An elopement on ice


In February 2020 I put together my first ever styled elopement and had so much fun doing so. This past December I decided that it was time to plan another styled photoshoot and within a week I had this elopement set up. I am so grateful that such talented wedding vendors agreed to collaborate with me given such short notice. They really helped bring my vision to life and for that, I am very grateful. As an elopement and intimate wedding photographer in Montreal, this day was truly perfect. It had the perfect balance of elegance, authenticity, and romance all while embracing the cold Canadian winter. I will begin this blog by telling you about Anastasia and Anatoli's love story and then end off by talking about my experience with all of the amazing vendors I had the chance to collaborate with.


The Love Story

Anastasia and Anatoli have gone through a lot together but their love for each other is very strong and can be seen throughout the photos below. Here is their love story in their own words. It is powerful, moving, and inspiring.


We were both born in Ukraine. I met Anatoli in 2012, when I was only 13 and he was 17. In 2013, after knowing each other for 8 months, he immigrated to Canada along with his family. In 2014, The Revolution of Dignity, also known as the Euromaidan revolution occured in Ukraine and a war broke out with Russia. This meant that Anatoli couldn’t return home to visit me. In the summer of 2016 we finally got to see each other for the first meet in 3 years. We got married that year in Kaliningrad, Russia. Although we were unable to have any family around, it was one of the most memorable days of my life. I moved to Canada in 2017, so that we can live together at last, however this meant that I had to leave my family and friends behind in Ukraine. But as you know, love conquers all and we really do complete one another. This is our love story.


Hearing how long and hard they have fought to make their love story turn into a reality is truly inspiring.


The Vendors + My Experience

We incorporated two different gowns from Chateau Nadia into this elopement. The first one was a fairytale type of ballroom gown from Milla Nova, while the second dress was a bohemian style dress. To start off this blog, I'd like to tell you a little bit about my experience at Chateau Nadia. I accompanied Anastasia for the gown fitting and to be honest, I was a little nervous. I've always been the type of person to get a bit overwhelmed when shopping but the experience at Chateau Nadia was so different and unique in the best way possible. Both Nadia and Sarah are so professional and knowledgable yet also have a unique ability to make you feel so calm and comfortable when choosing a wedding gown. I felt that their expertise in the area really shaped our experience and made us feel like we were in the right hands. And don't forget, this was only a styled elopement. Not a real wedding or elopement. That being said, if you're not sure where to go when looking for a wedding dress, I highly recommend Chateau Nadia. I am sure that they won't disappoint!


The first dress was paired with the most magical bouquet imaginable. The owner at Fleurs et Soins, Mimi, went all out with the bouquet that she made for us. It included pink carnations, baby's breath, eucalyptus, lavender, pine cones, and even added hidden bells within for a festive touch! Instead of having a classic ribbon hold the bouquet together, Mimi added dried bark and a layer of fur so that the bride can comfortably hold the flowers while adding yet an extra element of holiday festivity to the bouquet. I'm still in awe over how beautiful she made it. The second dress was paired with a dried bouquet from Flowers Out of the Blue and really complimented the dress nicely.


Oksana from Makeup Senkevich did an amazing job (as always) on Anastasia's hair and makeup. We went for an elegant and timeless updo, paired with a very natural makeup look. The purple eye shadow really brought the whole look together and was great for our winter/ice theme! Catherine from Deux Amoureux provided us with two delicate and unique vow books that were bound together with a blue ribbon. They truly added such a personal touch to the day. I'd highly recommend investing in good quality stationery for your wedding day such as vow books. Why? Simply because vow books are something tangible that you can actually keep for years to come after your wedding day. Trust me, you definitely will appreciate having these keepsakes for years to come.


Next up is the venue. The owner of Le Couvent Val-Morin, Frédéric, was such a gracious host. He allowed us to use his venue which let me tell you, was amazing! Only an hour north of Montreal, this venue is nestled in the woods off a side road, overlooking Lac Raymond. There was a feeling of calm and serenity at the venue throughout the entire day. The choice of location for your elopement is definitely a big decision and I am so happy we decided to host the session at Frédéric's secret oasis.


We ended off the elopement once the sun had set in an intimate corner of the property which was decked out with fairy lights and a private little bench. After popping a bottle of champagne, we headed inside for some tea and biscuits while enjoying the much-needed warmth of the wood-burning fireplace.


I hope you enjoyed reading this blog and to those of you who have made it to the end, just know that I truly appreciate you! There will be many more blogs coming so keep yours open for that. But for now, enjoy the photos from this truly magical day! I'd love to hear your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below!


Xoxo,

Aliza

alizadworkind@gmail.com


List of all the vendors + their websites:

Photographer + Planner | themontrealweddingphotographer.ca

Hair + Makeup | makeupsenkevich.ru 

Dress | chateaunadia.com

Venue | lecouventvalmorin.ca

Stationery | deuxamoureux.com

Flowers | www.fleursetsoins.com and www.flowersoutoftheblue.shop

Model | instagram.com/saynanaya

Videographer | nicolasbellevuefilms.com

A groom getting ready by checking his grey suit jacket hanging in a bright room.
A gray tweed suit jacket hangs on a white wall-mounted shelf near a window.
A groom adjusts the buttons on his grey tweed suit jacket in a minimalist white room.
Close-up of hands tying brown leather dress shoes on wooden floor.
A groom in a grey suit ties his dress shoes while sitting on a bed with hardwood floors.
A groom in formal attire buttons his suit while sitting in a bright sunlit room.
A profile view of a groom in a grey suit jacket looking thoughtfully out a window.
A bride in white robe smiles while looking out window during wedding preparations.
A joyful moment captured of a bride in her white robe with gold 'Bride' lettering by a window.
A white satin robe with 'Bride' text hangs near an elegant wedding gown by a sunlit window.
A flowing white wedding dress hangs gracefully in front of a large bright window in a minimalist room.
An elegantly flowing wedding gown hangs against a bright window in a room with wooden floors.
Intimate wedding dress photo showing an open back design with delicate button details.
A bride in white gown and fur stole stands on stairs holding a winter wedding bouquet.
A bride in a white gown and brown fur stole twirls in the snow with winter trees in the background.
A winter wedding portrait featuring a brown fur wrap and elegant updo against wooden fencing.
A winter bride wearing a brown fur wrap holds a bouquet against a snowy forest backdrop.
Wedding dress detail with peach and white floral bouquet against snowy background.
Winter bridal portrait with fur wrap and bouquet amidst bare branches in snow.
A bride in a lace wedding gown and brown fur stole holds a winter bouquet against snowy backdrop.
A couple stands on frozen lake with snowy mountain backdrop during winter wedding photoshoot.
A bride in fur stole reaches toward groom on frozen lake with mountains in background.
A wedding couple stands together on frozen lake with snow-covered mountains in the distance.
A winter wedding couple poses on a frozen lake with the bride wearing a fur wrap and holding a bouquet.
A winter wedding couple shares an intimate moment on a frozen lake with snowy mountains behind them.
A romantic winter wedding photo of a couple embracing on a frozen lake surrounded by snowy landscape.
A bride in fur wrap and groom in grey suit share a tender moment during their winter wedding.
A joyful winter wedding moment captured on a frozen lake with mountains in the background.
An intimate winter wedding portrait showing a tender moment between newlyweds.
A romantic winter wedding kiss captured on a frozen lake with mountains in the background.
A winter wedding couple embraces on a frozen lake with snow-capped mountains in the background.
Newlyweds share an intimate moment on an icy lake with mountains and winter scenery.
A romantic winter wedding moment captured against a backdrop of snowy mountains.
Tender wedding moment photographed on a frozen lake with snow-covered mountains in winter.
Winter bride in fur wrap and groom in tweed share a joyful moment by frozen lake.
Intimate winter wedding portrait with bride in fur wrap and groom in grey blazer.
Wedding couple dancing on frozen lake with mountain backdrop and evergreen trees.
A winter wedding embrace with the couple sharing a tender moment while holding a floral bouquet.
A frozen lake surrounded by snow-covered hills and trees in winter.
A small aircraft on a snow-covered lake against a dark forest background.
A winter landscape with frozen lake and snow-dusted mountains in the distance.
Wedding vow books tied with blue ribbon alongside pine cones and winter florals.
Wedding details flatlay with floral bouquet, blue ribbon, rings and invitation card.
Wedding rings next to pine cone and floral decor on a grey surface.
A winter wedding bouquet with pine cones, eucalyptus, and blush roses on a grey background.
A frozen lake landscape with snow-covered mountains and houses along the shoreline.
Bride in flowing white dress twirls on frozen lake with mountains in background.
Elegant bride poses in off-shoulder wedding gown on frozen winter lake.
Bride spins in flowing white dress on snowy landscape with mountains behind.
A white wedding dress with lace details photographed from behind on a frozen lake with mountain scenery.
An elegant wedding dress flowing in the winter wind on a frozen mountain lake.
A delicate off-shoulder wedding gown with lace details against a snowy mountain backdrop.
A white wedding dress billows in a snowy winter mountain landscape with pine trees in the background.
An elegant bridal photoshoot on a frozen lake surrounded by snow-covered mountains.
A dreamy winter bridal portrait featuring a strapless white gown with sheer sleeves on an icy lake.
An ethereal bridal portrait on a frozen lake with snow-capped mountains in the distance.
A romantic winter bridal photo showing a flowing white dress spread across frozen lake ice.
Artistic bridal portrait on ice featuring delicate lace details and dramatic winter lighting.
Close-up detail of intricate lace and tulle on a wedding dress bodice.
A dreamy bridal portrait with soft tulle veil creating an ethereal effect.
A white wedding dress on a frozen lake with snow-capped mountains in the background during winter.
Ethereal winter bridal portrait on frozen lake with snowy mountains in background.
Dreamy bridal shoot on icy lake featuring flowing white dress against mountain landscape.
Romantic winter bride pose on frozen lake with mountain backdrop.
A flowy white wedding gown on a frozen winter lake with evergreen trees and mountains in the distance.
String lights hanging between trees in a snowy winter setting at night.
A romantic wedding couple share a tender moment under warm lighting, with the bride wearing a stunning lace gown.
A couple in wedding attire stands beneath illuminated string lights on a sandy beach at night.
Close-up detail of intricate lace on a wedding dress with hands touching.
An intimate wedding portrait captured at night showing a close embrace between newlyweds.
Close-up detail of intricate lace wedding dress with hands clasped together.
A romantic nighttime wedding portrait with soft lighting and intimate embrace.
A dramatic dip kiss between newlyweds under string lights at night.
Newlyweds share a romantic moment under hanging lights with dried flower bouquet.
Wedding couple embraces under string lights with dried pampas grass bouquet at night.
Artistic night wedding photo with flowing veil and string lights creating romantic ambiance.
Intimate wedding moment captured in dramatic lighting with lace dress details.
A dramatic wedding photo at night with hanging lights and champagne being popped in celebration.
A candid wedding moment captured under glowing lights with a long flowing veil.
Newlyweds share a joyful moment under string lights at night with a dramatic flowing veil.
A romantic nighttime wedding portrait with string lights and a flowing veil creating a magical atmosphere.

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