Lara and Dom were married at one of the loveliest outdoor venues near Ottawa: Le Belvedere in Wakefield, Quebec!! This luxury wedding at Le Belvedere includes two of the kindest newlyweds and SO many of Ottawa’s best wedding creatives!!
Dom proposed to Lara on their four year anniversary on a picnic blanket in the Arboretum. After “she finally stopped happy crying” (Lara’s words, not mine!!!) ;) they hopped on their bikes and celebrated the rest of the day with food from their favourite Ottawa restaurants.
Touring the city on their bicycles (and through running) is a huge part of Lara and Dom’s life. I recently found out that both Lara and Dom qualified for the Boston Marathon (guys!! this is HUGE – and only something like 10% of marathon runners can even qualify for this race!!) which is beyond impressive!! As you read through this post, keep an eye out for how they introduced their love of athletics into their wedding day: through their teal bicycle covered in flowers – which you might remember from their engagement session in the Arboretum – and Lara’s white custom Nike ID Sneakers!! Yes, they stitched her name on her shoes and it’s one of the most unique wedding details I’ve ever seen!!
Lara and Dom!! I know we’re not supposed to talk about rain on a wedding day, but boy was it ever symbolic! I mention below a sweet comment from one of your guests about comparing a healthy marriage to a thunderstorm, and it’s so true!! Here’s to hoping you have a blessed marriage and that it always brings you back to the warmth of a sunset. Thank you for planning this luxury wedding at Le Belvedere and for inviting us to be a part of it! It truly means the world to us and we are SO grateful to you both!! Much love! xo, A.
I’ll never forget what Lara’s dad said to her when he saw her for the first time as a bride!! It was one of my favourite quotes of the entire day!!: “WOW!! The royal wedding’s got nothing on you!!!” – how right he was!!
The guys got ready at the sister property of Le Belvedere: The Wakefield Grand! This was my first official visit to the Grand and I am blown away by all the modern renovations! I wanted to stay all afternoon and explore the 4 levels of the property!!
Lara and Dom both wrote letters to each other to read on the morning of their wedding. Dom’s was admittedly short and sweet, telling Lara he would save ‘the good stuff’ for their wedding vows! And boy did he ever!!
At Le Belvedere ceremony site, guests were greeted with custom signage from La Fabère, a flower-lined aisle and throwing petals for the recessional!! Did I mention there were flowers everywhere??
Remember this bicycle from Lara and Dom’s Engagement Session in the Arboretum?? Well it’s back!! This time with a little extra magic from Pollen Nation!!
We felt the first drops of rain once the ceremony was officially over (talk about perfect timing!!) but we still had time to grab a few just-married photos with their floral teal bicycle!!
Donuts at weddings are always a good idea!! But when it’s #NationalDonutDay, they’re somehow even SWEETER!! Sprinkle, maple, chocolate, and even vegan options!!! But what ties it all together is the curated decor from Makin’ it Lovely, to match the gold metals and light wood details throughout the rest of the space.
Rain?? What rain?? When given the option to postpone the rest of portraits to later in the evening (at the expense of the timeline), this group said no way!! The ceremony arch was the perfect cover for wedding party photos while we waited for the storm to blow over.
And just like that, the storm passed and the sun came out in the most beautiful sunset!! I overheard some guest comparing the storm that day to weathering a successful marriage – you can’t control everything but you’ll ultimately come back to the warmth of a sunset.
And of course the ‘pizza socks’ needed their moment too!…
Introducing the wedding party and Mister & Misses Rymsza to the reception!!
One of my absolute favourite moments of the day was the choreographed father-daughter dance, with live music sung by their bridesmaid, Deanna! Picture the crowd completely mesmerized as Lara and her dad danced to a live female-sung version of ‘Nothing Else Matters’ by Metallica. Folks, it was everything!!!
A standing ovation and hugs all ’round!!
The rest of the evening was filled with emotional toasts, laughter, dancing, and of course cake and donuts!! Oh, and did I mention an epic sparkler sendoff?? Don’t miss the final image from this gallery!!
Dom!! Lara!! I hope you LOVE this sneak peak!! You might have noticed that I included way more photos than usual in this blog post, but with all the thoughtful/amazing/perfect details you put into your day, I just couldn’t stop!! Not only did you hand selected some of the most talented creatives in our city, but you did it in a way that still reflected your love and friendship at every corner. When I look through these photos I see two of the happiest newlyweds and so much love from your friends and family! Thank you again for the honour of being your photographer and for the gift of your friendship!!
Together forever, despite the weather!! Much love to you both!!
xo, A.
Lara + Dom’s luxury wedding at Le Belvedere has been featured on the international blog, Style me Pretty!! Read the feature: Le Belvedere Wedding in Quebec with Donuts, Perfect Flowers and Sweet Details on Style Me Pretty!!
SPECIAL THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING VENDORS!:
VENUE: LE BELVEDERE
GROOM PREP: THE WAKEFIELD GRAND
WEDDING DRESS STORE: WITH LOVE BRIDAL BOUTIQUE
WEDDING DRESS DESIGNER: MAGGIE SOTTERO
HAIR: SHOWPONY HAIR
MAKEUP: ONE FINE BEAUTY
DECOR SETUP + RENTALS: MAKIN’ IT LOVELY
STATIONARY: LA FABERE
BRIDESMAID DRESSES: WITH LOVE BRIDAL BOUTIQUE
CAKE: MAMA SHELLS CAKES
FLORALS: POLLEN NATION
SUITS: INDOCHINO
ENGAGEMENT RING: NOAM CARVER
BRIDAL JEWELLERY: SARAH WALSH BRIDAL
DJ: EXTREME ENTERTAINMENT
PHOTOGRAPHY: AMY PINDER PHOTOGRAPHY
14 Comments
It goes without saying that Lara was the absolute most gorgeous bride – a beautiful soul inside and out! I am so honoured to have been a small part of her big day <3
Amazing wedding! Amazing venue, food, music, photographs and most importantly, an amazing bride and groom. Congratulations!
What a fantastic time! The photos capture the day perfectly!
OMG! This wedding is out of a magazine!! What a lucky couple to have chosen you as their photographer!!!
Gorgeous all around! Photos, venue, decor bridal party! Bride! Lara you made for a stunning bride! Wishing you and Dom continued love & happiness!
Such a beautiful wedding! Amy, you captured it perfectly. Lara and Dom are lucky to have these pictures to remember thier special day.
These photos are absolutely stunning and beautifully capture a perfect day! Gorgeous!
This was such an incredibly beautiful and magical day! The photos capture the spirit perfectly!!
Such an incredible day, feel so lucky to have been a part of it. Thank you Amy for capturing these amazing moments, these pictures are stunning.
What a beautiful wedding, bride and groom looked like out of a magazine, The photos are absolutely amazing.
Such an amazing day! So happy to share it with you guys! There photos are absolutely stunning!!
These photos have truly captured the essence of what a wonderful day this was! Congratulations and may your thunderstorms be few and your joys many!
Such a beautiful wedding and stunning photos! Congratulations Lara and Dom!
Lara and Don you are off to a fine start..
Settle for nothing but the best..
The Photos are Stellar !
the Event Prima Fila e Auguri !