New Years Eve wedding

Julie and Ghassan were married at the Shaw Centre in Ottawa on New Years Eve. It was such a classy affair. The groom wore a tux, the bride’s gown flowed beautifully as she walked, and the guests were treated to a 4 course meal.

The day started off at the bride’s family home where they had a traditional Chinese Tea Ceremony. It is customary for the bride and groom to offer tea to each family grouping in exchange for gifts. It was my first time shooting a Chinese Tea Ceremony, and I loved it! So full of traditions and culture!

wedding invitation against red Chinese dress with engagement ring and jewelleryred Chinese wedding dress with red shoes and wedding jewellerywedding invitation with engagement ringChinese tea cups and red candles on the table before tea ceremonyBridesmaids helping bride into red Chinese wedding dressBridesmaids helping bride into red Chinese wedding dressbride tearing up seeing herself in red Chinese wedding dress before tea ceremonyBride and her father walking down the stairs towards the groom before Chinese tea ceremonyBride, groom and father of the bride before Chinese tea ceremonyBride and groom praying before Chinese tea ceremonyserving tea at the tea ceremonyserving tea to family at Chinese tea ceremonyaccepting gifts from family at the Chinese tea ceremonybride crying as she hugs her aunt at Chinese tea ceremony

Following the Chinese Tea Ceremony, the family went to Yangtze for lunch in Chinatown and to relax before the Civil ceremony. I tagged along and was treated to some yummy snacks.

Then, we arrived at the Shaw Centre where the bride and groom changed into their tux and wedding gown! They didn’t have a wedding party, but some close friends helping them out during the day.

groomsmen helping groom tie up his bowtie Groom adjusting his suspenders in the mirror Groomsmen helping groom with his bowtie in the mirrow Bridesmaid helping bride into her dress bridesmaid helping bride put on her diamond necklacebridesmaid helping bride into her wedding dress
The bride and groom exchanged some thoughtful gifts along with a card before meeting to do their first look at the Shaw Centre.
Wedding day gift from bride to groom Groom opening his cufflinks from bride Harry Rosen cufflinks wedding day gift Groom laughing as he opens gift from bride on the wedding day Groom reading custom made card from his bride Bride reading a card from the groom on the wedding day Bride reading a card from the groom on the wedding day Bride smiling as she reads card from the groom on her wedding day Bride laughing in black and white Framed gift to bride from groom
Onto the first look in this gorgeous space. So much natural light!
First look at the Shaw Centre in Ottawa First look at the Shaw Centre in Ottawa First look at the Shaw Centre in Ottawa First look at the Shaw Centre in Ottawa Bride and groom portrait at the Shaw Centre

If you remember New Years Eve this year, it snowed. A lot. The roads were messy, driving was slow, so by the time we got to the Museum, we didn’t have much time left for photos. Yet, we managed to get some beautiful portraits of the bride and groom before heading back to the Shaw Centre for the ceremony and reception.

Bride and groom photo at the Museum of Nature in Ottawa Bride standing on the staircase of the Museum of Nature in Ottawa Bride and groom cuddling at the Museum of Nature in Ottawa Bride and groom smiling at the Museum of Nature in OttawaBride standing on the staircase of the Museum of Nature in Ottawa Bride and groom sitting on the staircase at the Museum of Nature in OttawaBride and groom smiling at the Museum of Nature in Ottawa Bride and groom sitting on the staircase at the Museum of Nature in Ottawa Bride and groom holding hands standing on the staircase at the Museum of Nature in Ottawa

Back at the Shaw Centre, Twenty3 Weddings and Events did a great job beautifying the space for the ceremony and reception. Candles were lit, tables were decorated to perfection, it was all kinds of gorgeous.

the aisle lit by candles at the shaw centre wedding table setting at the shaw centreWhite wedding cake by DeniliciousBride and her dad walking down the aisle Father of the bride giving away the bride Bride smiling during ceremony at the Shaw Centre Exchanging of the rings at the Shaw Centre Groom smiling at the bride at the Shaw Centre First kiss at the Shaw Centre Bride and groom walking down the aisle as husband and wife

We walked over to the Westin for a few photos in their gorgeous lobby before the reception.

Bride and groom portrait at the Westin Hotel in Ottawa Bride and groom portrait at the Westin Hotel in Ottawa Bride and groom by the fire at the Westin Hotel in Ottawa Bride and Groom by the fire at the Westin hotel in Ottawawedding rings by candlelight

For the bride and groom’s grand entrance, Arabic dancers and drummers ushered them into the room where a dance party erupted. All the guests were up out of their seats, dancing up a storm!

Aarbic drummers and dancers at weddingArabic dancers and drummers ushering bride and groom into ceremonyFamily dancing to Arabic drummers at weddingArabic drummers and dancers at weddingdancing to Arabic music at weddingFamily dancing to Arabic drummers at weddingBride and groom dancing

To cap off my evening, the bride and groom had their first dance, just as the fireworks at Parliament Hill went off. What an amazing celebration!

New Years Eve fireworks by the Chateau Laurier during wedding first dance First dance at the Shaw Centre by candlelight

Congrats to this gorgeous couple on a beautiful day!

Team

Wedding gown: Sinders Bridal House
Florist: Moonlight Event Rentals
Hair stylist: Kristina Mei
Makeup: Klava Zykova
Wedding planner: Twenty3
Decorator: Moonlight Event Rentals
Cake designer: Denilicious
Second photographer: Charlie Barnett Photography

 

Wedding

New Years Eve Shaw Centre wedding in Ottawa : Julie and Ghassan

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