The bride and groom laugh with their guests during the groom's vows.
Ashleigh and Faisal were married in a small outdoor ceremony on the mountaintop in Mount Royal Park during the 2020 pandemic. They planned the ceremony to be outdoors and socially distanced, as guests sat on blankets and watched the wedding under the park trees. Their friends helped carry everything in and out of the wedding location on the day-of (to leave no trace on the environment). Faisal is an Environmental Coordinator for Concordia University so he wanted to reduce their impact on the beautiful park. Ashleigh is an elementary school teacher, so she had the idea to bring a few games and activities the children could play on a picnic table.
The ceremony was officiated by Ashleigh's best friend Michelle. It was filled with lots of laughter and smiles especially as the couple shared their own vows with each other. The bride's neighbor and friend, Psegga, sang during the document signing.
The ceremony location was a beautiful sun-dappled glen among the trees and as the announcement was made that they were married, the couple looked around at the tall trees and at their friends and family as if to memorize the scene and the moment.
After the ceremony, guests toasted the couple with prosecco and everyone enjoyed some delicious cannoli. Socially distancing prevailed, mostly, though some family members sneaked in rare and coveted hugs. While their guests enjoyed the cocktail, Ashleigh and Faisal chatted with family members by video, greeting long-distance friends and family who were too far to be present. After chatting and taking photos with a few guests, the bride and groom headed off through the forest for their wedding portraits and a walk in nature as we trekked back down the mountainside.
