setting.
Bride and groom share a romantic kiss hidden beneath a flowing white veil outdoors on their wedding day.
Smiling bride in strapless white gown and lace veil poses outdoors among trees on her wedding day.
Outdoor wedding ceremony under weeping willow tree with guests seated on white chairs.
Black and white photo of a traditional paper parasol umbrella lying open on grass.
Newlywed couple walks down outdoor aisle under willow tree surrounded by wedding guests.
Groom dips bride for a romantic kiss at outdoor wedding ceremony in black and white photography.
Four vintage gold and pearl brooches arranged on rustic wood surface, featuring floral and abstract designs.
A wedding scene at sunset with hanging string lights and decorative details along a garden path during golden hour.
Wedding guests seated at a candlelit reception dinner smile and laugh while enjoying the evening festivities.
Elegant outdoor tent dining setup with round tables and natural lighting overlooking scenic landscape views.
Elegant wedding table setting with tall glass candle holders, white flowers and sage green linens under twinkling lights.
A collection of wedding detail shots showing a couple sitting on grass with white dress and floral bouquet details.
Wedding reception table decorated with lush floral arrangements and lanterns hanging overhead in an elegant rustic setting.
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A bride in a white gown and groom in a black tuxedo pose together under weeping willow trees in a garden setting.
A bride in a white strapless gown and veil smiles joyfully while standing next to an elegant white tiered wedding cake.
Wedding reception guests dance energetically while the bride in white dress twirls on a dark dance floor.
A newlywed couple shares a joyful moment while cutting their elegant white wedding cake at their reception celebration.
Wedding guests dancing energetically on the dance floor at a nighttime reception in black and white photography.
Bride and groom laughing at floral-adorned sweetheart table under globe lights at elegant indoor wedding reception.

BEST MONTREAL WEDDING VENDORS that pulled off this dream weekend!!

LOCATION La Toundra, Parc Jean-Drapeau, @parcjeandrapeau BRIDE Melanie, @melam3l GROOM Charlie, @charliefilips PHOTOGRAPHER Aliza Dworkind, @alizadworkind VIDEOGRAPHER Beau Video, @beau_video PLANNER Chic et Champagne, @chic.champagne FLORIST Maison Anthea, @maisonanthea ENTERTAINMENT DJ – The Event Guy, @theeventguymtl HIRE Group ABP, @groupeabp; Tenue de Soiree, @tenuedesoiree_ CATERING Traiteur Brera, @traiteur_brera CAKE Patisserie Rhubarbe, @rhubarbe_mtl STATIONERY Minted, @minted; Zola, @zola RINGS The Classic Gem, @theclassicgemjewelry BRIDE’S DRESS Jenny Yoo, @jennyyoonyc BRIDE’S SHOES Stuart Weitzman, @stuartweitzman BRIDE’S ACCESSORIES Necklace – Katy Faye, @katyfayejewelry VEIL Etsy, @etsy; Cocktail Hour – Tessa Kim, @_tessa_kim_ MAKEUP Juliane Larin, @juliane_mua_; Samara Habib, @samaara_makeup HAIR Chanel Perugino, @chanelperugino; Beauty Trend, @slava.beautytrend BRIDE’S AFTER PARTY DRESS Helsi, @shophelsi BRIDE’S AFTER PARTY SHOES Badgley Mischka, @badgleymischka GROOM’S SUIT Tom James, @tomjamesclothing GROOM’S SHOES Allen Edmonds, @allenedmonds GROOM’S ACCESSORIES Tom James, @tomjamesclothing TRANSPORTATION Lou Lou Bus