Elena & Chris: A Toronto-Montreal Love Tale at Maison Principale

Love Story

Elena Hashemi and Chris Atallah's love story is one for the ages. It began with a chance encounter at a hair salon and blossomed through messages on Instagram. "Chris & his friends were coming down to Toronto for the Ludovico Einaudi concert and suggested we all meet up. I didn't hear from him until 8:30 pm that Friday night,where he casually messaged me saying he was going to Lavelle with his friends and "we should join." Calling my best friend right after, she is the one who told me to get up and head downtown and so we did. The rest was history. It was a connection like no other and together we grew, fell in love," Elena recalls. Their long-distance relationship, spanning from Toronto to Montreal, was filled with constant travel and deepening love over nearly seven years.

During the preparation for their big day, the couple found inspiration in their love and style. "It's as if we just knew what we wanted," Elena reflects. Their goal was to make October 28, 2023, at Maison Principale in Montreal an unforgettable event — romantic, elegant, and the epitome of their journey, with a vision of non-stop dancing and laughter.

Morning details

The couple took a hands-on approach to their wedding details. "We designed them!" Elena beams. Chris crafted the engagement ring and drew inspiration from his father's band for his wedding ring. “I wore a pearl set that in my laws gifted me. Chris wore a watch my parents gifted him,” Elena reflects. The stationery, including menu cards and table numbers, was created by Karsy Design in Montreal.

Bride getting ready

As Elena prepared for her big day, she shared her thoughts on her stunning wedding attire. "I had two dresses - a Mila Nova gown and a Pronovias dress. The Mila Nova dress was purchased by Tourjours Bridal in Toronto. Pronovias dress from White Toronto," Elena explained with a smile. Her accessories were a blend of elegance and personal significance. "Veil, my pearls & shoes," she said, her eyes sparkling at the memory.

The location for her getting-ready photoshoot was thoughtfully chosen. "We booked an Airbnb home near Chris' families house," she recalled. The flowers for the wedding were a simple yet stunning choice. "A bouquet of white roses. La Grace des Fleurs did all my flowers," she expressed with gratitude.

When asked about the company she had while getting ready, Elena's face lit up with a fond memory. “I did not take the traditional route, instead I told them "dress up as if you are going to the Oscars" and they understood the assignment," she laughed, recalling the glamorous atmosphere of the morning.

Groom getting ready

Chris's preparations took place at his parents' home. His tuxedo, designed by Battaglia & Aly Bespoke, complemented Elena's exquisite gowns.

Photoshoot before the ceremony

"We took photos near the hall," Elena explains. "The weather was perfect and there was a small park nearby."

Ceremony

“We had two ceremonies - a church ceremony at Sourp Hagop Armenian Church & a Persian sofreh ceremony at the reception before cocktail hour,” Elena shares. Their nieces, Eva and Vana, were their flower girls, and their nephew Aved was the ring bearer.

“Standing up at church together, looking into each other's eyes,” was a key moment they’ll both cherish forever.

Wedding Venue & Decor

The theme of black and white ran throughout their wedding décor. Their vision was to create a classy and timeless atmosphere.

Reception

Their first dance was to Adele's "Lovesong," setting the tone for an evening filled with joy, dancing, and celebration. Reflecting on the wedding, they both agree that the key moment they’ll remember is “That we never stopped dancing and the dance floor was always full!"