My love for the Eastern Townships and for Ripplecove Hotel & Spa is no secret: I absolutely love photographing weddings there. Having the opportunity to photograph this intimate wedding at Ripplecove was truly a privilege.
I feel incredibly grateful to have been part of Laure and Jose’s wedding day in such a beautiful setting. Throughout my career, this was the most intimate wedding I have ever had the chance to photograph. There were only five people in attendance. Yes, really!
Here’s a look back at a day that proves a small wedding can be just as memorable, elegant, and emotional as a larger celebration, without compromising on the experience.
Getting Ready
To fully enjoy their stay and spend quality time with their loved ones, Laure and Jose rented one of the villas available to guests at Ripplecove Hotel & Spa.
It was in this warm and inviting setting that I met up with the couple to photograph the first moments of their wedding day. Jose got ready alongside his father, while Laure chose to enjoy a quieter moment on her own.
Although the preparations themselves were simple, the emotions quickly began to unfold. Before the ceremony, the couple exchanged heartfelt letters filled with loving words. Laure also shared two beautiful first looks: the first with her father and the second with her mother-in-law.
Because the wedding was so intimate, every person present held a special significance. These meaningful moments, shared among a very small group, set the tone for a day filled with love, tenderness, and genuine emotion.
The First Emotional Moments
The emotions truly began to build during the first looks. Laure first shared a special moment with her father, who also added the finishing touch to her preparations by placing her long veil. It was a tender and emotional moment that quickly set the tone for the rest of the day.
A few moments later, Jose’s mother had the opportunity to see Laure for the first time as a bride. It was another heartfelt moment, followed by a warm embrace between mother and son. With such a small and intimate celebration, these moments shared with their loved ones felt even more meaningful.
There was only one final first look left to experience: the one between Laure and Jose. By then, emotions were already running high, making their first moment together even more special.
The Couple’s First Look
After sharing meaningful moments with their loved ones, it was finally time for Laure and Jose to see each other.
They shared their first look on the terrace of their villa at Ripplecove Hotel & Spa, enjoying a quiet and private moment together. Filled with emotion and tenderness, it gave them the opportunity to pause and enjoy a few moments alone before the rest of the day’s celebrations.
With only a handful of people there to witness their wedding day, every moment felt even more meaningful.
A First Portrait Session in Ripplecove’s Elegant Settings
The photo opportunities at Ripplecove Hotel & Spa are endless, and that’s one of the many reasons why I love photographing weddings there.
Although the weather was beautiful throughout the day, Laure and Jose chose to divide their couple’s portraits into two separate sessions: the first inside Ripplecove’s main building, and the second outdoors following their intimate ceremony.
We took advantage of the hotel’s many beautiful spaces to create a variety of elegant images. From the warm and inviting Green Living Room with its timeless Old Money aesthetic to Le Cove Bar, each setting offered a unique atmosphere that perfectly reflected the couple’s style.
Discovering the Salon Vert
A Fun Moment at Le Cove Bar
As a perfect nod to their intimate wedding at Ripplecove, Laure and Jose brought along a newspaper featuring the words We Eloped. We had fun incorporating it into a few portraits taken at Le Cove Bar.
You can also watch a video of this moment right here.
On the Way to the Ceremony
After this first portrait session inside Ripplecove, it was time to make our way to the ceremony.
A few final portraits taken on one of the hotel’s staircases brought this part of the day to a close before heading down to the dock on Lake Massawippi, where the couple’s loved ones were waiting for the ceremony to begin.
An Intimate Ceremony on Lake Massawippi
The long-awaited moment had finally arrived.
With the beauty of the Eastern Townships and Lake Massawippi as their backdrop, Laure and Jose exchanged their vows surrounded by the people who meant the most to them. It was a setting that felt both peaceful and breathtaking.
Over the years, I have had the opportunity to photograph many weddings at Ripplecove Hotel & Spa and discover several ceremony locations throughout the property. However, this was the very first time I witnessed a ceremony held directly on the dock. The intimate nature of the day made this unique setting possible, and the result was simply magical.
I feel incredibly fortunate to have been able to witness such a special moment.
An Intimate and Relaxed Atmosphere
With only a handful of loved ones gathered to celebrate their marriage, the family portraits unfolded in a particularly warm and relaxed atmosphere. Laughter, hugs, and genuine moments of connection… these images perfectly reflect the spirit of the day.
Exploring Ripplecove’s Most Beautiful Settings
Between the hotel’s iconic façade, the dock, and the soft evening light, Laure and Jose were able to enjoy a few final moments together before gathering with their loved ones for dinner at Ripplecove’s fine dining restaurant.
Although only five people gathered to celebrate this special day, the love, emotions, and meaningful moments shared were no less significant. A beautiful reminder that an intimate wedding can be just as memorable as a large celebration.
Ripplecove Hotel & Spa provides an exceptional setting for weddings of all styles. If you would like to discover another celebration photographed at this beautiful venue, I also invite you to read my article featuring this English Garden-inspired wedding.
If you are planning your wedding at Ripplecove Hotel & Spa, I would love to hear your story and learn more about your vision for this unique day.
Photos by MUST Photographie, wedding photographer in the Eastern Townships. Get in touch here.
