This time last week, I was on a plane en route to Montreal to visit my daughter, Charlotte, and her fiancé, Ryan. I had my big pink book with my big ol’ list of wedding planning items, and quite honestly I didn’t know if we would get any of them checked off with our limited time. But here I am now, home sweet home, with some heart-warming memories and a bunch of check-marks in my book!
Let me start by saying I LOVE Montreal. I’m so glad this is the destination for their wedding- I can’t imagine a more romantic, chic, fun city… it is so them. However, I am beyond relieved that they went with the month of May rather than the winter season, as a winter wonderland wedding was talked about initially. For my lovely English readers- you would have perished. Seriously. On my first day we took a brisk 15-minute walk in minus 17 degrees (which was actually something like minus 30 with the wind chill), and I thought my head would drop off. Literally. It was like a brain freeze, but involving your entire head. Fortunately, much of the city is a rabbit warren of sorts, with malls and transportation and everything underground, but those bursts of aboveground air were… bracing. I promise it will be warmer in May…
One of the highlights was our time at the reception venue, the University Club of Montreal. It was above and beyond what I had imagined, and we were able to picture our loved ones gathered together celebrating on Charlotte and Ryan’s big day. The French, rich, opulent décor and sweeping spiral staircases are perfect for the classic, elegant feel we are going for. Our questions were answered, our imaginations ignited, and we all came out grinning from ear to ear. Success!
I was able to attend Peoples Church for the Sunday service, and met some of Charlotte and Ryan’s friends, as well as scoped the building for details. I can’t tell you what a relief it is to have now actually seen the venues for the wedding! The church is warm and lovely, and I could picture a certain stunning bride in her exquisite gown gliding down that aisle…
Ryan’s favourite moment was definitely the wedding cake tasting! Actually, we all loved it. At Sophie Sucree we were seated in an adorable little alcove and served tea and generous samples of cake and frosting- it felt like a lovely little tea party! The owner was incredibly sweet and helpful, and Charlotte and Ryan each chose a flavour of cake and frosting to give a little variety to their layers, and before our eyes a sketch was created of their dream wedding cake. Needless to say, it is completely gorgeous, and I can’t wait to see it (and taste it) on the day!
The florist experience was unbelievably simple and speedy, and completely NOT what we were anticipating- in a good way. I don’t know what I expected when we walked in to meet with Roger, whom I dubbed “the flower man”, but this guy was a real surprise. I imagined fru-fru, artistic, maybe even long hair and slender fingers. Our Roger was more like a plumber (with a French accent), but it turns out that our Roger is AMAZING! Not much for words, but all about the flowers, and a heart of gold, we were taken aback by his efficient, fast, and informative service. We came out literally laughing at how easy the appointment was, and incredibly grateful, given the stress levels of two students about to graduate and marry in the next couple of months! We rewarded ourselves with a heavenly “chocolatine” (chocolate filled croissant with hazelnuts) at Mon Plaisir … put that one on your list if you are ever in Montreal. You won’t regret it.
We put our heads together and shortened our planning lists considerably in just 4 days, as well as trying out a restaurant in Old Montreal for the wedding rehearsal dinner, and squeezing in some sight seeing during the Montreal En Lumiere and Nuit Blanche festival weekend. Before you start panicking- of course we did some shopping. I’ll tell you all about it in tomorrow’s Fabulous Friday post, but let’s just say I have found my new favourite store…
I feel exhausted just remembering everything we accomplished on my whirlwind trip, but I wouldn’t trade a minute of it. I’m so proud of both Charlotte and Ryan as they finish strong in their degrees at McGill Uni and plan a wedding at the same time. It’s going to be a spectacular day, and I have a whole host of very special mommy moments with my single girl safely tucked away.
Grateful for precious memories, and a wedding that’s now looking a little more planned…
Mother of the Bride!
