City Streets, Secret Vows, and a Pup in a Bowtie: An Elopement at Bar George

Jun 4

Weddings are supposed to go according to plan… and then reality shows up, tosses some confetti in your face, and says, “Plot twist!” Which is kind of perfect, honestly—because love isn’t about perfection. It’s about rolling with it, finding the magic in the unknown, and knowing when to pivot. And let me tell you, this Montreal elopement? It had everything: sky rises, couture, a surprise protest, and a very photogenic dog.

We kicked off the day at Square Phillips, ready to capture some classic Montreal city vibes. The look? New York moody and cinematic. Think editorial elegance with just the right amount of edge. The couple was glowing. The light was perfect. And then—bam—a flash protest. I mean, nothing says “urban wedding” like chanting and handmade signs. But hey, I’ve seen it all, and I’ve got legs built for scouting plan B’s in heels. So, we pivoted.

Next stop: The Birks Hotel. Glamorous, timeless, and mercifully protest-free. We wandered around Union, soaked in those downtown vibes, and then made our way to Place Ville Marie. The couple’s adorable puppy joined us for the first part of portraits, and listen—I love when people bring their fur babies. I’ve photographed everything from cats in bowties to a parrot on a ring bearer’s shoulder (yes, really), so I’ve got all the tricks. High-pitched noises? Got ’em. Treats in my camera bag? Always. Will I lie down on a sidewalk to get the shot? Absolutely.

Once the puppy was safely snuggled away, we headed to Bar George, tucked inside the stunning Mount Stephen Hotel—and if you’ve never been, it’s basically what would happen if a British manor and a glam Montreal cocktail lounge had a very stylish baby. It’s dark, moody, and rich with history—like the perfect glass of whiskey.

You don’t need a lot of decor in a space like that—it is the moment. But the couple still found a beautiful way to make it deeply personal: they wrote heartfelt, bound letters to each guest. Not just a thank-you note, but something meaningful and specific. Cue the tears. (Yes, I cried too. No shame in this game.)

The ceremony was tiny, intimate, and spoken in a language I don’t speak—and that’s totally fine. I photograph weddings in all kinds of languages and traditions. My job isn’t to translate—it’s to feel the moment, anticipate the tears, the laughter, the way two hands grip a little tighter just before the “I do.” Emotions are universal. And I’ve got an eye (and heart) tuned to catch them.

This was the wedding—the real deal. Some of their close family members live abroad, so the couple will celebrate again in the future. But for this day, in this city, it was just them, a few of their favorite people, a puppy, and a whole lot of heart.