An intimate, joy‑filled wedding at Ottawa’s historic Notre‑Dame Cathedral Basilica: a cherished downtown landmark and National historic site with classic charm and stunning cathedral architecture. Along the water by Mill Street Brew Pub, the reception venue, was a perfect backdrop for bride and groom portraits.

Some weddings have a quiet magic to them and unfold just as you hope. Claire and Dylan’s celebration was one of those weddings. Intimate, joyful, and beautifully genuine, their day unfolded in a way that felt both deeply personal and effortlessly timeless.

From the very beginning of the morning, there was a sense of warmth and connection—especially with the children who were such an integral part of the day. As Claire got ready, the little ones buzzed around, full of curiosity and excitement. Their laughter echoed through the getting-ready space, adding lightness and joy to those quiet, anticipatory hours before the ceremony. It felt less like a formal prep session and more like a cozy family gathering, filled with love.

During the ceremony itself, the tone was quiet, sacred, and beautiful. Nearly all the kids fell asleep during the vows, curled up on their parents’ laps or nestled quietly in pews. It was tender and a little funny, and somehow made everything feel even more real. Life doesn’t pause for weddings, and these peaceful moments of stillness added such charm to the ceremony.

After the “I do’s,” the bride and groom were met with an incredible burst of energy. The air was buzzing with celebration, and that post-ceremony glow lit up everyone’s faces. Outside the cathedral, the antique car waiting for Claire and Dylan (her uncle’s—a detail that made it all the more special) added an old-world romance to the scene. It became a perfect backdrop for some of the most striking candid photos of the day.

At the Mill Street Brew Pub, we took a walk along the waterline towards the Royal Canadian Navy Monument for some portraits. That stretch of park offers such a graceful mix of nature and architecture, and it gave us a quiet, elegant space to capture Claire and Dylan together. Just like the couple themselves—soft-spoken and kind, yet radiating something undeniably beautiful—the portraits felt honest and serene.

Claire and Dylan are the kind of couple who remind you what weddings are really about: connection, simplicity, and quiet joy. It was an honor to be part of a day that didn’t need to shout to be unforgettable. It just was.

Sometimes I just have to pinch myself that I get to be part of such amazing events! So grateful. This was a gorgeous wedding that I’ll never forget photographing. Also it’s a great example of a wedding in which children can fit well into the flow of events – they were never disruptive and it made the wedding feel more rich and beautiful.

Vendors:

Photography: Valerie Doucette Photography

Venue: Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica, Mill Street Brew Pub Ottawa

Dessert: Ashley Drolet, Midnight Baker

Hairstylist: Taylor Cameron Bridal Hairstylist

Dress: Crazy Beautiful Dresses

Suits: Moores

Flowers: Mel’s Flowers

DJ: Capital Events and Entertainment