Some weddings are about grandeur, others about grounding. For Arya and Jolian, planning their wedding was about staying true to their values and honoring their cultures in a space that felt calm, personal, and connected to nature. After meeting through mutual friends, their relationship grew steadily—built on shared vision, trust, and intention.
Their multicultural celebration in the quiet woods of Quebec reflected that spirit. Planning it themselves came with a few surprises, including a last-minute change in photographers, but it also led them to the right people. “We found Junebug vendor Megan Maundrell Photography on Instagram, and everything clicked,” Jolian said. “She made us feel comfortable and was so organized. We never once worried something would go wrong.” That kind of trust made all the difference.
Looking back, Jolian offered simple but solid advice: “Start as early as possible, and shop around until you feel absolutely sure of who you’re working with.” That mindset shaped every decision and helped them create a day that felt peaceful, purposeful, and entirely their own.
What We Love About This Multicultural Celebration:
- A peaceful forest setting that felt personal and serene
- Blending Iranian and Chinese traditions
- Tear-jerking first look where the bride surprised the groom with a song
- A cozy, intimate guest experience at a chalet by the lake
Featured Vendor:
Megan Maundrell Photography
Honoring Heritage Through Ceremony and Design
One of the most meaningful elements of Arya and Jolian’s multicultural celebration was how intentionally they wove their cultural backgrounds into the day. The traditional tea ceremony was both playful and heartfelt, beginning with lighthearted challenges for Arya and ending with the couple receiving blessings from their elders. “We knew we wanted to integrate both Iranian and Chinese cultures,” Jolian said. “It was important to us that those traditions were honored in a way that felt authentic.”
Rather than focusing on lavish décor, the couple prioritized intention and symbolism. “Although we didn’t have much decoration, everything that was there was selected for a reason” Their floral palette—burnt reds, rose, and earthy browns—was carefully chosen to reflect warmth and connection. “I had envisioned us surrounded by just enough bright red tones to match the vibrancy of my Chinese wedding outfit. Since Arya and I were in black and white, I wanted the flowers to really pop.”
A Quiet Moment by the Lake
Before the ceremony, Arya and Jolian shared a first look along the water’s edge. The mood was calm and unhurried. Just the two of them, the lake, and the trees starting to turn with early autumn color. As Arya turned around to see Jolian in her dress, the nerves eased into something softer. They sat together at a weathered wooden picnic table, where Jolian brought out her guitar and surprised him with a song she had prepared. No audience, no performance, just a private exchange that set the tone for the rest of the day.
Creating a Wedding That Felt Like Them
Jolian and Arya knew from the start they didn’t want an overly decorated affair. “We were going for minimalist, close-to-nature, and thoughtful vibes,” Jolian shared. Their venue—a lakeside chalet with neutral tones and wooden textures—set the tone perfectly. With just 30 guests, they planned everything themselves, choosing each detail with care.
While the tea ceremony honored their heritage, their outdoor ceremony embraced the natural surroundings. Set against a quiet lake and early autumn forest, the couple stood beneath a simple gold arch with red and white florals, exchanging personal vows and sharing a faith-based ritual. “We loved reading our vows to each other, but the most memorable part was worshipping together with our oldest people,” they said.
Handwritten programs guided guests through a ceremony that felt more communal than performative—marked by music, prayer, and the steady presence of loved ones. It was thoughtful, grounded, and deeply personal.
Planning an Intimate Multicultural Celebration
Hosting their wedding at a chalet gave Arya and Jolian the space and time to focus on what mattered most. With guests staying on-site, the weekend unfolded at a relaxed pace, more like a gathering of close friends than a formal event. The forest backdrop and casual layout encouraged conversation, connection, and downtime between moments of ceremony and celebration.
Their multicultural celebration continued into the reception, where a long picnic table was set with earth-toned runners, mauve napkins, and simple place settings. Guests enjoyed a laid-back outdoor meal, followed by heartfelt speeches and plenty of laughter. From the hand-lettered seating chart to a vintage guest book phone, the details were understated but thoughtful. Proof that an intimate setup doesn’t mean compromising on meaning or memory. In the end, it wasn’t about doing everything. It was about doing what mattered, and doing it with care.
The Wedding Team:
Photography – Megan Maundrell Photography
Ceremony Venue – Chalet Le Chardonnay
.jpg "Photographers")
