READING TIME: 4 min 58 sec
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/03/2024
UPDATED: 08/29/2024
In the realm of wedding planning, where every detail is a testament to love's grandeur, Coeur Bohème emerges as a beacon of innovation and creativity. Founded by the visionary Victoria, this company transcends traditional boundaries, weaving together the threads of unique love stories into unforgettable celebrations. Today, we delve into the heart of Coeur Bohème, exploring the journey, philosophy, and passion that make Victoria's work truly exceptional.
“Le Coeur Bohème is a nontraditional wedding and elopement planning service in the Greater Montreal region. We love to travel locally but also all over the world.”
“It was in 2012, after spending 5 years working in an office as a fashion designer and looking for something different,” Coeur Bohème recalls, marking the inception of Coeur Bohème. Transitioning from fashion to the vibrant world of wedding planning, she found her calling. Renting vintage furniture and accessories for weddings, Victoria's first foray into the industry was at a wedding fair with just half a booth. This leap of faith was bolstered by the advice and inspiration of fellow entrepreneurs, leading her to pursue her dream full-time in 2016.
“The first wedding I ever planned was a couple from New York in 2013. I was freaking out!! We planned it for them without ever meeting. It was a very high-end couple and I honestly didn't know what I was doing. I never saw the venue before. It was in March so it was snowing and very cold. I was running around like a chicken without and head. I ended up getting frostbite on my toes from setting up string lights around an ice rink and crying at the end because I was sick and so stressed! That wedding put me to the test but after that, there was nothing I couldn't do or deal with. It taught me a lot.” — Victoria Lafleur said.
Since its inception, Coeur Bohème has orchestrated over 500 weddings and events, establishing a renowned presence not just in Quebec, but globally. “Victoria has established relationships and partnerships with over 150 suppliers in the industry,” a testament to her dedication and expertise. Her work has captivated audiences worldwide, with photographs gracing every edition of Mariage Québec and earning accolades from prestigious platforms like Junebug Weddings.
“I was inspired to be a wedding planner because when I was young I would always set up ABD spaces for my dolls and Barbies, I wasn't really into playing with them, but making setups and decorating. When I got older I was really into fashion and home decor. I think all these elements grew into this career. I love meeting new couples and hearing their stories I love creating unique wedding experiences for each of them and their guests. Furthermore, I'm a very visual person and love looking at pretty things. I love organization and making lists LOL.”
“At Coeur Bohème, our main focus is to provide you with a stress-free experience so you can enjoy your day without worrying about the details. We are here to help you realize your dream wedding, turning your vision into reality with our carefully, curated vendor team to bring you the BEST of the best. We strive to be creative and bring unique ideas to life, making your wedding stand out. Furthermore, we offer a personal touch making sure you feel valued and heard. Our planners create a positive atmosphere, contributing to a joyful and memorable wedding experience for you and your guests,” Victoria shares, revealing the company's client-centric philosophy. This approach is grounded in creativity, uniqueness, and a deeply personal touch, ensuring that every wedding is a reflection of the couple's vision and story.
Victoria's passion for meeting new couples and bringing their unique wedding experiences to life is palpable. “I love meeting different couples with different backgrounds, traditions, cultures, and visions and putting that all together to create an amazing and unique experience for them and their guests!” she exclaims. Coeur Bohème's services range from full and partial planning to month-off coordination, with the flexibility to create custom packages tailored to each couple's needs and desires.
“Oh, wow! There has not been just one, honestly each wedding has a special part in my heart. From the actual couple (some have become friends) to the decor or a special guest who made my day, to an emotional ceremony to a crazy event that happened. They are all so special in their ways,”- Coeur Bohème.
Reflecting on the most memorable weddings, Victoria finds it impossible to choose just one. Each event, with its distinct charm and challenges, holds a special place in her heart. Looking to the future, she dreams of planning weddings in castles in Ireland, mansions in Italy, and even a Halloween-themed wedding in an old church, showcasing her unwavering passion and boundless creativity.
Navigating the intricacies of wedding planning can often feel like charting a course through a beautiful, yet complex, maze. At Coeur Bohème, we consider it a privilege to guide our couples through this journey, ensuring their dream wedding comes to life with ease and grace. “We are lucky enough to travel all over Quebec and the world,” Victoria shares, highlighting her love for a variety of venues, from the rustic charm of vineyards and barns to the sleek elegance of spaces like Entrepôt Dominion and Château Ste Agnes. She reminisces about a particularly challenging yet rewarding experience with a demanding couple from New York, emphasizing how it honed her skills, “They were involved with all the little details… It pushed me and made me better at what I do!”
Understanding the financial aspects of wedding planning is crucial, and Victoria advises, “Be honest and transparent from the beginning, set the budget at the beginning, and review it as we go along.” She emphasizes the importance of prioritizing what truly matters to the couple, allowing for adjustments that align with their vision while staying within budget.
Victoria's advice to couples embarking on their wedding planning journey is clear and heartfelt: “Book a planner! At the least, a day of coordinator who can be there for you! Deal with vendors, schedule issues, and make sure everything runs smoothly. You don't want your mom or best friend planning your wedding. We do this every weekend so we know what we're doing. There are so many details that you need someone on your side who knows what they're doing. We work for you, we fight for you!” Emphasizing the importance of professional guidance, she assures couples that with Coeur Bohème, their wedding day will be as beautiful and seamless as they've always dreamed.
Victoria's journey from a fashion designer to the heart of Coeur Bohème is a narrative of passion, creativity, and the relentless pursuit of dreams. Through her eyes, we see weddings not just as events, but as canvases for expressing the deepest emotions and stories. As Coeur Bohème continues to evolve, its essence remains unchanged: to craft weddings that are as unique and beautiful as the love stories they celebrate.
