Distance can mean so little when the person you are traveling for means so much. This rings true for Christina and Jason, whose love story brought them together from Chicago to Montreal.
Their wedding was an elegant blend of grandeur, intimacy, and tradition that captivated many – including British Vogue! Be sure to see their special feature in the upcoming November, December, and January issues.
Join me as I take you behind the scenes to showcase the unique elements that made their wedding truly unforgettable.
The Couple & Their Planning Journey
Christina, a dedicated lawyer turned doctor, was beginning her residency in orthopaedic surgery. Jason, a Harvard graduate, was launching his own business in venture capital. Despite their demanding schedules, they had a clear vision: they wanted a wedding that felt deeply personal, timeless and reflective of both their Italian and Jewish heritage. They sought a planner with meticulous attention to detail to create an unparalleled experience – and we did just that!
Initially dreaming of a wedding in Italy, they chose to celebrate in Montreal, transforming their new home into a canvas for their love story. Over two years, we embarked on a special planning journey, building a bond of genuine trust—so much so, they booked their venue without seeing it first. For many, this may seem unthinkable, but for me as their planner, this level of trust and care is the norm.
As the wedding drew closer, we shared many heartfelt milestones: the day they adopted their adorable puppy, Winston; the day Christina received her residency acceptance; the day Jason launched his new business and moved to Montreal; and, most intimately, the day they said "I Do."
Setting the Tone for Elegance
An elegant wedding blends timeless design, meticulous attention to detail, and an elevated guest experience. For Christina and Jason, assembling a talented team of vendors was paramount to bringing their vision to life.
The stunning images you see throughout this article, and in British Vogue magazine, were captured by FCP Weddings. Franco and his team expertly documented their love story, blending editorial and timeless styles to create a gallery that truly reflects them as a couple. I vividly remember when they hired Franco; he instinctively understood their vision. Working with a talented team of photographers is essential – after all, these are the keepsakes you’ll cherish for years to come.
The St. James Theatre, renowned for its stunning architecture and rich history, offered a breathtaking venue for the couple's big day. Its grandeur created an unforgettable experience, transporting guests to an era of sophistication.
The ceremony took place in the Princess Mezzanine, featuring a mirrored gold chuppah by Casa D’Eramo, and dreamy floral arrangements by Studio CK composed of roses, hydrangeas, delphinium and lush greenery. Merging Jewish and Italian traditions, the celebration included a personalized repertoire from Soul Station Orchestra’s string trio and vocalist, including the couple's favorite song; Sarà Perché Tí Amo.
Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed a lively cocktail hour in the venue’s old bank vault, savoring delicious appetizers, an oyster bar, and specialty cocktails. Soul Station Orchestra returned to serenade the crowd with their jazz duo, featuring saxophone and bass.
An Elevated Guest Experience
Creating an exceptional guest experience begins with first impressions, even before entering the venue.
To ensure a seamless arrival, we arranged valet service through Bob Perras, allowing guests to relax amidst Montreal’s bustling streets. The couple opted for luxurious Escalades from Times Luxury, led by Ashkan, as a stylish alternative for transporting the bridal party and family.
Upon arrival, guests were warmly welcomed by my team and an array of venue staff, including elevator attendants, coat check, and security personnel. The evening featured a premium open bar and a state-of-the-art lighting and sound system, enhancing the venue’s artistic beauty.
Behind the scenes, our vendor team worked closely to ensure every detail was executed seamlessly. As a preferred planner at the St. James Theatre, I can confidently say that if you’re seeking an impeccable team and a stunning venue in Old Port Montreal, you've found your match.
The Grand Reception Reveal
The main hall was kept a surprise with elegant draping, which was quietly removed during cocktail hour for a breathtaking reception reveal – and what a reveal it was!
The space was truly jaw-dropping, with romantic lighting and a custom monogram projected on the walls, designed by Letterland Studio. Dreamy florals adorned every corner, thoughtfully curated by Cristina from Studio CK. Each arrangement was meticulously designed to harmonize with the overall aesthetic: refined, timeless and garden-inspired. They were further complemented by a sea of candles throughout the room, along the stairwell, and around the seating chart by Casa D’Eramo, creating a romantic ambiance.
Throughout the evening, guests were serenaded by a 10-piece band from Soul Station Orchestra, keeping the dance floor alive with classics and traditional Italian and Jewish dances – the Tarantella and Horah were definite highlights!
Letterland Studio enhanced the tablescape with personalized menus that went beyond traditional design. Jenna added sophistication by indicating meal selections by color — ivory for lamb, black for salmon, and grey for vegetarian — along with a double border for allergies. This not only assisted the caterer, Société Traiteur, but also enhanced the overall guest experience.
The culinary experience was equally curated to reflect the couple's passion for cuisine, crafted by Société Traiteur. The menu featured exquisite dishes paired with specialty wines, late-night poutine, and a delightful dessert table with the couple's favorite pistachio cannolis. The stunning four-tier cake from Les Délices Lafrenaie Rosèmere was exceptional, complemented by specialty coffees from Café Olimpico.
The First Moments that Lasted All Day!
Christina looked absolutely radiant. Makeup artist Caroline Lachapelle and hairstylist Steff Richards accentuated her natural beauty and stunning blue eyes. The bride had two beautiful hairstyles, effortlessly transitioning to her second look for the evening. Her colourist Andrea Poliquin from Max Gourgues Salon created the perfect blonde shade for this bombshell!
Jason looked dapper in his tailored tux from GS Douville, a local Montreal tailor—talk about handsome!
Christina wore an exquisite Eva Landel gown, The Alegra, complemented by a stunning cathedral veil. Her something blue, a pair of classic Manolo Blahniks, added such an elegant touch.
Post-dinner, Christina revealed her breathtaking second look: a romantic backless Grace Loves Lace dress, Goldie. It was perfect for the champagne tower, cake cutting, and dancing the night away. A special memory: when Christina found this dress in Chicago, she called me on FaceTime, and I immediately exclaimed “YES!” before she could say it herself. She looked breathtaking, and I cherish that moment.
The Personal Touches
Christina and Jason’s wedding was filled with personalized details – from custom kipot, candle favors and matches engraved with their wedding date, to bar napkins featuring their adorable puppies.
One of my favorite moments was when Christina gifted her bouquet to her mother, Modestina, as a heartfelt gesture of gratitude for her endless love. The room fell silent as her emotional speech brought everyone to tears.
Christina and Jason,
Congratulations on your wedding feature in British Vogue! Thank you for your love and trust in me as your wedding planner. Wishing you a lifetime of love, laughter, good health, and bambinos!
Auguri! Mazel Tov!
To wrap up this beautiful wedding journey, I'll leave you with my favourite line from your heartfelt vows:
I can conquer the world with one hand, as long as you’re holding the other.
The Vendor Team
• Planner: Fino Events
• Photo & Video: FCP Weddings
• Venue: St. James Theatre
• Catering: Société Traiteur
• Band: SoulStation Orchestra
• Florist: Studio CK
• Decor: Casa D'Eramo
• Stationery: Letterland Studio
• Make-up: Caroline Lachapelle
• Hair: Steff Richards
• Hair Colourist: Andrea Poliquin
• Cake: Les Delices Lafrenaie Rosemere
• Transport: Times Luxury
• Valet: Bob Perras
• Tux: GS Douville
• Bride Dresses: Eva Lendel and Grace Loves Lace
Kind words from Christina & Jason:
Nicoletta is an absolute gem—truly one in a billion! Her energy is simply unmatched—she listened closely to our vision and created a day beyond what we ever could have imagined.
From the moment we started planning our wedding, Nicoletta brought an incredible mix of warmth, thoughtfulness, and professionalism that made the entire process feel effortless.
After two years of planning, she made sure we felt completely calm, collected, and confident on our big day. Nicoletta even coordinated my bridal shower with my mom, and every detail was handled with such care and love, making it all the more special.
From start to finish, she ensured everything was seamless and perfectly tailored to us. If you’re a bride considering a wedding planner, I can’t recommend Nicoletta enough. She goes above and beyond, bringing a level of elegance, thoughtfulness, and true kindness that is rare to find.
If you’re looking for a personalized, stress-free, and truly once-in-a-lifetime experience, Nicoletta is the one to make it happen.
C & J
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