BY VIVIAN VASSOS
When a wedding comes along that stops us in our tracks, we simply can’t keep it to ourselves. Mo and Taya’s spectacular Fairmont Château Laurier wedding is precisely that kind of celebration – a breathtaking blend of cultural heritage and modern grandeur that has left us completely spellbound.
From the show-stopping floral installations and emerald green accents to their stunning traditional Circassian attire and the surprise choreographed dance performance, every detail of this Fairmont Château Laurier wedding was planned and executed perfectly. Featured in our recent digital magazine, this celebration beautifully showcases how couples can honour their cultural traditions while creating an unforgettably elegant event.
Mo & Taya’s Fairmont Château Laurier wedding
“We are both Circassian, an ethnic group indigenous to the North Caucasus, located in southern Russia,” says Taya. “In the 19th century, after a century-long war, our people were subject to genocide, ethnic cleansing and exile by the Russian empire. Today, Circassians live in various countries but remain committed to preserving their rich cultural heritage, language and identity.”
Although the couple grew up in different parts of the world, their shared ethnic background and culture ultimately brought them together through the power of social media. When Taya moved to Ottawa two years ago, she encouraged Mo to attend Circassian dance classes. Mo was interested since it gave him a chance to get to know her more. A year and a half later, during a helicopter adventure over Mont Tremblant, Mo proposed and Taya happily said yes.
“We have always admired the Fairmont Château Laurier and its historic significance in Canada, and we were captivated by its stunning architecture, from the big arched windows to the intricate details on the ceilings,” says Taya about the venue. “We could easily envision ourselves here in our traditional Circassian attire. Also, the professionalism, knowledge and pride of the team when walking us through the venue really stood out.”
The decor colour palette featured white, gold and emerald green, with gold and emerald green representing the colours of the Circassian flag. The menu included a late-night buffet with assorted pizzas and a show-stopping dessert table (including a chocolate bark tower).
Dance is an integral part of Circassian culture. Prior to their first entrance, a choreographed Circassian group dance of 30 people surprised their 200 guests and welcomed the couple for their first dance. “As we entered our Fairmont Château Laurier wedding reception, wearing our traditional Circassian attire, we had two relatives from each side carry our family crests and walk behind us in a display of tradition. These family crests, passed down through generations for centuries, symbolize our rich history and connection to our ancestors.” 
During their second entrance (after having changed out of the traditional attire), fireworks started in full view from the Fairmont Château Laurier. “Turns out that on Saturday evenings during the first three weeks of August, the Les Grands Feux du Casino Lac-Leamy hosts a fireworks show from a platform on the Ottawa River, directly behind our venue.”
Mo and Taya, who both live in Ottawa, combined tradition and modernity in their stunning wedding, which took place at the Fairmont Château Laurier. “Ultimately, we wanted this wedding to be a love letter to Circassian culture.”
Wedding Vendors:
Wedding venue @fairmontlaurier
Photography/ Enas Abbas @enasphotography
Videography/ Enas Abbas Team @adorefilmmaking
Makeup/ Hanan dahche @hananmakeup
Hair/ Elio Haddad @eliohautecoiffure_
Floral & decoration/ Moesignature @moesignaturedesign
Dance floor/ Fatima Darwiche @ottawadancefloors
Cake/Bernadette Assaad @milospastry
Wedding sign/Noaf Hilfi @distinctlylabeled
Dj/ Eddy Rady @djeddyrady
For more real wedding inspiration, click here.
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