A colourful Montreal wedding

Mar 1

Diandra & Zakaria

April 12, 2025 at La Toundra in Montreal, Canada

Diandra and Zakaria immediately gave me their trust when we had our first conversation about their wedding day. As camera-shy people, they were apprehensive about what taking professional photos would be like.

That’s why I was completely blown away at their engagement session with how at-ease they were. We walked around their neighborhood and stepped into little pockets that felt meaningful to the moment. When we were done, I was invited into their home for tea and a chat. Diandra and Zak welcomed me into their lives like I was already a part of their circle. I knew that their openness and trust would create something amazing for their wedding.

Their spring wedding day was to be filled with traditions from each other’s cultures (Italian and Moroccan), so I knew it was going to be an amazing spread of colours, foods and music.

Diandra didn’t have bridesmaids, but she invited the closest women in her life to stay with her while she got ready for her day. Girls she befriended in high school were there, and the sense of love and community was a physical presence.

Zak got ready with his parents and his siblings in the home he and Diandra are renovating together. They had time to Facetime family members who couldn’t attend the wedding. It was quiet and calm, which can be a rare thing to see on a wedding day. I love that he made a space for himself where he could take things slowly.

Their ceremony felt like we were in a bubble, while the rest of the world fell away.

There were many tears and lots of laughter shared between guests and the couple.

We built time into their day for Diandra and Zak to mingle with their guests right after their ceremony. We took a few group shots during their cocktail hour, too.

We braved their couple portraits out in the rain, on digital and film. The sun was setting quickly, so we managed to get a beautiful spread in about 20 minutes. That’s where trust is so paramount. Diandra and Zak didn’t question my decisions. They just knew I would make it beautiful in any conditions

The reception space was filled with warm colours and textures. The florals and design added incredible richness and depth, and it was clear that there was intention behind every detail.

Amidst the copious amounts of food (I have never eaten so well), we had three amazing outfit changes for the newlyweds throughout the night. The colours, the dancing, the cheers, the drummers, the blending of families; this celebration was truly unmatched. It was a whirlwind reception that was chaotic, messy, loud…. and absolutely perfect.

Diandra and Zak were totally ready to go along for the ride, and it was amazing to witness and capture it all.