The love story of Cassidy Brady and Samuel Michaud began 13 years before their wedding day. When Samuel was just 16 years old, he spotted his future wife at the park “where all the ‘cool’ kids would go to get away from their parents,” laughs Cassidy. Samuel was smitten with her smile, and the pair developed a mutual adoration for one another. “We were so young at the time; our relationship started very slowly,” he notes. 

After Cassidy graduated from college, Samuel began to plan his proposal – first asking his future sister- and mother-in-law to help him find the perfect engagement ring, featuring a gorgeous oval-cut diamond and a thin pavé band. While dining alfresco in their backyard by the fire, Samuel asked Cassidy to spend the rest of her life with him. 

Just as they began planning their nuptials, the betrothed learned that Cassidy was pregnant! As they were organizing their big day while also preparing for a newborn, the bride-to-be relied heavily on her mother and sister, as well as their wedding planner, Kim Ahonoukoun of KA Mariage. Desiring a venue with gorgeous views, they selected a cliffside space that offered a tranquil, comfortable, and intimate feel. “The entire venue was on a mountaintop, and we had the entire place to ourselves, creating an incredibly intimate and comfortable atmosphere,” remembers Samuel. 

As 95 guests took their seats on white benches facing a picturesque vista of the Gatineau Hills, a graceful snowfall added to the romantic ambience of the day. “We had no idea what the weather would bring, but we knew we were getting married outside no matter what – rain or shine, and in this case, it was snow,” he affirms. “Everyone was so happy to be there and that is something I will never forget.” Heaters and umbrellas were provided to keep loved ones warm and comfortable throughout the ceremony. 

“We planned the theme based on my wedding dress,” shares the bride, who donned a ballerina-style ball gown of pleated silk tulle in ivory and blush with dramatic off-the-shoulder sleeves. “My dress was very soft and fluffy, almost like a cloud, so we had beautiful pampas grass arrangements at the altar and along the aisle to reflect that.” Samuel muses, “I had never seen a dress like that, and she had never looked more beautiful.” At the end of the service, hot toddy cocktails were served to all, and everyone raised their glasses as Cassidy and Samuel walked up the aisle as husband and wife. 

Friends and family then made their way inside for the reception, which featured more décor inspired by the soft blush and cream of the bride’s ethereal gown. Round tables surrounded by oval-back cane chairs were strewn with silky linens and decorated with low arrangements of florals in muted tones. Floating candles and metallic votives emitted ambient lighting for the warm, autumnal celebration. Each guest’s place setting included a charger plate featuring a marble pattern, a fresh alabaster bloom, colorful glassware in dusty rose shades, and a single pink macaron served on a miniature gold-footed stand. Cassidy and Samuel joined their nearest and dearest at the head table, which showcased low centerpieces, plenty of dreamy candlelight, and modern geometric terrariums. 

Though the groom left most of the planning decisions up to his beloved, “the most important part of the wedding – and one I was most involved in – was the food,” he smiles. “We wanted things to be simple, yet elevated.” In addition to the delectable sit-down dinner service, guests enjoyed a surprise oyster bar as well as a poutine bar. At the end of the night, loved ones waved sparklers in celebration as the newlyweds shared a “last dance” in the very same spot where they had said “I do” just hours earlier.