A Modern Montreal Wedding at Le Belvedere

When Kendyl and Neil set out to plan their wedding, they had a clear vision: a celebration that felt as much about their loved ones as it did about their shared journey. Held at Le Belvedere in Montreal’s Science Centre, their wedding perfectly balanced urban elegance with a natural touch. With views of the Lachine Canal and Montreal’s skyline, the venue offered a modern, minimalist space that they transformed into something truly their own.

From the beginning, they embraced a laid-back approach, opting for a two-year engagement to allow time for thoughtful planning. The result? A day that was seamlessly executed, thanks in no small part to their planner, Kristine Goulet of Vive Events, and a roster of talented vendors. Every detail was carefully considered, from the spring-inspired floral arrangements by Astilbe to the deliciously simple carrot cake by Les Délices Lafrenaie.

Kendyl’s outfit was another standout. Torn between two styles, she chose a versatile ensemble by Kyha Studios—complete with a separate corset and skirt—that allowed her to switch into chic white pants for the after-party. Neil’s custom tux from Jack Victor added a timeless touch to their modern aesthetic.

And yet, for all the stunning visuals and meticulously chosen details, it was the personal moments that stood out most. Whether it was the emotional first look or the private post-ceremony moment arranged by their planner, Kendyl and Neil made sure to carve out time for just the two of them amidst the festivities.

Huge thanks to photographer Valerie Baron for sharing her beautiful photography with us.

Tell us about your choice of venue.

We chose Le Belvedere in Montreal, QC, as our venue. Situated within the Montreal Science Center along the scenic Lachine Canal, it offers a stunning backdrop right in the city’s heart. We appreciated the mingling of nature with urban settings, thanks to two balconies and a rooftop with breathtaking skyline views. Additionally, the venue comes as a blank canvas without preset decor or furniture, allowing us to craft our dream setup.

Did you hire an Event planner?

Yes, we hired Kristine Goulet from Vive Events. With her extensive experience in Montreal weddings and strong relationships with venues, vendors, and catering companies, Kristine was instrumental in finding our venue and managing rentals. She skillfully coordinated everything on the wedding day, allowing us to fully enjoy the occasion.

How did you meet, how did you become engaged, and for how long had you been engaged before your wedding day?

We met while studying at McGill University and got engaged on campus five years after beginning our relationship. What’s special about our journey is that we started as friends, which established a deep understanding of each other when we began dating. After moving to New York two years into our relationship, we still cherished Montreal, making it the perfect location for our engagement and wedding. We were engaged for two years before tying the knot in May 2024, prioritizing a relaxed planning process and the ideal holiday weekend date.

Who designed your dress?

I wore the Milford Skirt and Kasia Corset from the Kyha Studios Chosen Collection. You can view the collection here: Kyha Studios.

What made you choose this dress? What did you love about it?

I was torn between a form-fitting design and an A-line silhouette, but this dress offered the perfect blend of both. The corset and skirt are separate, allowing me to transform my look for the after-party with Nadine Merabi’s Kira White Pants and sneakers. I love the versatility of the corset, which I plan to wear for many occasions to come!

Tell us about your photographer.

We had the pleasure of working with Val Baron of Studio Baron, who also did our surprise engagement shoot. Val is incredibly talented and captured stunning images of our day. She efficiently managed our schedule and directed the group with ease, ensuring we got all the photos we desired.

Who was your videographer?

Justin Efraim of Cat Around Films captured our day beautifully. His team was exceptional, and the video editing was thoughtfully done—even editing out my sniffles during the vows, so it didn’t sound like I was overcome with emotion!

Who did you choose to do hair and make-up.

Sophie Croteau from Espace Makeup did my makeup flawlessly. I requested a natural look, and she achieved a perfect balance, allowing me to feel both beautiful and true to myself.

Where was Neil’s suit from?

Neil’s tuxedo was custom-made by Jack Victor, featuring exquisite craftsmanship that he can enjoy for years to come.

And where were your flowers from?

We partnered with Astilbe Florist, opting for small votive florals since we chose a family-style dinner to allow for more table space. The colour palette featured soft, spring-inspired hues of white, blue, blush, and yellow.

And the cake?

Our cake, crafted by Les Délices Lafrenaie Montréal-Ouest, was a delicious carrot cake with cream cheese frosting. We wanted a cake we could genuinely enjoy, rather than just a showpiece, and it was perfect for our celebration.

Tell us about the entertainment.

Backbeat Band performed, with Phil Frai as the DJ and Global handling sound and lighting. They kept the energy high throughout the night, even learning a new song for our first dance!

What did you do for your stationery etc?

We designed and printed our own menus and thank-you bags, collaborating with Addison Hart Events (NYC) on design, Lucas & Voigt (MTL) for printing, and Julissa LaFontaine (NYC) for calligraphy on our card wall. Their contributions were invaluable in bringing our vision to life!

Anything you used to style the venue?

Global, ABP, and Tenue de Soirée rentals played essential roles in realizing our decor vision.

Did you have anyone accompany you down the aisle?

Both of our parents walked us down the aisle, with Neil accompanied by his mom and dad, and Kendyl by hers. This moment was incredibly special to us.

Would you like to share anything about your vows? Did you tailor your own vows?

We personalized our vows and had a friend review them beforehand to ensure they were similar in length and tone. This preparation allowed for a seamless flow on the wedding day, enhancing the emotional impact of our words.

Did you choose a ‘first dance’ track? Please share what it was and why.

Our first dance was to “Masterpiece” by Fraser Churchill, a song we discovered leading up to the wedding, which felt like the perfect fit for our journey together.

What was your very favourite part of the day and why? And, on reflection, is there anything you might have done differently with foresight?

One of my favourite parts of the day was getting ready with my bridesmaids, mom, and mother-in-law; it was such a lovely opportunity for some quality girl time. However, the highlight for me was our first look. Being reunited with my husband and knowing we would spend the rest of the day together was incredibly special. Additionally, we had a wonderful private moment just the two of us after the ceremony to relax and enjoy each other’s company, which our planner thoughtfully arranged. It was an unexpected gift that we truly cherished!

If you could impart any words of wisdom to a Bride-to-Be planning her wedding day, what would they be?

My advice to brides-to-be is to enjoy the planning process. Remember that the real essence of your day comes from the love you share with your partner. Trust your friends and the professionals you’ve enlisted to help; delegate responsibilities so you can truly immerse yourself in the celebration. Let go of the small details and savour every moment!