Bohemian Autumn Wedding at Chalet des Érables | Sainte-Anne-des-Plaines
Cynthia and Justin’s autumn wedding at Chalet des Érables in Sainte-Anne-des-Plaines was exactly what they envisioned: bohemian, minimalist, and surrounded by the gorgeous colours of fall. When you want an outdoor celebration that feels relaxed yet intentional, finding a venue that delivers natural beauty is everything, and this spot gave them exactly that backdrop.
What makes this wedding particularly lovely is how much Cynthia put her own touch on the details. From hand-made table numbers to a welcome sign crafted with wooden boxes and mismatched gold candelabras, she created a warm, personal atmosphere without overdoing it. The décor stayed true to that boho-meets-minimalist aesthetic, with pink and burgundy tones, dried flowers, and simple touches like sage leaves on napkins.
Their ceremony stands out as a highlight. Instead of going the traditional route, they gave their friends free rein to create something unique, complete with humour and personal touches that made it genuinely memorable. Combined with their own heartfelt vows, it was an emotional and authentic moment that perfectly captured who they are as a couple.
The day wasn’t without its pandemic-era quirks (yes, there was a mask involved during the garter toss), but Cynthia and Justin rolled with it. Their first dance to Ed Sheeran and Andrea Bocelli’s “Perfect” wasn’t technically polished, but it was real and funny and theirs. Katie Marie captured all of it beautifully, from the boudoir session to the tiny handmade details to that unforgettable champagne photo.
Planning a wedding can feel overwhelming, but Cynthia’s advice is solid: stay organized, set realistic expectations, communicate with your partner, and focus on what actually matters to you both. Most importantly, try to enjoy the process because the day itself goes by incredibly fast.
Thanks to Katie Marie for sharing these beautiful photos with us.
The Couple’s Story
Where did you get married, and why did you choose that venue?
We got married at Chalet des Érables in Sainte-Anne-des-Plaines. We were really drawn to this place because of the beauty of nature and the possibility of having an outdoor wedding. We also wanted a wedding with autumn colours and a very simple boho style.
Did you work with an event planner?
I did all the planning myself.
How did your story begin, and how did you get to your wedding day?
Justin and I met at a mutual friend’s wedding. Our relationship started long-distance because he had to go work in France for two and a half years. We both put in the effort to make our relationship survive the distance. After three years together, Justin rented a small chalet in the Charlevoix region to make me happy because we wanted to go on a fall hike to see the beautiful colours. Justin made his big proposal that I didn’t see coming at all. I literally started crying and said yes.
Who designed your dress, and where did you find it?
I bought my dress at Création Vezina. I honestly have no idea who the designer is. I wanted a simple dress with lace and not too puffy. Initially, I wanted long boho-style sleeves, but I ended up falling in love with the back, the super long flowing train, and especially all the lace details. I think it represented the simplicity that I am. I felt really beautiful and I think that’s really important.
Who was your photographer, and what did you think of their work?
My photographer! The beautiful and unique Katie Marie! She had done one of my friend’s weddings and I just fell in love with her style and the fact that she takes photos that are really unique. She knows how to capture the details and emotions of every moment. I really loved my boudoir session with her and her photos of all the little details that I took the time to make by hand for my wedding. I adore all the photos with my husband!
My husband is in love with his preparation photos with his groomsmen, his brother, and the drone photo.
Who styled your hair and makeup?
My hair was done by Carolane Tremblay from Priska. I wanted my hair down and curly because I love the style it creates.
What did the groom wear, and why did you choose it?
Justin wore a wool suit for the look it gives. It came from Suitsupply with Scottish wool. It respected the boho vibe of the wedding and was also warm enough for the temperature. He wore a burgundy bow tie matching the colour of the bridesmaids’ dresses, with a small flower in his pocket. His socks were also themed: Happy Wife Happy Life.
Tell us about your flowers.
The flowers (bouquet only and the centrepiece roses) came from Domaine de Venusia. I shared photos with them of the style I wanted, saying I wanted boho and something that matched with the bridesmaids. They definitely knew how to build my bouquet according to my expectations. I had it dried and it decorates my bedroom.
The rest of the floral decorations were made by me. I bought dried flowers and some were picked by Justin. Then Justin made vases with the pampas grass and I did the rest of the centrepieces.
What was your wedding cake like?
I didn’t have one but I had cannolis!
What did you do for entertainment?
We had a DJ (PG Light and Sounds). We had the classics: newlywed entrance dance, first dance, father/bride and groom/mother dances, bouquet toss, and the garter that I forgot so I had a mask on (because yes, the wedding was during the pandemic).
The only unique part was the wedding ceremony where we gave our friends free rein and it was perfect!
Who designed your stationery?
I did everything myself using Vistaprint. I also made our guestbook by hand.
How did you style your venue?
I really wanted a boho-style wedding, but also minimalist. I made some of the decorations by hand like the welcome sign that I had set up with wooden boxes and mismatched gold candelabras.
I also wanted simple table arrangements in my pink/burgundy and gold colours. I also put sage leaves on the napkins to add simple little details. I also made the table numbers by hand with the guests’ names too. I made the menu on Vistaprint with a recipe on the back for using the spices (which were the favours for my guests).
Who walked you down the aisle?
My dad walked with me down the aisle. It was really a special, emotional moment. I was both very shy about being the centre of attention, but I was super emotional to experience this moment with my dad, especially since I was his first to get married.
What song did you walk down the aisle to?
“So Will I” by Daniel Chang. I really loved the delicacy of the violin in this song and I really had a crush on it.
What can you share about your vows?
Our vows were unique and written by us. We really wanted to put our own words instead of reading pre-made vows. When we listened to each other, we were obviously super emotional and we started crying.
Who officiated your wedding?
The only unique part was the wedding ceremony where we gave our friends free rein and it was perfect! It was two of our friends who did the ceremony with a touch of humour. They personalized everything really well.
What was your first dance song, and why did you choose it?
We chose “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran with Andrea Bocelli. We’ve always had meaningful songs with Ed Sheeran and the Italian version was a crush. We tried to dance to the best of our ability, but it’s not our strength. Our first dance was a little comedy show for our loved ones.
What was your favourite moment of the day?
I really loved everything photo-related, particularly the boudoir photos and the famous photo with the champagne. But my favourite part was the ceremony. I found it really unique.
Do you have any advice for couples planning their wedding?
Be organized, have a budget, have realistic expectations, and be able to let the little details go. Communicate well with your fiancé. Try to see what the priorities are and focus on that! And try to enjoy the process even if it’s stressful and big as an organization. It only happens once, this day goes by quickly, and you have to make the most of it.
Thanks again to Cynthia and Justin for sharing their wedding with us. It’s a perfect reminder that some of the most memorable celebrations come from staying true to what matters to you. Whether it’s giving friends creative control over your ceremony, making decorations by hand, or laughing through a first dance, the authentic moments are the ones that stick with you. Their advice to focus on priorities and enjoy the process is worth keeping in mind as you plan your own celebration.
Vendors
Venue: Chalet des Érables, Sainte-Anne-des-Plaines
Photographer: Katie Marie | Website | Instagram
Bridal Gown: Création Vezina
Hair: Carolane Tremblay, Priska | Instagram
Groom’s Attire: Suitsupply
Florist: Domaine de Vénusia | Website | (450) 575-4674
Stationery: Vistaprint (DIY by bride)
Further Reading
What to Do With Your Wedding Bouquet After the Party’s Over
Wedding Cakes in Montreal: 5 Talented Designers You’ll Want to Know About
