Fall wedding at Lago

Oh, this fall wedding at Lago. We are still thinking about it days later. Tjasa and Rohan said their vows on the balcony overlooking the water, under warm September sunshine, surrounded by a room absolutely filled with love. From the second we walked in for prep, we could feel how loved this couple is, and by the time cocktail hour rolled around we were pretty sure we’d made two new friends. If you’re planning a Lago wedding of your own (or just love a good love story), settle in, because this one has a little bit of everything: two cultures coming together, happy tears before the ceremony even started, and a reception that did not slow down until the very last song.

Engagement ring resting on a blush and white floral arrangement before the fall wedding at Lago

Getting ready separately for our fall wedding at Lago

Tjasa and Rohan got ready in separate rooms at SoHo Champagne, which meant we could capture both preps without ever leaving the building (photographer’s dream, honestly). They skipped the first look entirely and saved that moment for the altar, this was actually our second no first look wedding in a row. There’s something so special about that first look happening for real, in front of everyone, instead of tucked away just for the two of them and us. The morning was full of laughing, getting ready playlists, and more than a few happy tears, the bridesmaids were already crying during prep, which tells you everything you need to know about how loved this couple is.

Makeup artist applying lip colour to the bride during wedding morning prep

Bridal bouquet and ivory wedding shoes on a windowsill with the wedding rings

Bridesmaids in pink pajamas toasting champagne around the bride in her white robe

Bridesmaids helping the bride into her wedding gown, black and white photo

Groomsmen in navy suits toasting drinks before the ceremony

Two families, one beautiful blend

One of our favourite parts of this fall wedding at Lago was watching two families and two cultures come together for the day. Tjasa’s family joined from Slovenia, and Rohan’s family came from India, and the whole day was a gorgeous mix of both traditions. We love a wedding that leans into where a couple comes from instead of smoothing it all into one look, and this one did exactly that, from small details throughout the day to the way both families showed up for each other. It’s the kind of day that reminds us why we love this job, watching two different worlds fold into one big, joyful one.

Bride laughing with three bridesmaids holding their bouquets before the ceremony

Bride and bridesmaids laughing together outside Lago on a sunny afternoon

Vows and speeches that got us too

We’ll be honest, we teared up a little during the vows. Tjasa and Rohan wrote their own, and you could feel just how much thought (and love) went into every word. The speeches later in the evening kept that same energy going, sweet, funny, and clearly written by people who know this couple really well. By the time the toasts wrapped up, we’re pretty sure there wasn’t a dry eye left in the room.

Groom smiling at the bride as they hold hands during their wedding ceremony

Groom and groomsmen sharing a laugh at the altar before the ceremony begins

Two bridesmaids wiping away happy tears during the wedding speeches

The balcony ceremony: a sunny fall wedding at Lago

The ceremony itself happened right on the balcony at Lago, looking out over the water with the sun doing us all a huge favour. A balcony wedding at Lago gives you that open air, waterfront feeling without losing the comfort of an indoor backup just steps away, and on this particular Saturday we didn’t need it. The light was soft, the guests were glowing, and the whole space just felt full, in the best way. If you’re weighing venues for your own Lago wedding, the balcony is worth asking about specifically, it’s one of our favourite ceremony spots in Ottawa.

Wedding officiant reading from her book during the balcony ceremony at Lago

Bridesmaids in blush pink gowns holding their bouquets on the balcony overlooking the water

Wedding party gathered at the altar for this fall wedding at Lago, city skyline behind them

Fall pink and gorgeous florals

Can we talk about the florals for a second? AM Florals put together the most stunning fall palette, soft pink through and through, and we are once again reminded that pink in the fall might be one of the most underrated colour choices out there. Tjasa’s bouquet was an absolute standout, we could have photographed it all day. The blooms carried that same soft, romantic feeling through the ceremony space and the reception tables, tying the whole day together beautifully.

Close up of the bridal bouquet with the bride laughing softly in the background

A reception full of joy (and tequila)

If the ceremony was all heart, the reception was all energy. Tjasa and Rohan opened the dance floor with a choreographed first dance that they clearly practiced (and it showed, in the best way), followed by a father daughter dance that had plenty of guests reaching for tissues again. Partway through the night Tjasa changed into a second dress for the dance floor, and honestly, we loved it, a fresh look for a whole new burst of energy. From there the night just kept building, a bouquet toss that had the whole room laughing, and yes, a round of tequila shots that pretty much confirmed this was a dance floor that meant business. This is exactly the kind of reception energy we hope for on every wedding day, genuinely fun, a little unpredictable, and full of people who clearly adore this couple.

Groom mid toast at the sweetheart table as the bride laughs beside him

Bride and groom laughing together at the sweetheart table during reception speeches

Bride sharing a father daughter dance under the string lights at the reception

Bride mid throw during the bouquet toss as bridesmaids reach for it behind her

Bride and groomsmen raising tequila shots together at the reception bar

Bride in her second dance floor look cheering with a bridesmaid in pink

Bride in her white dance floor dress dancing with a bridesmaid under coloured lights

Congratulations on your fall wedding at Lago, Tjasa & Rohan!

Tjasa and Rohan, thank you for having us for this fall wedding at Lago. Watching your families come together, hearing those vows, and dancing (and toasting) the night away with you was such a gift. Wishing you two a lifetime as joyful as this day was. If you’re planning a wedding at Lago or anywhere else in the Ottawa area and love what you see here, we’d love to hear from you, get in touch and let’s start planning your day.