When I shot my first Forest & Stream Club wedding I knew instantly that it was my kinda venue. The ceremony was outdoors right by the water, the food was exceptional and all the wedding guests made us feel so welcome. On top of that, the couple was great fun and between us, we came away with some amazing photos, especially when we noticed the full rainbow stretching across the water!
And now the Forest & Stream Club is one of my favourite wedding venues in the Montreal area thanks to its relaxed yet classic vibe. And the surrounding area, with the woods, the building with all its unique character and the waterfront, makes for plenty of amazing photo opportunities.
This venue was one of the first venues that came to mind when I began listing my 12 best outdoor venues near Montreal.
The dining room can accommodate up to 80 people banquet style whereas the dining room and oddly-named Forget Room combined can accommodate up to 110 people seated at round banquet style tables. The large lakeside property can also accommodate tents for wedding parties up to 200 persons. And that sounds like fun to us!
Check out Preeti & Tavis’ wedding at the fantastic Forest & Stream Club here.
If you’re planning a wedding at the Forest & Stream Club and think my photography will suit your personality, I’d love to chat more with you, so please get in touch.
**Forest & Stream Club: A Photographer’s Perspective on Why It’s a Gem for Weddings**
In my career as a wedding photographer, I’ve had the pleasure of capturing moments in a myriad of venues. Each holds its unique charm, but every so often, I come across a place like the Forest & Stream Club in Quebec. This venue, nestled in a picturesque setting, offers a blend of natural beauty and classic elegance. From a photographer’s lens, here’s why couples might consider this venue for their special day.
The Forest & Stream Club offers a tranquil retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. Situated beside a peaceful body of water and surrounded by lush greenery, it provides a serene and private atmosphere. The club itself exudes a traditional elegance, with its Victorian architecture and cozy, wood-paneled interiors. This blend of natural beauty and classic charm creates a setting that’s both romantic and timeless.
One of the aspects I appreciate most about the Forest & Stream Club is its capacity for intimate weddings. The space feels personal and cozy, allowing couples to celebrate with their closest friends and family in a setting that feels like a home away from home. This intimacy is not only comfortable for guests but also creates a warm and genuine atmosphere, perfect for capturing heartfelt moments.
For a photographer, the variety of backdrops within the club is a dream. The lush outdoor spaces provide a natural canvas for stunning photographs, especially with the lake reflecting the sky’s changing colours. The club’s interiors, with their rich woods and vintage decor, offer a classic backdrop for more formal shots. This versatility allows for a diverse wedding album, filled with different styles and moods.
The Forest & Stream Club’s location by the water makes for spectacular golden-hour photography. As the sun sets, the sky casts a warm, golden light, ideal for romantic and ethereal couple portraits. These moments, with the natural beauty of the surroundings bathed in soft sunlight, often result in some of the most cherished photos of the day.
Whether it’s the lush greenery of summer, the rich colours of autumn, the snowy scenes of winter, or the fresh blooms of spring, the club’s natural setting changes beautifully with the seasons. This makes it a versatile choice for weddings year-round, each season offering its own unique charm.
The club’s secluded location gives a sense of privacy and exclusivity. For weddings, this means a day without interruptions or the gaze of strangers. It allows the couple and their guests to relax fully and be immersed in the celebration, which, from a photography standpoint, means more natural and relaxed photos.
From my experiences at the Forest & Stream Club, the attention to detail in every aspect of their wedding planning and execution is notable. The staff’s dedication to making each wedding special and unique ensures that the couple’s vision for their day is realized. This attention to detail is reflected in every photograph, from the table settings to the flow of the day.
No venue is without its challenges, and as a photographer, I find that the Forest & Stream Club requires adaptability, particularly with lighting. The natural lighting outdoors is different from the warm, ambient interiors. However, these challenges often result in creative and beautiful photographic solutions.
As a photographer, I find weddings at the Forest & Stream Club a delight to capture. The combination of the natural surroundings and the elegant interiors provides a multitude of opportunities to create a stunning visual narrative of the couple’s day. The emotions, the scenery, and the small, intimate moments come together to create a truly beautiful and unique wedding album.
In conclusion, the Forest & Stream Club in Quebec is a venue that combines natural beauty with elegant tradition in a way that’s both charming and unique. For couples looking for a venue that provides a serene, intimate, and beautiful setting for their wedding, this club is certainly worth considering. And for a wedding photographer, it’s a joy to capture the love stories that unfold in this picturesque setting. The memories made here are not only cherished by the couples and their guests but also treasured in the stunning photographs that capture the essence of their special day.
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