Some love stories start with dating apps. Others start in high school. Lyel & Julien’s started in the air cadets, back when they were teenagers. They went their separate ways, lived their lives… and then reconnected eight years later, only to realize that the connection was still very much there. Eight years of love later, they celebrated their wedding day on June 28th, 2025, and honestly, their energy was felt from the very first moment. The kind of couple that makes you feel instantly comfortable, like you’ve known them forever.
The weather forecast was calling for rain all day. Like, all day. But somehow, the wedding gods were on their side: not a single drop fell! Instead, they got the most beautiful summer light, warm air, and that golden glow you hope for on a June wedding day.
Everything took place at Manoir Maplewood in Waterloo, QC (which is literally five minutes from my house, dream scenario). With around 100 guests, the whole day felt intimate, relaxed, and very “them”.
Lyel & Julien both got ready at the Manoir, in separate rooms of course. No stress, no chaos, just chill vibes all around. The kind of calm that sets the tone for the entire day.
Lyel wore a stunning Eddy K dress with a long train covered in colourful embroidered flowers. Truly one of those dresses that feels like a piece of art. She basically wore her bouquet. Julien went for a green suit from Distribution CNK, paired with a pink bowtie and matching pocket square, bold, fun, and absolutely perfect for him.
There wasn’t really a strict colour palette. Just colours everywhere. And it worked beautifully.
Lyel & Julien chose to do a first look on the second-floor balcony of the Manoir, keeping it intimate and just for them. Right after, they had a private exchange of vows, one of the most emotional moments of the day. I stayed far enough so they could have their moment without feeling watched. I didn’t hear a single word they said, but I didn’t need to. Their faces said everything. I’m so glad they chose to do this part just the two of them, it felt really special and incredibly genuine.
Their ceremony took place at Manoir Maplewood as well, surrounded by their friends and family. The florals by RoseMary Fleurs were very colourful, fun, and playful — exactly like the couple. No strict rules, no muted tones, just joy and personality everywhere you looked. It felt like a celebration from the very beginning.
Once the party started, it really started. Their dance floor was absolutely on fire. From classic party songs to a few country tracks with full-on square dancing, the energy never dropped.
One of those nights where everyone is actually dancing, not just standing around with a drink. You could feel how loved they are by their people.
And just when I thought the day couldn’t get more iconic… one of Lyel’s friends set up a tattoo station at the very end of the night. Yes. A real tattoo station. Lyel got a little farfalle tattoo (her favourite pasta), and honestly? That moment alone perfectly sums up their entire wedding day: fun, spontaneous, non-traditional, and completely unapologetically them.
I fell in love with Lyel & Julien during our very first discovery call, before they even booked me. By the end of their wedding day, they didn’t feel like clients anymore, they felt like friends. Their wedding was colourful, emotional, relaxed, and full of personality. No pressure, no expectations, just two people celebrating their love in the most joyful way possible. And those are always my favourite days to photograph.
Vendors:
📍Venue: Manoir Maplewood
🍽️ Catering: L'Archipel
💐 Florist: RoseMary Fleurs
💇🏻♀️ Hairstylist: Alexandra Beaucage
👰🏻♀️ Bridal look: Eddy K
🤵🏼♂️ Groom's outfit: Distribution CNK
