The “light” reveal: Fall wedding at Auberge des Gallant in Ste-Marthe, Quebec
A warm-hearted albeit cool weather wedding at one of Montreal’s Monteregie region’s most popular wedding venues: Auberge des Gallant
Off the beaten track in Ste-Marthe, Quebec but just 40 minutes outside of the city, Auberge des Gallant is an impressive Montreal wedding venue. While it gives a rustic feel, make no mistake that a touch of luxury awaits - from its choice of two beautifully designed reception halls to the incredibly manicured garden and water feature, to its elegant rooms and spa and the warm and personal touch of staff. The main hall, The Phoenix can accommodate up to 250 guests, while the smaller Pavillion accommodates up to 125.
Would Auberge des Gallant be a good fit for your wedding? This venue is ideal for couples who:
Enjoy a more rustic experience but still want a full service, luxe-feeling option for their wedding
Seek a venue with a very rich, colourful and well-maintained grounds for outdoor photos
Don’t mind if there is another wedding (or other event) taking place at the same time. While there is a very healthy separation of the 2 receptions halls (one is up the road from the main building and has its own parking lot), the common grounds may be shared for photography
Don’t mind a short commute, ideally by car, if preparing or photographing one the main grounds but are booked in the Pavillion. It’s a little further than one would want to walk in formal wear.
Want to offer an overnight option for guests which is nice not to have to worry and enjoy the reception fully. The road to the highway is quite dark and isolated and should be driven carefully with an eye out for wildlife.
If you’re looking for a similar Montreal wedding venue, still by the water but perhaps a bit more more upscale and decadent, you can consider Chateau Vaudreuil. Click here to see a wedding at the Chateau.
Immersion into nature
Victoria and Jonathan loved the relaxed and private/ nature feel of the Auberge for their wedding. Even in the chill of early October, their guests and wedding party braved the dipping temperatures to exchange their vows in an outdoor ceremony, and the couple took advantage of the beautiful Fall colours for their wedding photos. If you look closely enough, you can often see the goosebumps on Victoria’s arms! It was all worth it!
The “light” reveal
In the spirit of my eternal duality, a light reveal has a double meaning:
To feature select photographs from the wedding
To comment on the light and other elements to be considered when planning your wedding photography at this venue
This Montreal wedding was a close-knit affair that had a spirit of warmth and camaraderie that was palpable. At some weddings guests don’t all know each other, but it seemed that this crowd were all terrific friends! The group was about 100 and the couple was in the Phoenix wedding hall. The weather was cool, just a few degrees above zero and smartly Victoria had a wrap for her shoulders and a jacket or blanket was never too far away! The sun poked in and out of the clouds frequently and that made for tricky photography conditions - one moment in the exact same spot the light changed dramatically. Sometimes it’s a gift, breathing a vibrancy into a well composed frame (such as a backlit glow - see the 2 photos below), but sometimes the location and composition is stunning and then you’re hit with a face full of sun, resulting in squinting! This is why you always want to hire a professional for your wedding. They are skilled in quick adjustments needed to adapt effortlessly to changing conditions, to provide beautiful results for you on this no-do-over day!
We found a lovely background that surrounded the couple by foliage and colour and the sun dipped behind a cloud. Still a beautiful landscape although it gives the scene a more subdued look.
While we photographed, the sun peeked out and brightened up the background. The sun enhanced the scene due to its direction but conditions need to be watched to maintain proper photo exposure.
This couple demonstrated that while incredible and sought-after, an outdoor landscape scene doesn’t have to be the only focus - we can find indoor and non-traditional spots for meaningful photographs too. At the Auberge, there is a path that leads to an old equipment barn - maybe not where most would think to go but makes for some cool, graphic and grungy backdrops and a little spice and variety to break up the more dreamy and colourful backgrounds. The couple also really wanted a photograph at the bar, and in the wine cellar! Kudos to the staff to help make that happen for these two. It never hurts to ask!
Watch for the full reveal of this friendly and elegant wedding!
Here’s to joy,
Lucy
Couple portrait location and reception venue: Auberge des Gallant
