Dramatic Winter Engagement Photos at the Distillery District | Terri & Jeremy

You know that feeling when a shoot just clicks—not just because of the couple, but the light, the vibe, the energy… everything? That was this day with Terri and Jeremy at Toronto’s iconic Distillery District.
Right off the bat, I was so excited for this engagement session. After months of winter shoots with cloudy skies and soft light (which don’t get me wrong, I love too), I was itching to play with something a little more dramatic. And Terri and Jeremy? Oh, they were totally down for it. 💪

Most photographers chase golden hour… but not me (not this time)

Golden hour is usually the go-to for engagement sessions—and for good reason. That warm glow just before sunset? It’s soft, flattering, and adds magic to almost anything. I recommend it to couples all the time (and if you’re wondering why, check out my blog post on how to prepare for your engagement photos for all the good stuff).
But sometimes, you want to break the rules. And when you have a couple like Terri and Jeremy who trust your vision and are up for an adventure… well, you break the rules on purpose🤘.

So we shot in the middle of the day. Yep. Harsh, direct sunlight. Most photographers avoid that like the plague—it’s hard light, shadows can be tricky, and if you’re not careful, things can look way too contrasty or unflattering.
But winter sun? Ohhh, that’s different. In the colder months, the sun stays lower in the sky, even at noon. Which means you can still get those deep shadows, directional light, and a bold, cinematic look without blowing out your highlights or squinting your way through the entire shoot. And it gave me exactly what I wanted for this session: drama, depth, and a little punch of sunlight magic.

Postponed plans + hot chocolate vibes

Originally, we were supposed to shoot a couple of weeks earlier, but the weather was brutal. Like, lose-feeling-in-your-fingers kind of cold. And since I always say your engagement session should feel like a fun hangout—not a survival mission—we rescheduled. Easy call.
I’m always super flexible with these kinds of sessions. It’s supposed to be fun! Just you two walking around, maybe sipping hot chocolate, and clicking some memories along the way. That’s the vibe. Always 😎.

Outfit goals unlocked ✅

Okay, but can we talk about Terri’s outfit for a second? Because she killed it. Like, I always send couples my engagement shoot prep guide to help with outfits, but I swear she studied it like it was an exam😆. Jeremy looked amazing too, but let’s be honest—Terri put the looks together. 😂 The way their outfits popped in the space, especially with that deep red sweater against the industrial red brick of the Distillery District? Pure art. It brought every idea I had in my head fully to life.

Shooting solo… and loving the challenge

This was also one of the rare times I shot without a helper. No Chelsey or Leo with me this time 😭. No second hands, no extra gear wranglers—just me, my camera, and a small side pocket “full” of carefully chosen ⚒️. When you limit your gear, you start thinking differently. You get scrappy, creative, and lean into the challenge. And sometimes, that’s where the magic happens.

I’ve shot engagement photos at the Distillery District many times, but I treated this one like I’d never been there before. New eyes, new light, new inspiration. I gave myself the little creative challenge of finding new angles, fresh takes, and a few dramatic lighting tricks I’ve been dying to try😅.

I won’t lie—some of these might be my favourite ever from an engagement shoot. Maybe even award-worthy (I’m looking at one in particular 👀… can you guess which?).

I will stop writing and let you guys take a look🫣.

Artistic close-up portrait during Distillery District engagement session using patterned light and shadows, photographed by Toronto wedding photographer Diego Moura

Looking for a photographer for your Toronto engagement session? Whether you’re planning something classic at golden hour or want to go bold and dramatic like Terri & Jeremy, I’m always game to create something that feels like you. Let’s chat. 🤘

📍 Location: Distillery District, Toronto

📆 Date: March 10, 2025

📸 Photographer: Diego Moura Photography

🎯 Session Type: Winter Engagement Photos Toronto

Dramatic Winter Engagement Photos at the Distillery District | Terri & Jeremy

Most photographers chase golden hour… but not me (not this time)

Postponed plans + hot chocolate vibes

Outfit goals unlocked ✅

Shooting solo… and loving the challenge

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