Micaela and Jon’s love story is one for the books. Beginning with a chance meeting in Santorini, Greece, and culminating in an unforgettable wedding celebration at the Four Seasons Montreal! The couple invited their guests to an all-black dress code, setting a sophisticated tone from the start. Their celebration was filled with surprises, from the unexpected entertainment of the night to heartfelt gestures that left everyone speechless. The night seamlessly blended elements of tradition, modern tastes, and captivating performances, creating an atmosphere that no one will soon forget.
As a start, their paths first crossed over a decade ago by the pool in Santorini, Greece. Micaela was on vacation with her mother when they met Jon, who was coincidentally staying in the room next door! Fast forward 1.5 years ago, fate intervened again when Micaela’s mom (who usually never recognizes people) spotted Jon at a hotel in Miami. This reconnection led to Jon sliding into Micaela’s DMs, a whirlwind romance, and a magical proposal. And finally, just eight months after their engagement, they celebrated their union surrounded by loved ones.
It was a wedding rich in Jewish tradition. From being wrapped in Jon’s father’s talit to the symbolic breaking of the glass, it marked the start of their new life together. These meaningful moments were made even more special with the presence of the Rabbi, flown in from New York, who had also married Micaela’s sister and her husband.
DECISION 1
Wedding Location
Choosing Four Seasons Montreal was a natural decision for Micaela and Jon. With family ties spread across New York, New Jersey, and Montreal, it made perfect sense to host the celebration in Montreal, a city that would soon become home. Having the wedding in Jon‘s hometown and where the couple is starting this new chapter of their loves together brought everyone together in a meaningful way.
Renowned for its luxurious ambiance and impeccable service, the Four Seasons Montreal provided the ideal setting for their special day. The hotel’s contemporary elegance and stunning views offered a breathtaking backdrop for their celebration, embodying the ‘elegance in simplicity’ vision for the event.
“We decided on the Four Seasons Montreal because how could we go wrong! It is simply the best hotel in Montreal and it is drop dead gorgeous. How else could I spend my wedding!”
DECISION 2
Wedding Planner/Designer
The couple knew they wanted their wedding day to reflect elegance in simplicity, where every detail would speak for itself.
With Micaela’s mother deeply involved in the design process of the wedding, they sought out the expertise of Elyna Kudish, a wedding planner known for her impeccable taste and refined approach.
Together, they crafted a vision that exceeded all expectations. “They absolutely outdid themselves,” Micaela shared, highlighting how the collaboration brought their dream wedding to life with effortless elegance. Elyna’s ability to transform simple, timeless ideas into something truly extraordinary made her the perfect choice.
DECISION 3
Wedding Photographer
When it came to choosing a wedding photographer, the couple knew they wanted someone who could not only capture the beauty of their day but also bring a calming presence. After discovering Kerstin Hahn Photography on Instagram, they were immediately drawn to her unique angles, her attention to the moments that matter most, and her warm, personable approach.
From offering hair and makeup referrals to being a constant source of support, Kerstin’s involvement went beyond just taking photos. She became a trusted part of the wedding day experience. On the day of the wedding, Kerstin captured every exquisite moment, ensuring that the memories of this stunning day would last a lifetime.
“The experience stood out with my photographer who really was such a helpful and calming force of nature for me,” Micaela shared.
DECISION 4
Wedding Florist
As for the florals, one of the day’s most memorable elements was the custom-built chuppah, a surprise from Micaela’s mother brought to life by the talented Atelier Carmel.
Covered in off-white velvet and adorned with 1,200 individually strung tulips—Micaela and her mother’s favorite flower—the chuppah was a masterpiece. Assembled on-site within hours by the talented Atelier Carmel, it transformed from a ceremonial focal point to a stunning bar centerpiece during the reception.
.“Walking down the aisle turned out to be my favorite part of the day,” Micaela recalls. “My mother designed the chuppah, and our florist brought it to life. It was breathtakingly elegant.”
After the ceremony, the florist orchestrated an incredible transformation by moving the chuppah over the bar, making it the centerpiece of the evening’s reception. Their skill and attention to detail made the floral design a true standout, capturing the couple’s vision in the most unique and memorable way.
DECISION 5
Wedding Entertainment
Music set the tone for an unforgettable atmosphere at Micaela and Jon’s wedding celebration. The evening began with a soulful jazz performance by The Soul Orchestra during the cocktail hour, creating an elegant yet lively ambiance. A particularly touching moment was when their best friend and best man surprised the couple by singing live for their first dance, adding a heartfelt touch to the night! As the celebration continued, Micaela and Jon treated their guests to exhilarating performances by an electric violinist and saxophonist, injecting a vibrant energy into the reception. DJ Zo Rakotomalala then took over, keeping the dance floor alive and the energy soaring until the end of the night.
More than anything, Micaela and Jon wanted their guests to feel truly special. They handwrote cards for each guest, which were distributed after the cocktail hour. This personal touch was especially meaningful for their out-of-town guests who flew in from across the world, making them feel honored and appreciated.
DECISION 6
Wedding Rentals
The elegance of the day was elevated by the choice of rental vendors, Celebrations Group and Diva Location. The all-black dress code set a sophisticated tone, complemented by the minimalist long candle setups meticulously curated by Diva Location.
These thoughtful details seamlessly blended tradition with refined elegance, ensuring the atmosphere felt both personal and timeless. Celebrations Group and Diva Location played an important role in creating the perfect ambiance for Micaela and Jon’s celebration, one that honored both their cultural heritage and modern tastes.