Oh Steve – you superstar! Thank you so much for these glorious photos! You have such talent – we are so happy with the result
The last wedding at La Scena that I photographed was one of my favourites since moving to Montreal, so I was really looking forward to being back at this fantastic wedding venue for Sara & Christopher’s big day.
The day began for me at the couple’s home close to the centre of Montreal, where Chris and the boys were hanging out together and getting ready for the day ahead. There were a few rain showers, but the forecast for later in the day was looking to be on our side.
After leaving the boys I headed to the hotel where Sara, her mom and her girlfriends were having hair and makeup done as well as indulging in some good food and a little champagne. The room was perfect for photographing in – plenty of space, mirrors and large windows. When I left for the venue, I even spotted Wayne Rooney in the lobby!
From there, it was down to the Old Port of Montreal and on to La Scena for the main event. Scena is also blessed with huge windows and plenty of light, which makes it so much better than most venues in the Old Port when it comes to capturing the kind of wedding photos I strive for. It has an industrial vibe yet still manages to feel elegant and very contemporary.
The wedding ceremony was held upstairs in the long room before everyone gathered for cocktails on the patio area. We did a few group photos there before heading out for a little wander for portraits of Sara & Chris. By now it was a warm, summer day and there were hundreds of tourists around. Chris wasn’t enjoying the crowds, so we made our way towards the waterfront, which wasn’t quite so busy. The light was fantastic too.
Back inside Scena, it was time for food, drink, speeches and general merriment. The couple had the genius idea of turning the ceremony room upstairs into a makeshift creche for the kids while the adults enjoyed their meals. At one point I went up to check what the kids were up to and they were reenacting the wedding ceremony as a game. It was such a cute moment that I would have missed if I’d stayed downstairs. Check the photos below.
This was a brilliant wedding and Sara & Chris were absolute stars. I had such a great day with them and their guests. And it reinforced my belief that Scena is one of the coolest venues in Montreal.
Big thanks also to their talented wedding planners at Hera Mariages.
If you’re planning a wedding at La Scena I’d love to hear from you so, please drop me an email.
Choosing a wedding venue is a significant decision that sets the tone for the entire celebration. La Scena, located in the vibrant and historic Old Montreal, presents itself as a venue that beautifully marries contemporary design with the charm of its historic surroundings. As a wedding photographer, I have witnessed how the choice of venue can enhance the ambiance of the occasion. La Scena, with its unique features and stunning location, offers a distinctive setting for a memorable celebration. Here’s an exploration of why La Scena could be the perfect choice for couples planning their nuptials.
1. The Allure of Old Montreal
La Scena is situated in the heart of Old Montreal, an area rich in history and character. The cobblestone streets, the architectural grandeur, and the aura of times gone by add a romantic and timeless quality to any celebration. The historic backdrop of Old Montreal provides a multitude of picturesque spots for wedding photography, capturing the essence of the city and the joy of the occasion.
2. Modern and Versatile Space
Contrasting with the historical backdrop, La Scena itself is a modern and versatile space. Its contemporary design, with clean lines and open layouts, offers a blank canvas for couples to create their dream wedding. The versatility of the space is ideal for photography, allowing for a variety of styles and settings to be captured, from minimalist and sophisticated to lavish and ornate.
3. Stunning Views of the St. Lawrence River
La Scena boasts panoramic views of the St. Lawrence River, providing a serene and majestic setting. The waterfront location not only adds a sense of tranquility and beauty but also offers a splendid backdrop for photographs. Whether it’s the gentle flow of the river during the day or the reflection of the city lights at night, the river adds a dynamic and ever-changing element to the photos.
4. Abundance of Natural Light
The ample windows at La Scena flood the space with natural light, a key element in creating beautiful photographs. The soft, diffused daylight enhances the natural beauty of the subjects and brings a warm and inviting feel to the images. For evening celebrations, the transition from day to night in this light-filled space offers a range of moods and atmospheres to be captured.
5. Proximity to Iconic Montreal Landmarks
La Scena’s location in Old Montreal means it is in close proximity to some of the city’s most iconic landmarks. This proximity offers the opportunity for couples to have their photographs taken at these significant sites, adding a sense of grandeur and historical significance to their wedding album.
6. Spacious Outdoor Terrace
One of the unique features of La Scena is its spacious outdoor terrace. This area allows for an outdoor component to the celebration, be it a ceremony, cocktail hour, or a space for guests to mingle. The terrace, overlooking the river and the city, provides a stunning setting for photographs, especially during sunset when the sky transforms into a canvas of colours.
7. Elegant and Sophisticated Atmosphere
The interior of La Scena exudes an elegance and sophistication that is both modern and timeless. This chic ambiance is reflected in the photographs, creating images that are stylish and elegant. The contemporary decor serves as a beautiful backdrop for capturing the moments of joy and celebration.
8. Exceptional Culinary Experience
La Scena is known for its exceptional culinary offerings. The presentation of the food, the quality of the ingredients, and the creativity of the menu contribute to the overall experience of the celebration. In photographs, the culinary creations add a touch of elegance and refinement, capturing the essence of a shared feast.
9. Dynamic and Lively Atmosphere
Being located in Old Montreal, La Scena benefits from the vibrant and lively atmosphere of the area. This energy translates into the celebration, adding a dynamic and joyful element to the photographs. The buzz of the city, combined with the excitement of the celebration, creates images that are full of life and energy.
10. Personalized Service and Attention to Detail
The staff at La Scena are dedicated to providing personalized service and paying attention to every detail. This level of service ensures that the celebration is not only smooth and well-organized but also tailored to the couple’s vision. In photography, this attention to detail is evident in the seamless flow of the event, the elegant decor, and the joyful interactions of the guests.
In conclusion, La Scena in Old Montreal offers a unique blend of modern sophistication and historic charm, making it an outstanding choice for couples seeking a distinctive and elegant venue. The photographic possibilities at La Scena are vast, allowing for a wedding album that is not only beautiful but also full of character and style. As a photographer, capturing a celebration at La Scena is always an exhilarating experience, filled with moments of beauty, elegance, and joy.
