Le Belvédère Wedding in Wakefield | Rainy Day Romance

Rainy Skies, Warm Hearts: A Le Belvédère Wedding to Remember

Rainy wedding days get a bad rap — but this one? It was pure magic. Alexia and Félix’s wedding at Le Belvédère, a stunning cliffside venue in Wakefield, Quebec, was filled with so much love, laughter, and intention that the rain only made it more romantic. As an Ottawa wedding photographer, I’ve photographed weddings in every kind of weather — but there’s something about fog-covered Gatineau Hills, private vows under umbrellas, and a couple who leans into it all that makes a day like this unforgettable.

The rain didn’t let up once. From the moment we arrived at Le Belvédère in Wakefield until the last dance of the night, it poured — but somehow, it only added to the beauty. Alexia got ready with her bridesmaids at the Garden House, surrounded by quiet excitement and cozy vibes, while Félix prepped with his groomsmen at the Guest House nearby. The fog rolled through the Gatineau Hills, and the whole venue felt like something out of a movie.

Bride reading her vows to the groom during a rainy first look at Le Belvédère in Wakefield, Quebec

The Kind of Love That Starts in a Parking Lot

Alexia and Félix met the way a lot of couples do these days — through a dating app during the pandemic. What started as chats and video calls turned into something real fast. Fast forward a couple of years, and they were engaged on Valentine’s Day… in the parking lot of State & Main on Ogilvie, the exact spot where they shared their first kiss. If that doesn’t make you tear up a little, I don’t know what will.

Lace wedding dress hanging on a gold mirror in the Garden House at Le Belvédère in Wakefield, Quebec
Bridal gown and mismatched bridesmaids' dresses in sunset tones of yellow, orange, and rose hanging in the Garden House at Le Belvédère
Groom’s parents smiling at their son during getting ready moments at Le Belvédère’s Guest House

Private Vows and Puppy Cuddles in the Gatineau Mist

Their sweet pup Nova was also there while Alexia got ready and was the best dog during their first look — she totally stole the show. I mean, dogs in weddings? Yes. Always yes.

Before the ceremony, Alexia and Félix shared private vows outside — just the two of them and Nova. As an Ottawa wedding photographer, I’ve captured a lot of emotional moments, but this one had me tearing up behind the lens. It was quiet, personal, and so full of heart.

Emotional bride wiping tears during first look with groom

A Sunset-Inspired Wedding Palette at Le Belvédère

Their friend Cedric officiated the ceremony, and it was so personal and heartfelt. Everyone braved the rain with umbrellas and blankets, and the warm, sunset-inspired tones of their florals — oranges, pinks, and yellows — popped beautifully against the misty forest backdrop.

After the “I do’s,” guests celebrated with a champagne toast and appetizers before we jumped into family portraits. Rain or not, everyone was in the moment.

Wide-angle view of the wedding ceremony with the couple standing before the officiant as guests watch.

From I Do to Let’s Dance: A Joyful Reception in Wakefield

Between the ceremony and reception, we found pockets of time to take portraits — and the rain honestly gave it this beautiful, romantic glow. The Gatineau Hills felt like something out of a movie. These two embraced every second of it, and we even snuck Nova in for a few adorable photos.

After the wedding party entrances, the new Mr. and Mrs. — The Potvins! — came in to cheers and went straight into their first dance. The reception space glowed with candlelight, simple white florals, and the sound of numerous guests sharing dinner and heartfelt toasts.

Speeches from parents and the wedding party had everyone laughing, crying, and clinking glasses. They followed it up with cutting a homemade carrot cake, mother-son and father-daughter dances, and then an absolutely packed dance floor.

This was one of those weddings that just felt good to be part of. You could feel the love in the room.

Bride and groom raising champagne glasses during wedding toast at Le Belvédère in Ottawa.
Full wedding party in coordinated attire smiling and walking together under the outdoor pavilion at Le Belvédère.
Groomsmen joyfully lifting a groomsman wearing a medical boot during a fun wedding reception moment in Ottawa.
Bride and groom smiling at each other during speeches at their sweetheart table at Le Belvédère.
Bridesmaid in orange dress giving a heartfelt speech during the reception at Le Belvédère.
Groom shares a special dance with his mother during their wedding reception at Le Belvédère.
Romantic black and white silhouette of the couple kissing under glowing string lights at Le Belvédère.

Shout-out to these vendors

Couldn’t end this blog without giving a big shoutout to the amazing team who made Alexia and Félix’s day what it was:

Bride and groom kiss on the dance floor surrounded by guests during their wedding celebration at Le Belvédère.

Thinking About Planning a Wedding at Le Belvédère?

Rainy or sunny, there’s just something special about this venue. If you’re planning a Le Belvédère wedding or looking for an Ottawa wedding photographer who’s down for whatever the weather throws your way — I’d love to be there. Let’s make it your own version of magic.

Reach out here to check your date or view my wedding packages

Previous
Previous

Spring Clean Your Digital Presence: 5 Things to Refresh This April

Next
Next

Why Wedding Photography Costs What It Does: A Behind-the-Scenes Look