Bijou at the Church Wedding (formerly Revival House) | Shakespearean Gardens | Stratford, ON | N + J

N+J’s wedding at Bijou at the Church (formerly Revival House) in Stratford

A wedding at Bijou at the Church (formerly Revival House)

Bijou at the Church, known as Revival House when N and J were married there, is a restored historic church on Brunswick Street in downtown Stratford, and it’s one of the most atmospheric venues I’ve photographed. Soaring ceilings, stained glass, chandeliers and warm candlelight make the whole space glow, especially once the sun goes down.

N and J’s day began with getting-ready photos by the church’s arched windows, where the light is soft and beautiful. The bride’s long veil became one of the stars of the day; every breeze outside turned it into something cinematic.

Portraits in the Shakespearean Gardens

For portraits we walked to the Shakespearean Gardens, a short distance from the venue. The gardens give you lush greenery, stone and old trees, and they’re a lovely contrast to the moody interior of Bijou at the Church. The wedding party, in soft dusty blues and greens with the guys in classic black, looked timeless against the green.

The reception

Back at the church, the tables were dressed in greenery garlands and candles under the chandeliers. Between the cake cutting, the toasts and a candlelit first dance, the evening had exactly the warm, romantic feeling the venue is known for.

Planning a wedding at Bijou at the Church

• Light: the interior is beautifully moody, so plan your couple portraits outdoors in daylight and save the candlelit moments for the evening.
• Portraits: the Shakespearean Gardens are close by and give a natural, green backdrop.
• Details: greenery, candles and warm metallics suit the space perfectly.
• Veil: if you love a long veil, Stratford’s garden breezes make for incredible photos.

Thank you, N and J, for a beautiful day in Stratford.

Planning a wedding in Stratford or the Kitchener-Waterloo area? I’d love to hear from you. Get in touch.