For Tamara & Parker, planning their wedding was a deeply personal and hands on experience they tackled together, much like their relationship. This globe trotting couple knew that the most important element for them was having close family and friends at the heart of their wedding, even choosing their venue with that in mind.

bride and groom dance in front of the atwater club of montreal on their wedding day — Atwater Club. Photo by ©Studio Baron Photo

The Atwater Club is a historic Tudor mansion with a modern event space on the second level and all the warmth that you’d expect from a historic 1926 heritage building in the western part of downtown Montreal on Sherbrooke St. Ouest. With its wood-panelled walls, sweeping staircase and grand stained glass windows, the inside feels like a warm hug. The outside is like a picture out of the English countryside. Their sleek black and white private event space with arches, one of a kind chandelier and beautiful hardwood floors is the perfect setting for a wedding.

With a shorter planning period than most, of only 6-7 weeks, they focused on keeping things local, simple and true to themselves.

Tamara selected her dress from Park & Fifth Co for its elegance, simplicity and timelessness. Florals were from a vendor at the Atwater Market and consisted solely of baby’s breath. Stationary and the rest of the decor was all done by the bride with her impeccable taste and eye for detail.

For the ceremony, the couple chose the Church of St. Andrew & St. Paul and it was my first time getting to shoot there and all I can say is WOW. With a bagpiper leading the way down the aisle, the sun streaming in through the stained glass windows and the grandeur of the church itself, it was impossible not to get caught up in the emotion of it all. Parker struggled to get through his vows, overcome with tears and soon laughter followed, and it was truly beautiful to witness.

For their portraits, we were able to use the gardens of the church and it was breathtaking. Super well maintained and with everything in full bloom, the light adding it’s own special touch of magic and the chemistry of Tamara and Parker, and it was a real highlight for me!

The highlights of the day for Tamara & Parker, “The small moments—those brief pauses we spent together amidst the excitement of the day.”

Words of advice from the bride and groom to future couples that I echo completely, “Enjoy the little moments—they’re what you’ll remember most. Take time to soak it all in, because the day will fly by faster than you expect. Things may not run exactly how you planned, but no one will notice, and it won’t matter in the end. Most importantly, remember that this is your wedding, so do what feels right for you and not what others expect.”