When we first met Lena & Hussain, I could instantly sense the love they had for each other – the light touches of their hands, the stolen glances at each other, the secret smiles all made my heart melt. Their story even more so. The two met at a holiday party for international students at their university in Montreal in 2010. A few glances across the room, a light conversation, and both were utterly in love. They dated for a few years and then on New Years eve in 2016 Hussain popped the question. For varying reasons the couple decided not to have a big splashy wedding and instead invited only the very closest of their friends and family for a small urban elopement in Toronto. It was an absolutely lovely way to spend a day. Lena and Hussain rented an AirBNB and got ready together with Lena’s mom and Hussain’s sister-in-law – it was a beautiful family affair with lots of laughs, embraces, and even a few tears. We then made our way to city hall, where the couple said their “I dos” while their nearest and dearest watched. Finally, underneath a huge mural of a Persian rug (Lena is Persian so the rug mural held a lot of cultural significance for the bride) the couple danced, snuggled, and laughed while I snapped away. We ended the day with a round of warm cups of tea and coffee – the perfect finale!

I asked Lena some questions about her big day, here is what she had to say:

What inspired your wedding? “There was no “real” wedding involved and I think that was the theme, just celebrating two of us, how we met and how we struggled through life during our “international student days” and how all of those experiences brought us closer. The day was symbolic of our love and we wanted to celebrate that intimately in our new city.”

What was the most important and unique thing about your elopement? “Our photography – usually when you are getting eloped you do not have photos of it, all I wanted was photos, and that was done in the most unique way possible.”

What was your favourite part of the day? “Mine, was when I said “I do.” No doubt.”

What advice would you give to couples who are planning an elopement?

Stay relaxed everything will fall in place.

Focus on what you want not on what others want – it is your day!

Have fun during planning, that part lasts longer than the actual day and should be fun just as well.

Kiss and hug your parents and in-laws as much as you can on your wedding day, this will make your pictures really lovely and it makes them feel special.