Anaïs & Sylvain, who hail from France, took advantage of their travels to Quebec to get married. What was important to them was to live this beautiful adventure with their two daughters, and to discover the epic landscapes here. Because they had made Quebec City their pied-à-terre for a few days, we suggested they have their intimate wedding in Baie-Saint-Paul in Charlevoix, about an hour and 15 minutes’ drive from the city.

ANAÏS & SYLVAIN WANTED A WEDDING THAT DIDN’T FOLLOW THE BEATEN PATH. THEY DIDN’T WANT THE STRESS OF A TRADITIONAL CEREMONY.

How their intimate wedding in Baie-Saint-Paul, Charlevoix went:

• Family hike on a short trail
• Mountain-top wedding ceremony with 360-degree views
• Exploration of the surrounding area
• Wedding picnic on the Baie-Saint-Paul beach
• Unforgettable sunset

ANAÏS & SYLVAIN PARTICULARLY APPRECIATED THE FACT THAT WE ADVISED THEM ON HOW TO LEGALIZE THEIR MARRIAGE IN QUEBEC AND THEN IN FRANCE.

Since one of us is also a wedding officiant, let’s just say it makes things easier when it comes to advising future brides and grooms on their legal obligations, the documents they need to fill in, deadlines, and so on. For Sylvain & Anaïs, who came from France, it was a real relief to be accompanied in these matters.

And since they’d never been to our beautiful province and didn’t know where to get married, we also suggested locations that matched their desire to get married in an unspoiled landscape that was also easily accessible with children.

“We’re French and we were looking for something to reflect who we are. So we went on the Internet to find out how we could get married during our trip to Canada. We discovered Love is Nord. Josée and Patrick were very attentive to our needs and constantly striving to make our day unforgettable. They were a constant support. We had several long-distance discussions before the trip, and they understood our choices and wishes perfectly.” 

After speaking with them and listening to their wishes, Patrick & I suggested the Baie-Saint-Paul region in Charlevoix. We felt that it offered an ideal balance of simplicity and adventure – everything they dreamed of and more – with the combination of the incredible Charlevoix mountain scenery and beach access on the banks of the St. Lawrence River. The trail we suggested gave them an unobstructed view of the surrounding peaks after a short hike. And with the trail so close to the St. Lawrence River, it also gave them the chance to take photos in very different environments.

AN INTIMATE WEDDING WITH THEIR KIDS

A mountain-top wedding ceremony

So, on their wedding day, we arranged to meet Sylvain, Anaïs and their two children in the Charlevoix hinterland to show them one of our favorite spots. Because we’d been in touch for several weeks and had helped them organize their intimate wedding as they wished, it felt like we were reuniting with old friends. In fact, that’s how we felt throughout the hours we spent with them that day.

We set off on the short hike that took us to the summit in about 45 minutes. Once up there, everyone put on their wedding clothes. Not a soul in sight. Just peace and quiet.

I put down my camera and, leaving Patrick to take over the photography, began the wedding ceremony. It was beautiful, calm, grandiose and joyful. So many emotions! Without all the useless bling. Which brings us back to the fundamental raison d’être of this commitment.

Exploring the surrounding area

What better way to experience a mountain than to climb to the top and explore its every corner. Once the ceremony was over, their instinct for discovery was given free rein to capture moments of pure joy.

The girls had fun building an inukshuk, while Sylvain & Anaïs enjoyed some romantic time together.

Wedding picnic on the Baie-Saint-Paul beach

Anaïs & Sylvain had another request. They wanted a wedding picnic featuring Quebec gourmet products. We took care of everything, from shopping at the market, to the tableware, and even the decorations-we surprised them!

You should have seen the girls’ discovery of moût de pomme and maple syrup pie!

Unforgettable sunset

Once their gourmet picnic was over, Anaïs & Sylvain took a long walk on the beach. And because Mother Nature wanted to dazzle them one last time, she gave them a cotton candy-colored sky to end this magnificent day.

ADVANTAGES TO HAVE AN INTIMATE WEDDING AT BAIE-SAINT-PAUL IN CHARLEVOIX

• A diverse natural landscape: In Baie-Saint-Paul and Charlevoix in general, there’s no need to choose between the mountains or the river. Because of their proximity, it’s easy to mix the two in the same day. There’s a great variety of trails (from easy to very challenging). And you’re never far from the banks of the St. Lawrence River, making it possible to shoot in very different environments. It’s a breathtaking backdrop for your intimate wedding ceremony and photos.
• A wide range of accommodation: from 5-star hotels to rustic chalets and unconventional lodgings, there’s something for everyone. We can really help you find the perfect solution to suit your budget and your desires.
• Proximity to Quebec City: With all the commodities that implies. We can help you organize a timeline to visit one of North America’s most beautiful cities.
• Accessibility: The mountains and beach are accessible year-round (with the exception of a few weeks in early spring, when we don’t recommend it – hiking trails can get muddy from melting snow), which means you can have your intimate wedding at almost any time of the year. You can choose to exchange your vows in the warm sunshine of summer, the vibrant colors of autumn or the snowy wonders of winter.

Anaïs & Sylvain chose to trust us from the very start of their Quebec intimate wedding adventure.

They were open to our suggestions for locations, trusted us on optimal shooting times, and felt that we were committed to the smooth running of their wedding day.

We connected with them the moment we first met on Zoom. We immediately grasped their different desires for their beautiful wedding day, and they totally trusted our suggestions. That’s what allowed them to experience unforgettable moments, free of all constraints. It was a joy to capture these true, touching moments that will remain timeless.

Our work and our vision took on their full meaning.

P.S. If you’d like to experience your own intimate wedding or elopement adventure with us, whether in Charlevoix or elsewhere in Quebec, take a look at these other extraordinary locations!