Laid-back, cool and sentimental: those are some words that pop into mind when I think about Michelle and Dave. One of my fav couples from last year, they had a super fun, downtown Toronto Wedding at 99 Sudbury. The Mango team STILL talks about some of the memorable images from this day on like … a daily basis. When you can’t find these two hanging out in the Ossington neighbourhood, they’re probably at home, listening to their fantastic record collection, giggling incessantly… I would know because this is how I first got to know them during our engagement session.
Hip urbanites, Michelle and Dave, live on the west side of the city. Their apartment is SO stylish and charming, it felt like such a reflection of them! Photographing these two in their space, with all of their sentimental objects and design tastes on display, was excellent for getting to know them. I found out: Michelle and Dave aren’t fussy, they love cool interior design and.. are TOTALLY into each other. Something else I found out was, all the sentimental, in-between moments, they are JUST as important as the bigger, monumental ones for Michelle and Dave. I knew I wanted the photos from their wedding day to feel exactly like all these things I experienced during our engagement session: laid back, relaxed and sentimental.
On the big day of their downtown Toronto wedding, Michelle got ready at the Gladstone Hotel. Photographing here is such a treat – especially when in the tower suite! This space has loads of natural light, amazing design details, AND, wait for it, exclusive access to a rooftop patio. Too bad we were photographing in the middle of February. Oh wait, check it, these two were entirely down for a first look on the patio. It was -4 degrees out, but it didn’t matter! The first look went off without a hitch. With the Toronto skyline in the background, Michelle and Dave were all smiles and kisses when they saw each other for the first time. It was soo romantic.
For Michelle and Dave’s creative session, we ducked inside to warm up. With its 19th century architecture, the Gladstone Hotel offers some killer interior spaces for romantic, urban-chic photos. The couple cozied up together in front of a large window for some stunning, dramatic images. Next, on the docket, we braved the cold and went out on Queen Street West for some city shots. And I mean, really braved it: I feel so honoured when a couple trusts me as an artist. I’m able to produce some of my most creative photos when I’m in the zone, and everyone is just vibing. These two were super trusting and let me take control as I suggested some not-so-typical wedding day photography ideas. The images of Michelle and Dave in front of the white brick, graphic wall basking in the stark, winter sun remains some of my fav photos. They have such a cool, effortless vibe, hey… just like Michelle and Dave!
We arrived at 99 Sudbury, and the ambience was everything! Decked out in green, gold and white, the once empty warehouse was transformed into a chic, downtown Toronto wedding space. With twinkle lights strung up above, it was a beautiful mix of romantic and industrial. The couple’s planner, Rachel from Event Wise, was the muscle behind the stunning transformation.
Thank you, Michelle and Dave, SO much! I appreciate how you were able to put your trust in me and together, we created some of the raddest photos EVER. It was such a pleasure to photograph your wedding day – can’t wait for what’s next for your life together, forever!
Planning: Event Wise
Getting Ready Location: Gladstone Hotel
Wedding Venue: 99 Sudbury
Florist: A Petal or Two
