• Real Weddings

You wouldn't know that this backyard wedding wasn't the Bride and Groom's first plan! Every detail is so thought out and beautiful. From the ceremony backdrop to the gorgeous florals and delectable looking treats! Not to mention this insanely gorgeous piece of land, perfect for a safe outdoor wedding with tons of scenery to gaze over.

Into the Aisle Photography was there to capture all the fun details, Mid Valley Gardens +  Budget Bridal Bouquets provided the gorgeous florals, and Rocco Picheca Salon was there to do epic glam. You can see all the images in the full gallery.

LOVE STORY

Both Sofia’s and Jérémie’s families had gone to the same camp in Québec for years but had never officially met. Around 2016, the kids that had grown up going to this camp started working there, including Jérémie, Sofia, and one of her cousins, Zach. While Sofia and Jérémie quickly developed an unspoken dislike for each other, Jérémie and Zach became fast friends and started conspiring to get their parents together. Zach’s father and Jérémie’s mother had both died within the same month a few summers earlier. Their matchmaking paid off and their parents married.

Fast forward a couple of years and Sofia moved in with her cousins while attending school in Montréal. Almost immediately, Sofia and Jérémie were at odds, unable to see past their differences. An example: Sofia likes baking and singing while Jérémie likes working on a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree at the same time while working two jobs. But time is magical: they softened towards each other and began appreciating the things that made them different. They started hanging out together, watching movies, and talking for hours. On humor alone they fit like a puzzle: Jérémie is clever with a dash of goofy, and Sofia laughs until she cries. They started dating in December of 2018 and were engaged on Christmas Eve 2019.

GOING WITH THE FLOW

Sofia and Jérémie’s wedding is a great example of making the most out of what you have. A backyard wedding can be small and simple but still filled with beautiful details, intentional planning, and meaningful moments. As many couples had to do during this time, Sofia and Jérémie were forced to make a tough decision. Their wedding date was approaching and they still had no news about their venue reopening. The original plan was for a large wedding in Montréal, but instead, they had to create a much smaller version of their big day in about three weeks.

Despite the last-minute planning, they were able to make decisions that contributed to a beautiful and detail-oriented day. Sofia found her wedding dress on Kijiji and borrowed her veil from a sister. The reception centerpieces were borrowed from her brother’s wedding and they rented acrylic Chiavari chairs from Chairman-Mills for a light and summery look. And for the final touches, a beautiful bouquet by Alexandra of Flower Baby Floristry and garlands of greenery by Mid Valley Gardens. Catering was provided by local bakery Cappuccino, and table settings were already owned by the bride's parents. It also helped that their immediate families included multiple wedding vendors. Jérémie’s dad officiated, Sofia’s brother built the arbor, a sister-in-law coordinated decoration, and two of Sofia’s sisters (us!) are wedding photographers.

BEST DAY EVER

Sofia and Jé weren’t discouraged by how their big day was so different from their original plans. They loved how intimate it had become. They loved how they were able to reach even more friends and family by streaming it. And they loved how they didn’t have to stress about driving to various locations. But most of all, they loved how having a small backyard wedding meant they were able to spend the entire day together.

Budget Breakdown

Please note that prices do change, and this budget breakdown gives you an idea of how much a wedding like this might cost you.

Venue: Free (Home)
Shoes: $40
Dress: $520
Suit: $450 (Already owned)
Florals: $480
Rentals: $200
Hair: $70
Makeup: Free (Bride did it herself)
Catering $450
Veil: Free (Borrowed)
Photography: Free by Sisters (Originally $3000)

• Cakes & Catering: Cappucino Bakery
• Dress & Apparel: Call It Spring
• Flowers: Mid Valley Gardens
• Flowers: Budget Bridal Bouquets
• Groom & His Men: Ernest
• Hair, Makeup & Beauty: Rocco Picheca Salon
• Photographers: Into the Aisle Photography
• Rentals: Chair-man Mills