Restaurant Beatrice (BICE) wedding | Ana + Enrique
An intimate reception at Ristorante Beatrice (BICE) - an oasis in the city of Montreal
I wrote my title above before heading to their website where their title reads “Urban Oasis in the heart of Montreal.” Meaning, my use of the word Oasis is very apt. This is exactly how I feel about this beautiful space! Incredible decor, lots of greenery, and a cozy feel that belies the size of this spot that makes it perfect as not only a Montreal wedding venue, but a place to chill on a sunny and warm afternoon!
A cheerful backyard wedding - Laughter abounded
Ana and Enrique have been together for many years; however, both of their careers involved a lot of travel. They spent a lot of time apart from one another by long distances. It didn’t curb their incredible love, but it did make it difficult to tie the knot. Finally, after some career shifts, it was the right time to finally say “I do” and express their love in an official way in front of their loved ones.
This was one of my tiniest weddings, less than 15 people! All family. As this had been a long awaited event, spirits were so high and the energy so happy that it was fully contagious. Both Ana and Enrique are not only smilers, but laughers! This was also one of my shortest weddings clocking in a just under 4 hours. Enough time for a bit of preparation (easy since the ceremony was in the backyard), a quick ceremony, some portraits and then a commute into the city. As the group was so small and it was just dinner with no dancing, I covered the beautifully decorated event room, the spectacular cake, and then we went outside for some goodbye portraits in front of the restaurant. A perfectly wrapped little gift!
Special touches
Ana and Enrique’s wedding runner was handmade, and the family decorated the yard for the event. A wonderful surprise was that their home bordered a wildflower field behind the backyard fence - undeveloped land which is a disappearing concept in Montreal’s West Island! Through a small gate and we had the late afternoon sun, and an awesome open field for some portraits that felt we were somewhere out of the city!
Once we got into the city, the urban landscape was quite a departure from the wildflowers! A few pulled back photographs bring in the environment and, similar to the vows, we say I do to everything that day brings, for better or worse! We embraced the city for what it is, even the orange cones! Again, good spirits abounded as we ran across the street for a few portraits, and took full advantage of the green velvet couch outside of the restaurant.
Here’s to joy,
Lucy
