Wedding Vendors
Venue - Casa Loma
Event Planner - Candace Zwicker
Getting Ready Location - The Hazelton Hotel
Wedding Dress - More 2 Love Bridal
Makeup Artist - Maureen Greenstein
Hair Stylist - Bruna Mata
Portrait Location - Knox College
Wedding Cake - Bobbette & Belle
Flowers and Decor - Creations by Gitta
Wedding Band - Tie The Knot Music
Casa Loma Wedding
Some weddings, you just know from the start they’re going to be special.
Brooke and Hassan’s wedding at Casa Loma was exactly that — and honestly, I had been counting down the days.
First off, these two weren’t just another couple getting married. They were real fans of my work. Especially Hassan — he’s a photography enthusiast himself, and getting to work with someone who genuinely loves the art of photography? That’s a dream. It meant I had the freedom to create, to experiment, and to capture moments I knew they would truly appreciate. There’s nothing better than that.
Another reason I was pumped?
We had already done their Casa Loma engagement session earlier. Brooke was a little shy when we first started that day — totally normal for people who aren’t used to being in front of the camera.
But as the shoot went on, and we just had fun, that shyness melted away.
By the time the wedding rolled around, she was all smiles, full of energy, and completely herself.
And that’s honestly such an important thing for couples to know when picking their wedding photographer:
✅ You don’t have to be super comfortable with cameras.
✅ You don’t have to know how to pose.
✅ You do need someone who gets you, makes you laugh, and helps you forget the camera’s even there.
That’s what we had built with Brooke and Hassan — a connection. And when that trust is there, that’s when the real magic happens.
Getting Ready: Hassan’s Artistic Morning
You know what gets me excited as a wedding photographer? When a couple isn’t just going through the motions — they want to create something different. Hassan was that kind of groom from the start.
He specifically asked for shower photos — one of my signature shots — and even booked a room at The Hazelton Hotel in Yorkville just because it had a beautiful glass shower and a deep tub. That’s the kind of groom who comes prepared to create 🔥.
Even though I usually start the day with the bride, I made a quick detour to Hassan’s room just for that artistic shower session. I captured a set of bold, creative frames — starting in the bathtub with natural light to show off the bubbles, textures, and his signature painted toenails (something he also rocked during their Casa Loma engagement session). Then we jumped into the shower, where the reflections and lighting that I added took things to the next level.
That decision? Totally worth it — one of those photos went on to win an ISPWP Award, which is a big deal in the wedding world. Hassan was thrilled. I was pumped. It’s the kind of magic that happens when your couple trusts the vision.
After I wrapped those shower shots, I headed over to Brooke’s room — and Leemark, my second shooter, took over the rest of Hassan’s getting ready coverage from there. Tag team mode.
📸 Award-Winning Groom Photo → Proof that stepping outside the traditional groom shots can pay off big.
Getting Ready: Brooke’s Big Smile Energy
By the time I walked into Brooke’s room, the energy was already poppin’. Brooke — who was a little camera-shy during our engagement shoot — had done a full 180. She was glowing. Big smiles. Total confidence. That connection we’d built during the engagement session? It was showing up in full force.
The glam squad was already in full swing, and they crushed it. Hair by Bruna Mata was soft, romantic, and just so Brooke. Makeup by Maureen Greenstein was flawless — fresh and glowy but never overdone.
Her gown from More 2 Love Bridal was already hanging in the window — I had placed it there earlier to catch the morning light. And let me tell you, it looked incredible in the background while Brooke laughed with her girls and got that final touch of blush. Classic detail shot meets candid vibes.
The hotel itself? A total dream to shoot in. Huge windows, textured walls, beautiful artwork — basically a playground for a wedding photographer. I used every inch of that room to create fresh, artistic portraits while still keeping things real and relaxed.
After Brooke slipped into her dress (which fit like a glove), we popped some champagne with the bridesmaids, grabbed a few fun candids, and then I snuck in some bridal portraits while her hair and makeup were still ✨ on point ✨.
And none of it would’ve gone so smoothly without the absolutely incredible planner, Candace Zwicker from Blodwen Audrey. She was calm, organized, and made sure everyone was relaxed and on time. You could feel it — the whole room was chill and joyful.
First Look in Yorkville: A Colorful, Private Moment
Right after getting ready, it was time for the first look — and honestly, Yorkville couldn’t have been a better spot for it.
Yorkville is one of those rare places where you can turn any corner and find a beautiful little pocket — charming lane ways, colourful murals, cozy galleries. It’s basically an urban playground for wedding photos. I already had a spot in mind: a tucked-away staircase beside a bright, colourful wall, not far from all the boutique shops and galleries. I’d used it once before at another wedding, and I knew it would be perfect for Brooke and Hassan.
It gave us that ideal mix — private enough so they could have a real, emotional moment to themselves, but still packed with colour and vibrancy, which felt so authentically them (especially Hassan, with his creative eye).
Thanks to Candace Zwicker (their amazing planner), and Brooke’s maid of honour (who helped sneak Brooke over to the first look location without Hassan seeing her early!), everything ran super smoothly. Brooke looked absolutely stunning. Hassan’s face when he turned around said it all — pure happiness.
After the first look, we grabbed a few quick couple portraits around the area — the light, the colours, the energy — it was too good to pass up. But we didn’t stay long. We had an even bigger location lined up for their main portraits (and trust me, it was worth it).
Up next: Couple portraits that are straight out of a movie scene. 🎥✨
Couple Portraits at Knox College: Dramatic, Dreamy, and 100% Worth It
After the first look in Yorkville, we packed up and headed to one of the locations I had been dying to shoot at: Knox College.
I had seen photos of this place before — the grand staircases, the dramatic medieval-style windows, the cinematic architecture — and always knew it had insane potential. But stepping inside? It blew every expectation out of the water.
The light pouring through those huge old windows, the stone archways, the towering pillars… it felt like we had been dropped into another world. It was exactly the kind of atmosphere I knew Brooke and Hassan would love — a little dramatic, a little editorial, but still full of feeling.
We spent some time inside, leaning into the shadows and the cinematic vibes, capturing all the moody, emotional shots that Knox College is basically made for. Honestly, it felt like we were shooting a magazine editorial — and Brooke and Hassan crushed it.
But as much as I love those dramatic indoor shots, I always want my couples to have variety — light and bright moments to balance out the intense ones. So after a bit, we headed outside into Knox College’s gorgeous grassy courtyards and long arching hallways.
The light was perfect. Soft, natural, and just begging for some playful, romantic photos. We captured more couple portraits, but also broke away for a few individual portraits of Brooke (that sunlight on her was unreal), and of course — we had to give Hassan’s famous toenail designs a little spotlight moment too. 😂
One thing I love about Brooke and Hassan is how down they were to trust the process — running with the creative ideas, laughing through the quieter moments, and giving me full permission to capture both the epic and the intimate.
Once we had squeezed every last bit of magic out of Knox College, it was time for the next stop: Casa Loma for their wedding ceremony.
And oh man, it just kept getting better from here. 🙌🏽
Wedding Ceremony at Casa Loma | A Fusion of Cultures Under the Glass Ceiling
One of the reasons I always get excited about shooting weddings at Casa Loma is because no two weddings ever feel the same. If you’re curious, you can check out some of the other amazing love stories I’ve captured there too — like Lauren & Allen’s Casa Loma wedding and Alicia & Joe’s big day at Casa Loma — each one totally different, but always full of magic. ✨
For Brooke and Hassan, the energy leading up to their wedding ceremony was already so special. After some gorgeous portraits around the castle and family photos outside on the stunning grounds, it was time to shift into a more intimate setting inside.
Before the main wedding ceremony, they had two smaller, meaningful traditions: The Nikkah, which is the Islamic marriage contract ceremony — a sacred, beautiful moment of commitment. And, the Bedeken, which is a Jewish tradition where the groom sees his bride before the ceremony and veils her — symbolizing love, modesty, and deep respect.
Only close family attended these moments, and they brought so much raw emotion. You could feel how much it meant to everyone there. It was truly the perfect way to transition into the larger celebration that was about to unfold.
Then, we made our way to the main ceremony space — the Conservatory Room at Casa Loma, with its iconic glass ceiling. If you’ve ever seen it, you know exactly how breathtaking it is. Sunlight streamed through the arched windows, filling the space with a soft, romantic glow. In the centre stood the chuppah, adorned with beautiful floral work from Creations by Gitta, ready for Brooke and Hassan to say “I do.”
Their ceremony was a full-on celebration of cultures, love, and new beginnings. Tears were flowing — the happy kind — and laughter bubbled up as Brooke and Hassan locked eyes under the chuppah. It was the kind of ceremony that felt deeply personal and wildly joyful at the same time. 📸
As the newlyweds made their exit, hand-in-hand and surrounded by cheers from their family and friends, you could feel the excitement in the air.
Cocktail Hour & A Moody, Magical Reception Reveal at Casa Loma
After the beautiful ceremony in the Conservatory Room, Brooke and Hassan took a little time to freshen up — just a few quiet moments to breathe it all in before the big celebration really kicked off. Meanwhile, their guests were already enjoying cocktail hour, mingling on the stunning Casa Loma grounds, and soaking up that incredible early evening vibe. 🥂
While Leemark stayed back to photograph all the candid moments between Brooke, Hassan, and their guests — the hugs, the happy tears, the clinking glasses — I snuck away into the legendary Casa Loma Library Room to capture the reception space before anyone else saw it. And honestly? I had to take a minute to pick my jaw up off the floor.
Candace Zwicker, their incredible wedding planner, had worked absolute magic inside the Library. She and her team transformed the room into this moody, cinematic dream.
Everywhere you looked, there were glowing candles, lush florals from Creations by Gitta, and these deep, warm tones that just fit the grandeur of the space so perfectly. It was romantic, it was elegant, it was bold.
The candlelight bounced beautifully off the rich wood paneling and towering bookshelves of the Library Room. The entire space felt intimate, sophisticated, and timeless — like you had stepped into a secret celebration tucked away in an old European castle. 📚✨
Before guests entered, we did a private room reveal for Brooke and Hassan. They walked in hand-in-hand, and the second they saw everything put together — the hundreds of candles, the floral installations, the tables glowing under the moody lights — they literally gasped.
It was one of those moments where you could just feel all the planning, the vision, the excitement leading up to this day come crashing together in the best way possible.
Huge credit to Candace Zwicker for designing such a breathtaking reception setup and to Creations by Gitta for the stunning floral artistry. These two teams seriously brought Brooke and Hassan’s vision to life — and made my job as a photographer even more fun. 🔥
Next up?
An epic grand entrance, a Hora that shook the floors, and one heck of a party.
Stay tuned. 🕺💃
A First Dance Surprise & An Epic Hora at Casa Loma
Just when everyone thought they were heading into a typical reception flow — Brooke and Hassan flipped the script. Instead of easing into the evening, they kicked things off with a surprise choreographed first dance right in the Casa Loma Conservatory Room. And let me tell you: it was something straight out of a movie. 🎬
The Conservatory, already glowing from the evening light pouring through that iconic glass ceiling, became the stage for their incredible performance. They danced like absolute pros — spinning, dipping, laughing — completely soaking in the moment while their guests lost their minds cheering them on.
And just when you thought it couldn’t get better… Right at the end of the song, sparklers went off behind them, lighting up the Conservatory in the most magical way. ✨
It was timed perfectly, and made the moment feel even more electric. Definitely one of those “this is why we love weddings” kind of moments.
No one needed a second invitation after that — as soon as the last note of the song played, and the sparklers faded, the band (Tie The Knot Music) kicked off the Hora, and the party truly began.
It’s one of my favourite things about Jewish weddings — the energy during the Hora is unmatched. Everyone’s sweaty, smiling, clapping, and the whole vibe is just pure celebration.
Honestly, it felt like the dance floor exploded right from that moment — and we still had a full night ahead. 🥳
After all the excitement, guests made their way back into the Library Room for dinner, speeches, and even more dancing — but we’ll get to that part next.
Candlelight, Laughter, and Love: The Reception at Casa Loma
After the sparkler-lit first dance and an epic Hora that got everyone’s heart racing, it was finally time to settle into the next part of the evening: dinner and speeches. And honestly? It felt like stepping into a medieval feast — in the best, most magical way. 🕯️
Candace Zwicker, the mastermind planner behind the day, had created the perfect atmosphere in the Library Room at Casa Loma. The room was bathed in the warm glow of hundreds of candles, mixed with lush florals from Creations by Gitta. It wasn’t just beautiful — it was rich, romantic, and moody in a way that fit Casa Loma’s historic charm perfectly. Every table, every corner of the room, felt like it belonged in a fairy tale.
And then the speeches began — and the room got even brighter.
From the first toast, it was clear that this wasn’t going to be a standard speech lineup. It was personal. Emotional. Hilarious.You could feel the connection between Brooke, Hassan, and their people. Hassan’s mom, especially, stole the show.
She had the whole room in stitches — the kind of laughter that echoes and fills every inch of a big space like Casa Loma. There was so much love, pride, and pure happiness pouring out of every speech. It made for incredible candid moments — smiles, tears, roaring laughter — the kind of honest emotion that makes my job an absolute dream.
And just when everyone thought they had caught their breath — it was time for the cake cutting! Instead of a traditional tiered cake, Brooke and Hassan had a delicious spread of cupcakes from the iconic Bobbette & Belle. (And yes, of course I had to try one — purely for professional reasons, obviously. 😜 Verdict: unreal.)
With the cupcake tower conquered, and the final toasts made, we slipped outside for one last special moment before the dance floor officially opened: nighttime portraits around Casa Loma.
But that deserves its own story… stay tuned. 🌙
Nighttime Magic & A Dance Party for the Ages
Even though the day had already been packed with incredible moments, I knew we had to squeeze in one more thing before the real party kicked off.
I mean — we were at Casa Loma, one of the most iconic wedding venues in Toronto. You can’t not do a nighttime portrait in front of the castle. ✨ So we grabbed Brooke and Hassan, took a few minutes outside under the stars, and nailed the classic epic castle shot— romantic, cinematic, and pure magic.
And just when I thought we were done? We stumbled on the hallway inside Casa Loma — one covered in twinkling star lights — and that’s where the real magic happened. The final portrait we created there turned out to be my absolute favorite of the day. Way more personal, way more “them” — and the perfect way to close the portrait session on a high.
Then… it was time to party. 🎉 And what a party it was. From the second the doors opened, Tie The Knot Music absolutely killed it on the dance floor. The energy was insane — the band brought that live music magic you just can’t replicate with a playlist. (Seriously, if you care about your guests actually getting up and staying on the dance floor all night? Hire a band. It makes all the difference.)
Brooke’s side of the family, Hassan’s side, friends from every part of their lives — everyone was jumping, hugging, singing, dancing like it was the party of the year. And honestly? It kinda was. The love, the joy, the complete wild happiness — it was electric.
Brooke and Hassan, you two threw a wedding that was full of heart, full of style, and full of life. It was one for the books — and I’m so grateful to have been the one to capture it all.
Big love, big cheers, and big memories — here’s to you! 🍾❤️
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