Wedding Vendors

Wedding Venue: Distillery District: The Cluny Bistro
Wedding Dress Company: Sash + Bustle
Wedding Officiant’s: Judi Rees-Mantle
Make-Up and hair Artist's: Toronto Beauty Group
Wedding Cake: Bobbette & Belle
Suit: Empire Customs

The Cluny Bistro Wedding

From the very first moment I met Tatjana and Wayne, I knew we were going to have an amazing time together. They were all about candid moments and creative portraits—which just so happens to be exactly what we love to do.
At our first meeting, Wayne casually mentioned that he had an idea for their wedding portraits—he wanted to take photos at Cherry Street North Bridge. I couldn’t believe it! I had been eyeing that bridge for months, thinking how cool it would be for a session, but I never imagined a couple would actually suggest it for their wedding day. The moment he said it, I knew we were the perfect match, and I was hoping more than ever that they’d choose us as their photographers.
Lucky for me—they did. 😁

Tatjana and Wayne’s wedding day was the perfect mix of relaxed, stylish, and fun. Set in the heart of Toronto’s Distillery District, they combined the district’s historic charm with their own modern, creative energy. From the getting ready moments to the intimate ceremony at Cluny Bistro to their epic nighttime portraits at the Distillery grounds, every part of the day reflected their personalities—laid-back, full of love, and totally up for adventure.

If you’re planning a Distillery District wedding or looking for a unique Toronto wedding venue, Cluny Bistro is an incredible choice. And if you’re dreaming of wedding photos that go beyond the traditional, keep reading—because Tatjana and Wayne’s day was packed with inspiration.

Getting Ready – A Morning Filled with Laughter, Love & a Little Chaos

The morning with the bridesmaids is always a good time, but Tatjana took it up a notch—she gave her crew one simple mission: have fun. And let me tell you, they absolutely nailed it! From the moment we arrived, there was nonstop laughter, inside jokes, and that contagious wedding-day excitement.

But beyond all the fun, there was something extra special about the morning—Tatjana’s mom. Having her there during those early moments made everything even more meaningful. I always say this, but having your family around during getting ready isn’t just about helping with the dress or final touches—it’s about being present in the little moments.These are the photos that will be looked back on for generations. The ones you’ll show your kids and grandkids, where they won’t just see what you looked like on your wedding day—but who you were, who was by your side, and how it all felt.

When it was time for Tatjana to step into her dress, we moved to the couple’s bedroom, where her mom and maid of honor helped her get ready. This moment is always unpredictable—sometimes it’s emotional, sometimes it’s hilarious, and for Tatjana, it was a mix of both. Trying to get her mom to help with the dress led to a lot of laughter, which made for some of the best candid moments.

Right after, we took advantage of a beautiful yellow wall for some bridal portraits while her hair and makeup (by the amazing Toronto Beauty Group) were still fresh and flawless. I always love sneaking in these portraits right away—it’s the perfect time for soft, natural beauty shots before the day picks up speed.
To finish off the morning, we stepped outside for some powerful bridal portraits in front of their house. And guess what? Their front door was bright yellow—the perfect backdrop to match Tatjana’s bold, joyful energy. The lines, the colors, the whole setting—it was a dream to create with.

Meanwhile, Wayne’s getting ready was a completely different vibe—laid-back, quiet, and just a little nerve-wracking. And honestly, that’s exactly how it usually goes. Most grooms aren’t used to having a camera in their face at 9 AM, so my approach (or in this case, Chelsey’s!) is always to keep it easygoing and natural.
Wayne got ready with his best man at his parents’ house, which had a stunning backyard that we absolutely had to use for some portraits. The light, the greenery—it was the perfect contrast to the urban setting of the ceremony later in the day.
But my favourite part? The personal touches. I love when couples bring little pieces of their personalities into the day, and Tatjana and Wayne’s wedding had the best addition—their dog, Lana, who was not only the Dog of Honour but also the Ring Dog. I mean, come on—how cute is that? 🐶

First Look - A Heartfelt Moment in the Distillery District

For Tatjana and Wayne’s first look, we chose one of the most charming and romantic spots in Toronto—the Distillery District. The cobblestone streets, historic brick buildings, and warm, intimate vibe made it the perfect setting for this moment.

Wayne arrived earlier than Tatjana, giving us time to capture a few groom portraits while also making sure everything was set up for the first look. I always walk my couples through how it will go—where to stand, where to walk—but once it begins, I step back. The first look is one of the most intimate moments of the day, and I truly believe it should unfold naturally, without any interference.

And then Tatjana arrived.
She stepped into the Distillery District absolutely beaming—her smile said it all. You could feel her excitement building as she walked toward Wayne, ready to finally see her husband-to-be. That energy, that joy—it carried through every single photo.
The moment they saw each other, everything else faded away. Their nerves disappeared, and you could see just how happy they were to be together, ready to take on the rest of the day as a team. This is why I love first looks—it gives couples a quiet, emotional moment before the whirlwind of the wedding begins.

From there, we moved into their couple portraits—and if you thought their first look was full of smiles, just wait until you see what happened next.

Couple Portraits

Creative Magic at Cherry Street North Bridge

This was it—the moment I had been waiting for—the couple portraits at Cherry Street North Bridge. Everything aligned perfectly: the sun was shining, the light was incredible, and Tatjana and Wayne were excited and ready to create something amazing.

When it comes to couple portraits, I like to take the lead to make sure everything feels natural and effortless for the couple. I guide them through each pose and give clear directions, but even during those more structured moments, I look for ways to capture something real. Whether it’s a silly comment or a quick joke, my goal is always to get them laughing or sharing a genuine connection.

And with Tatjana and Wayne, the connection was undeniable.
The Cherry Street North Bridge provided the perfect backdrop—its bold shapes, modern design, and vibrant red accents contrasted beautifully with the classic elegance of Tatjana’s Sash + Bustle wedding dress and Wayne’s Empire Customs suit. From playful moments to quiet, intimate shots, every photo felt like a perfect blend of modern art and timeless romance.
One of my favourite moments was seeing Tatjana’s natural laughter while Wayne couldn’t stop looking at her—it was pure joy. Capturing those little in-between moments, when they weren’t posing but just being themselves, made this session extra special.

Cherry Street North Bridge has been on my radar for a while, but it’s couples like Tatjana and Wayne who make the magic happen. Their energy, excitement, and willingness to step outside the box turned this portrait session into something unforgettable.

First Look with The Dog of Honour

Back in the Distillery District, Tatjana and Wayne planned something extra special—a first look under the iconic red heart sculpture with their Dog of Honour, Lana. This moment perfectly captured their personalities and how much they love including their life and furry family member into their special day.
The red heart sculpture was the perfect spot, symbolizing the love and joy of their wedding day. It’s a landmark in the Distillery District that always catches the eye and creates a fun and romantic backdrop for photos. Tatjana and Wayne’s dog couldn’t have been happier to join in on the moment, stealing the spotlight in some playful, candid shots.

As we wandered through the Distillery District on the way to the Cluny Bistro, we found plenty of other spots to capture stunning and fun photos. That’s the beauty of this area—there’s always something new and exciting to discover, from colourful murals to cobblestone streets bathed in sunlight. Every corner offers a unique opportunity to create something new.

Including their dog and weaving in personal touches throughout their day made it all the more special. It wasn’t just about capturing moments—it was about capturing their story, their love, and their life together.

The Ceremony – An Intimate Celebration at Cluny Bistro

I’ve had the chance to photograph weddings all around the Distillery District—from Archeo to The Loft and The Fermenting Cellar—but this was my first time capturing a ceremony at Cluny Bistro, and I was excited to see what this elegant outdoor setup would bring. The ceremony took place on Cluny’s charming outdoor patio, and despite being in the heart of the Distillery, it felt private and intimate. The Distillery District truly knows how to create spaces that feel personal and welcoming for every couple.
Tatjana and Wayne’s guest list was small but meaningful, filled with their closest friends and family. You could feel the love and excitement radiating from every guest—they weren’t just there to watch them getting married; they were there to celebrate and share in every moment.

Wayne walked down the aisle first, followed by Lana, the Dog of Honour (and ring bear). Dogs always bring a fun unpredictability to weddings, and Lana didn’t disappoint—her walk down the aisle had everyone laughing and smiling.
Then came Tatjana, holding her mom and dad’s hands, with a stunning bouquet in hand. The moment she walked down the aisle, the energy shifted—it was emotional, joyful, and a little nervous all at once. Those natural reactions between the couple—nervous smiles, shared glances—are the moments I love to capture most.

Judi Rees-Mantle, their officiant, made the ceremony personal and lighthearted, adding warmth and humour to the day. From the heartfelt vows to the spontaneous laughter among guests, it was a relaxed and intimate ceremony that flew by in the best way possible.

Before we knew it, Tatjana and Wayne were officially married. And just like that, the love and joy of the day carried on to their next celebration.

Cocktail Hour and Dinner at Cluny Bistro

Cocktail hour was timed perfectly with the golden hour, creating the most magical backdrop for some more portraits. After wrapping up the family and group shots, I couldn’t resist asking Tatjana and Wayne to step away for a quick session in that stunning golden light. Even though we already had plenty of couple portraits, I wasn’t about to let that opportunity slip away. Thankfully, they were totally on board, and Wayne couldn’t stop talking about how excited he was for the nighttime creative portraits later on.

I also have to mention the cocktails at Cluny Bistro. They were creative, refreshing, and so beautifully presented that they felt like works of art. If you’re hosting a wedding or event here, their cocktail game alone is worth highlighting!
When it was time for dinner, Cluny Bistro delivered once again. The menu was packed with flavours that were both elegant and satisfying, showcasing their expertise in French-inspired cuisine. From perfectly cooked dishes to thoughtful plating, everything felt elevated and intentional. It was the perfect way to pause, recharge, and enjoy some incredible food before diving back into the evening celebrations.

Creative Nighttime Portraits at the Distillery District

As the sun dipped below the horizon and the string lights of the Distillery District flickered to life, it was time for one of my favourite parts of any wedding day—the creative nighttime portraits. Wayne had been looking forward to this moment all day, and I was ready to deliver.

I always like to start with at least one solid idea, and then we adjust based on the couple’s vibe and the mood of the evening. Our first stop was at a cozy little corner by The Loft’s entrance, where beautiful hanging lamps added a warm, magical glow. To make the most of this setting, I used a softbox behind Tatjana and Wayne to create a striking silhouette that played perfectly with the hanging lights above them. The result? A photo that felt both intimate and dramatic.
Next, we made our way to one of the Distillery District’s signature spots—the Gooderham & Worts sign. Surrounded by the iconic string lights that stretch across the cobblestone streets, I wanted to emphasize the atmosphere and grandeur of this space. Using a wide-angle lens, I framed the couple from below, capturing the lights, the historic sign, and Tatjana and Wayne’s joy as they shared this moment together.

To wrap up our nighttime tour, we returned to the colourful mural we had used earlier in the day. This time, the mural was fully lit, giving it a completely different energy. The vibrant lights became the perfect backdrop for our final portraits, adding a fun and creative pop to close out an already incredible day.

Tatjana and Wayne, thank you so much for trusting us to capture your wedding day. From start to finish, your energy and excitement made every moment a joy to photograph. It was an absolute blast exploring the Distillery District with you, and we couldn’t be happier with the memories we created together.

View the full wedding gallery at Cluny Bistro

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