Deziree and Kyle are one of the sweetest couples I know, and we had such a great time taking their Cherry Beach engagement photos this summer. There are certain backdrops that feel like Summer. There are certain people that feel like Love. There are certain moments that simply feel serendipitous. Like when I see this adorable couple, with giggles and love bouncing off the screen, and it just feels like there is nowhere else in the world worth being.
It wasn’t the first time I’ve photographed the couple. The two got engaged last year, and we have already shot their Christmas engagement photos at Toronto’s iconic Distillery District (where they got engaged!) (Kyle proposed to Deziree during their weekend stroll at the Christmas Market … how romantic is it?) before deciding to do another photo shoot in the summer. Deziree and Kyle love hanging out on a beach, and so it was fitting to go to the Cherry Beach for a fun, lighthearted summer session.
It was early morning when we arrived at the beach. The sun was just peeking through the horizon, and the beach was completely empty. For a wedding photographer, the engagement session is probably the best way to get to know the couple before spending an entire day with them at their wedding. Most of my sessions are held about 2 hours before the sun sets, but what about when you have a couple that is willing to shoot at sunrise? I have to admit, I hardly ever get up any earlier than 9 AM most days, so the thought of being functional at 6 AM was terrifying. But the results? The light was beautiful and completely worth it.
Most of my engagement shoots have been in the city this year, and so traveling to the Cherry beach to hang out with these two and witness the sunrise was so much fun. From the rocky shore to a cute little cabin, Cherry beach offers so many amazing spaces to photograph. If you’re considering doing beach engagement photos, keep this place in mind! With its spacious sandy shore and the lovely greenery around it, it seems like a place that doesn’t belong to downtown Toronto, but I’m so glad it does.
When planning your prenuptial session, I would definitely recommend sunrise or sunset as the time your shoot should be taking place. Just like the sunlight is soft and golden during the sunset hours, there’s nothing quite like shooting in the early hours in the morning. In addition to the magical glow, you’ll also avoid crowds and get to enjoy the space all to yourself.
