September 28, 2024

Shannon & Patrick's wedding day at Jatoba

Wedding

Shannon & Pat’s wedding was a perfect example of making the day entirely your own. They skipped traditions that didn’t resonate with them, embraced the things they love, and created a day that felt effortless, fun, and uniquely them.

Jatoba, a stunning Asian-fusion restaurant in downtown Montreal, was the perfect setting for their celebration. With the bride’s Chinese heritage and their shared love of Asian cuisine, it felt like the ideal spot. The venue itself didn’t need much decor—its lush greenery, red ball lanterns, and warm ambiance created an inviting and intimate atmosphere. The couple leaned into this natural beauty while adding personal touches, including Lego florals, which looked incredible and tied into the fun, playful theme of the day.



I joined Shannon & Pat at Le Square Phillips Hotel, right across the street from their venue, to capture their final touches before heading out. They both aren’t huge fans of being in the spotlight, but we made it a fun and easygoing experience—lots of inside jokes were created in those moments!

Black wedding rings nestled in the center of a peach-colored gerbera daisy with soft flowers in the background.
A peachy wedding bouquet with gerbera daisies and ranunculus flowers next to hexagonal ring boxes on a light surface.
Wedding details flatlay featuring flowers, rings, perfume bottle, and delicate accessories on a neutral surface.
Black and white photo of two women in formal dresses standing by a window, one in a cheongsam and one in a dark gown.
Someone helps button up a delicate white lace wedding dress during bridal preparation.
Black and white portrait of a bride in a white dress adjusting her hair near a window, captured in profile.
Wedding preparations show women helping with shoes on a carpeted floor with a floor lamp and TV stand visible.
A black and white photo of a bridal party in formal dresses sharing a candid moment together while holding bouquets.
A bride in a white halter dress sits on a wooden chair holding a bouquet in an elegant indoor setting.
Two men share a candid moment while adjusting formal attire near a window in black and white photography.

Right outside the hotel, Shannon & Pat had a quick first look. Pat was completely surprised by Shannon’s modern qipao, which looked absolutely perfect on her. It was such a sweet moment between them before the day’s celebrations began.

A bride and groom share a playful first look moment in a garden setting with ivy-covered walls.
A couple in formal attire stands on a stone path outside a historic building with pillars and greenery.
A couple shares their first look moment in black and white outside a historic building with evergreen trees.
A couple in formal wedding attire stand on a stone path outside a historic building with pillars and greenery.
A black and white photograph of a bride and groom standing together in formal attire outside a stately building.
A romantic wedding couple shares an intimate moment outside a historic building with white columns and stone pathways.

Their bridal party joined us next for some fun group shots. Everyone brought so much personality and laughter, making the photos full of energy and joy. Their outfits complemented each other so well, and we kept things relaxed and lighthearted.

Wedding party stands on elegant stone steps of historic building with classical columns and evergreen shrubs.
Black and white wedding party portrait standing on ornate stone steps with classical columns in the background.
Wedding party in formal attire walking outside a grand stone building with tall windows.
Wedding party walks together outside a classic stone building with elegant windows in black and white photography.
Wedding party in formal attire walking together outside a classic stone building with elegant architectural details.
A bridal party poses outdoors in elegant dark green bridesmaid dresses holding floral bouquets against stone architecture.
Four people in formal attire walking and laughing together outside a grand historic building with stone columns.

Afterward, Shannon & Pat and I made our way up to the hotel rooftop for some stunning cityscape portraits. The view was incredible, and it was the perfect setting for a few quiet moments together before heading to the venue.

A couple stands together outside a grand historic mansion with stone columns and elegant architecture on an overcast day.
A romantic wedding couple embraces outside a grand historic building during golden hour.
A romantic couple embraces on the stone steps of a historic building with green foliage nearby.
A tender intimate wedding moment captured in black and white with a floral bouquet.
A groom wearing a black suit with burgundy vest and boutonniere stands in front of stone architecture and greenery.
A white lace qipao-style dress worn at an elegant stone building with columns and cobblestone path.
A couple walking together hand in hand down a city sidewalk in black and white.
A romantic couple embraces on an urban rooftop terrace with modern skyscrapers and city buildings in the background.
A romantic couple shares an intimate moment on an urban rooftop terrace with city buildings in the background.
A romantic wedding couple sharing an intimate moment on a rooftop with a peachy pink floral bouquet.

The ceremony was held inside the restaurant and was short, sweet, and full of personality. Pat’s mom officiated, and the couple wrote their own vows—though his vows came with an unexpected twist! Since they have a dog and two cats, Pat wrote his vows on a piece of paper, then rolled it up inside a lint roller as an inside joke about pet hair. When he unrolled it, the room burst out laughing—but the best part? Halfway through reading, he accidentally ripped the paper in half! It was such a hilarious, unexpected moment that had everyone laughing and made for the best photos.

Outdoor wedding venue decorated with string lights and paper lanterns featuring guests laughing at a reception.
Beautiful bride in traditional qipao dress holds bouquet at wedding reception with hanging lights and decorations overhead.
Elegant wedding reception setup in rustic greenhouse venue with hanging paper lanterns and lush greenery decorations.
A black and white photograph of a formal dining event with several people gathered in a plant-filled room with lanterns.
At an intimate outdoor wedding ceremony, vows are exchanged surrounded by hanging plants and decorative lighting.
A couple shares a laugh during a joyful wedding reception moment while guests smile in the background.
Black and white photo of joyful wedding celebration with two people in formal attire holding bouquets and sharing laughter.
Wedding reception in a greenhouse-style venue with hanging plants, paper lanterns, and rustic wooden beams overhead.
Close-up shot of hands exchanging wedding rings during a ceremony at a wooden podium.
Intimate wedding ceremony in a garden-themed restaurant with hanging plants and orange paper lanterns against a dark backdrop.

Instead of traditional wedding events, Shannon & Pat skipped the first dance and formalities in favour of a LEGO-building contest! Each guest received a mini LEGO set as a wedding favour, and the fastest builder won a free drink. Meanwhile, Shannon & Pat had their own set and faced off against each other in a friendly competition. It was such a fun and unique way to celebrate—quirky, lighthearted, and completely them!

Elegant table setting with black plates, menu card, and wine glasses on wooden surface with geometric patterned pillows.
Elegant table setting at upscale restaurant with wine glasses, black plates, and decorative paper bags on wooden surface.
A rustic floral arrangement with red protea, blue roses, and pink flowers in a glass jar beside a decorative candle holder.
Pink flowers in a vase next to photo prints and paper on wooden table during creative session.
Vintage polaroid photos and photo albums scattered on wooden table with guest book and decorative lighting.
People enjoying a wedding reception at a long dining table with drinks and dim lighting.
Group of people laughing and enjoying conversation during an elegant dinner party gathering.
Crowded bar patrons raise their hands and cheer during a festive nighttime celebration illuminated by red lights.
Wedding couple feeding each other at their reception with hanging floral decor and wooden floor below.
A group gathers at a dimly lit restaurant table decorated with red lanterns and gift bags for a special occasion.

What I loved most about Shannon & Pat’s wedding was how much they made it their own. They skipped traditions that didn’t resonate with them and focused on what truly mattered—celebrating in a way that felt right for them. From heartfelt moments to hilarious surprises (including a vows mishap and a LEGO-building showdown!), every part of the day reflected their personalities and love story. It was an absolute joy to capture, and weddings like these—full of laughter, authenticity, and meaning—are exactly why I love what I do!


Vendors:

📍 Venue: Jatoba

💐 Florals: Florilège Jardinerie Urbaine & Lego flowers

🏨 Getting Ready Location: Le Square Phillips Hotel

💍 Rings: Sofia Zakia & Infinite Crafts Studio

👰🏻‍♀️🤵🏻‍♂️ Attire: Sau Lee & Suitablee