Over the last decade, I’ve photographed hundreds of weddings ranging from huge events with over 500 guests all the way down to elopements with zero guests. I love them all for different reasons but I find myself more drawn to the smaller, more intimate weddings. For some reason, they often have a more genuine feel to them as they’re not over-the-top or extravagant but are always focused more on family and very close friends.
Kelly & Juan’s wedding at Château Ramezay in the Old Port of Montreal was one of the smallest weddings I’ve shot. Just 8 guests, including the couple’s gorgeous three daughters. An outdoor ceremony, a few glasses of champagne and then onto a restaurant to celebrate with a fantastic meal.
Built in 1705, the Château Ramezay is a museum & historic building on Notre-Dame Street in Old Montreal, opposite Montreal City Hall.
As a wedding venue, it is quite stunning with great locations for photos everywhere you look. MTL Wedding Blog named it as one of Quebec’s most unique wedding venues and I included it in my favourite locations for an outdoor wedding in Montreal.
Château Ramezay Wedding Photography
Below are just a selection of my favourite photos from this lovely little wedding. Huge congrats and thanks to Kelly & Juan for having me there to capture the day for them.
Two years later I was lucky enough to meet up with them again in Mexico when Kelly’s brother Rob married Melissa at the Royalton Riviera resort near Cancun. That was a fantastic wedding too. You can see their wedding photos from Mexico HERE!
**Château Ramezay Wedding: A Photographer’s Authentic Narrative**
As a wedding photographer, I’ve had the privilege of capturing moments in various locales, each with its own unique allure. A recent assignment took me to the historical Château Ramezay in Montreal, a venue that offers a blend of elegance and historical charm. I’d like to share my experience photographing a wedding in this distinctive setting, offering a glimpse into a day filled with subtle beauty and timeless moments.
**The Historical Backdrop of Château Ramezay**
Château Ramezay, with its grandeur and historical significance, stands as a testament to Montreal’s rich past. As a photographer, I found the venue to be a treasure trove of picturesque backdrops. The 18th-century architecture, complete with its stone façade and classical gardens, provided a unique setting that seemed to transport us back in time.
**Capturing the Pre-Wedding Moments**
The day began with the bride and groom preparing in separate areas of the château. The rooms, adorned with period furniture and soft natural lighting, offered a warm and intimate atmosphere for these initial photographs. Capturing the intricate details of the wedding attire against the backdrop of such historic interiors added a layer of depth to the images.
**The Intimacy of the Ceremony**
The ceremony was held in one of the château’s elegant halls. The soft lighting from the chandeliers and the historic paintings on the walls created a serene and dignified atmosphere. As a photographer, I focused on capturing the intimate moments between the couple, as well as the subtle reactions of their family and friends, all framed by the timeless elegance of the surroundings.
Following the ceremony, we ventured into the château’s gardens. The gardens, with their manicured lawns and blooming flowers, were in full splendour, offering a vibrant contrast to the stony countenance of the château. The couple’s photoshoot here was relaxed and natural. The beauty of the gardens provided a stunning natural backdrop, which made for some truly memorable shots.
**The Reception: A Blend of Old-World Charm and Celebration**
The reception was held in a grand hall, where the historical ambiance continued to play a significant role. The antique furnishings and artworks adorning the walls added a sense of time-honoured elegance to the festivities. As the evening progressed, I captured the laughter, the dancing, and the heartfelt toasts, all under the warm glow of the chandeliers.
Photographing at Château Ramezay came with its set of challenges, particularly the indoor lighting conditions, which required careful attention to detail. However, these challenges were rewarding in their own right, pushing me to be creative with angles and compositions. The natural light that filtered in through the windows provided a soft, diffused illumination that added a touch of romance to the photographs.
One aspect of the Château Ramezay wedding that I particularly enjoyed was capturing candid moments. The joy and excitement of the guests, set against the backdrop of such a historical setting, made for some beautifully authentic photographs. The contrast between the contemporary celebration and the age-old surroundings added a unique dimension to the images.
**The Timeless Appeal of Château Ramezay**
Throughout the day, the timeless appeal of Château Ramezay was ever-present. It served as a reminder of the enduring nature of love and commitment, themes that are central to any wedding. The historical setting did not overshadow the couple’s special day but rather enhanced it, providing a sense of continuity with the past.
As I reflect on the day’s events, what stands out to me is the seamless blend of history and modern celebration. The Château Ramezay, with its historical grandeur, provided a unique and memorable setting for the couple’s special day. The photographs captured not just the moments of joy and celebration but also the enduring beauty and elegance of the venue.
A wedding at Château Ramezay is more than just an event; it’s an experience steeped in history and elegance. For couples who appreciate the charm of the past, this venue offers a unique opportunity to celebrate their love in a setting that resonates with historical significance. And for a wedding photographer, it’s a privilege to capture the moments of joy and love against such a rich and textured backdrop. The memories created here are not only preserved in photographs but are also part of the continuing story of Château Ramezay itself.
If you’re looking for a wedding photographer for Chateau Ramezay in Montreal and you like my Portfolio, please get in touch. I’d love to hear from you.
Below is a short slideshow of some of my favourite recent wedding photos… Take a look. And turn the speakers up!
Steve Gerrard – Wedding Portfolio from Steve Gerrard on Vimeo.
I’m a Brit living in Montreal with my wife, Evelyne and our three boys! Evelyne and I met in the Alps in 2003 when Evelyne thought she was a cool snowboarder and I thought I was a superstar DJ. We got married in 2007 in Cornwall, England and moved to Canada in 2014.
I photographed my first wedding in 2006 and have now shot almost 500 weddings, mostly in Canada & the UK, but I absolutely love travelling anywhere in the world. I enjoyed it when I started but love my job now more than ever.
** Voted Best Wedding Photographer by the readers of Perfect Wedding Magazine **
“Steve Gerrard has a knack for capturing the tiniest, fleeting moments you didn’t even realise were happening, as well as the all-important hero shots.” – Rock My Wedding Blog