Wedding Vendors

Venue: The Eglinton Grand
Wedding Planner: Amanda Collins – A Browtique Experience
Dress: Ave 22 Off The Rack from Essense of Australia
Suit: Indochino
Florals: Callia Flowers
Makeup & Hair: Samantha Kaye – Instagram: @samanthakayemakeup
DJ: Colin Raininger – Sole Power Productions
Officiant: Rob Corbett
Hotel for Getting Ready: Sutton Place Hotel Toronto

Getting Ready at the Sutton Place Hotel | Big Energy & Bigger Emotions

Some mornings just feel good from the start — and Claire’s wedding day was exactly that. Chelsea and I were up bright and early to capture her getting ready at the beautiful Sutton Place Hotel in downtown Toronto, and the energy in that room was electric from the second we walked in.

Claire’s bridesmaids deserve a shoutout right away. They came in HOT with the love and excitement, hyping Claire up in the best way possible. You could tell they weren’t just there to wear matching robes — they were there to make sure Claire had the most fun, relaxed, joy-filled morning. Their energy was contagious, and it set the tone for the whole day.

And let’s talk about the MVP of calm and coordination — Amanda Collins, Claire’s amazing planner from A Browtique Experience. Amanda was there bright and early, quietly working her magic behind the scenes. She helped keep things smooth and on time without ever rushing anyone. That kind of presence makes all the difference in the getting ready vibe — and you could see how much Claire appreciated having her around.

One of the most emotional moments came when we staged a quiet first look between Claire and her mom. At first, her mom was all smiles and calm… until she saw Claire fully dressed. Cue the waterworks (for both of them — and honestly, us too). She cried again while helping Claire into her gown, and it was beautiful. Just one of those raw, tender mother-daughter moments that weddings are made for.

Oh — and that dress. 😍
Claire wore a stunning lace gown by Essense of Australia, purchased from Ave 22 Off The Rack. It fit her like it was made for her — modern, romantic, elegant, and absolutely Claire. The way the lace framed her shoulders, the fit through the waist, the perfect length… this dress was giving everything it needed to give, and then some. We’ll be tagging Ave 22 in this blog for sure, because they deserve major credit for helping Claire look like a dream.

The suite at Sutton Place was gorgeous — clean, modern, with this epic mural on the wall and warm yellow reflections that added depth and softness to the shots. It was the kind of room you could shoot in all day, and I definitely took advantage of it to get some editorial-style portraits while the light was just right.

And then, just as we were packing up to leave, I spotted the staircase in the hotel lobby. I mean — come on. The contrast, the lines, the symmetry — it was too good to pass up. So we made a quick detour and grabbed a few stunning portraits of Claire on those stairs. Amanda, always one step ahead, helped us move fast and made sure everything stayed on track for the next stop.

An Emotional First Look with Mom Before the Ceremony 💐💔

One of the most powerful moments from Clare and Adam’s wedding day was her first look with her mom at the Sutton Place Hotel. We’ve captured countless emotional first looks between couples — but there’s something especially raw and beautiful about a bride sharing this moment with her mother. Clare’s mom was all smiles one second and overwhelmed with tears the next. The love, the pride, the bittersweet realization that her daughter was about to say “I do” — it all came rushing in.
We chose to document this entire series in black and white because sometimes, removing colour lets the emotion speak louder. Every hug, every tear, every trembling hand holding a tissue — it was one of those moments that reminds us why we do what we do. If you’re considering a first look with your mom on your wedding day, do it. This isn’t just a photo moment — it’s a core memory in the making.

Bride shares an emotional first look with her mom at the Sutton Place Hotel in Toronto before her wedding at The Eglinton Grand. Captured in black and white, this mother-daughter moment is full of love, tears, and joy.

The Dress: Modern Elegance by Essense of Australia from Ave 22 Off The Rack ✨

Let’s take a moment to talk about the dress — because wow, Clare’s gown was something truly special.

She found her dream wedding dress at Ave 22 Off The Rack, one of Toronto’s most-loved bridal boutiques known for its designer selection, personalized service, and off-the-rack convenience. If you’re a bride looking for a modern, elegant gown without the wait time of custom orders, Ave 22 is the place to start. Their team clearly has an eye for style and fit — this dress could not have suited Clare more perfectly.

Her gown, designed by Essense of Australia, was a show-stopping blend of sophistication and romance. The floral lace applique detail was exquisite, adding texture and dimension that looked incredible in every light — especially in close-up shots. The fitted silhouette hugged her just right, while the shear panels and delicate straps brought a modern, fashion-forward edge.
What really made it stand out, though, was how Clare wore it. Confident, glowing, and completely herself. From the moment she slipped it on at the Sutton Place Hotel to the way it moved with her on the dance floor at The Eglinton Grand, this dress was more than just stunning — it was a true reflection of her personality.

So if you’re on the hunt for a wedding dress in Toronto, especially something designer and ready to go — make a stop at Ave 22. They nailed it with this one. 🙌

First Look at Alexander Muir Park | Quiet, Sweet & So Them

The weather couldn’t have been more on our side. It was one of those golden Toronto days — warm, sunny, but not melting-hot. Just the right kind of day for a first look in the gardens at Alexander Muir Memorial Park, a hidden gem in the heart of the city with just the right amount of greenery, charm, and space to breathe.

Before we got started, I chatted with Claire and Adam about how they wanted their first look to go — because every couple’s different. Some want the big emotional reveal, others want to keep it light and playful. But no matter how it unfolds, that moment when a groom sees his bride for the first time — without a crowd, without a timeline, just them — it’s always special.
Adam stood waiting under the trees while Claire made her way toward him, that gorgeous Ave 22 Off The Rack gown catching the sunlight like it was designed for this exact moment. When he turned around and saw her? Pure emotion. And me? Quietly losing it behind the camera as always.

We made sure there was nobody around — no distractions, no pressure. Just space to be in the moment, and really feelit. And of course, Amanda right there too, helping everything run smooth and stress-free as she did all day long.

Once the first look wrapped and the nerves softened, we brought in the bridal party to kick off the group photos. And this crew? They brought the energy. Everyone was down to have fun, and I always try to lean into that — yes, we get the classic posed photos, but the real gold is in the movement, the reactions, the personality. I want the bridal party photos to feel like you’re looking at friends having a moment — not just standing in a line.

📍 Location tip: If you’re looking for a central Toronto park with a great mix of nature, structure, and photo-worthy backdrops — Alexander Muir delivers every time.

Couple Portraits at Alexander Muir | Drama, Romance, & Real Laughs

After the group photos, it was just the three of us — me, Claire, and Adam — soaking in a bit of quiet and getting creative with their couple portraits. By this point, they were fully loosened up. Claire had already hit her stride earlier in the day, and Adam, after warming up with the first look and bridal party shots, was right there with her.

Alexander Muir Park gave us everything — the clean brick walls, the winding garden paths, pops of colour from the summer florals, and just enough sun to play with that sharp, dramatic light. I always say: give me a sunny day and I’ll give you a moody, cinematic photo set. That light bouncing off the leaves, catching on Claire’s dress, lighting up Adam’s smile? Magic.

We moved through the park with ease, taking our time, never rushing. These portraits weren’t just about posing — they were about presence. We got the timeless, editorial-style frames and the in-between moments too: the giggles, the shared glances, the little quiet laughs they didn’t think I was capturing. It was the kind of session that hits all the right notes — romantic but relaxed, stylish but still totally them.

Next stop? Their wedding ceremony at one of Toronto’s most iconic venues — The Eglinton Grand. And yes, it just kept getting better.

A Tear-Filled Indoor Ceremony at The Eglinton Grand 🎞️

I’ve photographed The Eglinton Grand many times — it’s one of my favourite Toronto venues for wedding receptions, with that iconic old-Hollywood vibe — but this was actually the first time I had the chance to capture a ceremony inside the theatre. And let me tell you: I was not ready for how beautiful it would be.

The lights, the velvet drapes, the ambient glow from the marquee — the whole space felt intimate, cinematic, and full of emotion. It was the kind of atmosphere where everything slows down and every tear feels like a movie moment. And yep — there were a lot of tears. 🥲
It started the second Adam walked down the aisle with his mom. She was overwhelmed — proud, joyful, emotional — and it was such a sweet, heartfelt moment to witness and photograph. That kind of energy always sets the tone for the ceremony, and I knew right then: we were in for a powerful one.
And when Claire walked down the aisle?

Even though she and Adam had already done a first look earlier in the day, nothing could prepare her for that moment. As soon as the music hit and she stepped into view, tears welled up again — and not just for her. It felt like the whole room held its breath.
I’m always on the hunt for these raw, unfiltered reactions — I jokingly call myself a tear hunter — and this ceremony delivered more than I could’ve asked for. From the quiet sniffles to full-out happy cries, it was one of those ceremonies where the emotion just radiated through the room.

The way Claire and Adam looked at each other. The way their guests leaned in, fully present. The mix of laughter and love in every word and every vow. It was all so real, so connected.

The Eglinton Grand absolutely nailed the atmosphere — cozy, romantic, and incredibly cinematic. With its deep red curtains and low, moody lighting, it felt like we were inside a love story on screen. Add that to the warm support of friends and family, and you’ve got a ceremony that’s going to live in my memory (and their wedding gallery) forever.

An Elegant Eglinton Grand Reception with Theatre Magic 🎭✨

If you’ve ever been to a wedding at The Eglinton Grand, you already know — this venue isn’t just beautiful, it’s an experience. A converted 1930s art deco theatre in the heart of Toronto, it brings that bold, cinematic energy I absolutely love photographing. And for Claire and Adam, it couldn’t have been a more perfect match.

The reception space looked phenomenal. From the carefully curated table scapes to the candlelit ambiance, everything was elegant, romantic, and full of character — all thanks to Amanda and her team, who once again crushed every single detail. ✨ She made the entire space feel both stylish and cozy, with just the right amount of drama to match the theatre’s rich colour palette and timeless vibe. It’s one of those rooms that was born to be photographed — and wow, did it shine.

Upstairs, the cocktail hour was buzzing. The mezzanine at Eglinton Grand is one of my favourite parts of the venue. Guests mingled with drinks in hand, reconnecting, laughing, soaking it all in. And then — my favourite moment of the night:
🎬 The curtain reveal. Guests lined the balcony, and the velvet theatre curtains slowly opened to reveal Claire and Adam standing together on the stage below for their first dance. It felt like a movie. The lights dimmed, the music started, and they floated across the floor as their loved ones watched from above like a real theatre audience.

It was intimate. It was dramatic. It was absolutely perfect. The entire dance was beautifully lit — the candles flickering on each table, the glow bouncing off the polished floors, and the spotlight capturing every little movement. Whether it was choreographed or just pure chemistry, it felt like magic.

🎤 From the very first toast, the room was full of laughter and warmth. Claire’s dad? He stole the show. His speech was that perfect mix of hilarious and heartfelt — totally memorable and so much fun to capture. Every time I looked around the room, there were smiles, clinking glasses, and genuine emotion. That’s the kind of reception energy I live for.

And then came the father-daughter dance, which turned into its own little storybook moment. As Claire and her dad danced, the kids from the wedding naturally gathered around them, laughing and swirling in circles — a spontaneous moment that turned into one of my favourite candid shots of the night. It was sweet, playful, and honestly… kinda magical.

Let’s not forget the food — because wow. The Eglinton Grand’s catering is next level. The guests were raving all evening, and I may have snuck a few bites (photographer perks 😄). Everything was delicious and beautifully presented.
And through it all, Amanda made sure the entire night flowed seamlessly. From timeline management to guest comfort, she handled it all with grace — allowing Claire and Adam to fully relax, enjoy, and be present. It’s planners like her that help couples forget about logistics and focus on love. 💕

Next up? We stepped outside for a few nighttime portraits to close the night — but the dance floor was just heating up…

Night Portraits & Dance Floor Energy at Eglinton Grand 💡🎉

Have I mentioned how down-for-anything Claire and Adam were? Because honestly, that made all the difference. By the time the sun had set, Chelsey and I were riding high from an already amazing day — but we knew we had more to create. And with Claire and Adam’s trust, we got to go next level on the nighttime portraits.

I’ve photographed weddings at The Eglinton Grand many times, but I always push myself to do something fresh. This time, I had a few bold new ideas I wanted to try — and this couple? They were in.
First up: a complex, creatively lit portrait with the entire bridal party. It took some coordination, but the whole crew was game. Everyone brought the energy, and we ended up with this incredible group shot that felt editorial, cinematic, and uniquely them.

Then I noticed this translucent wall panel near the lobby — it was subtle, but something about the way the light filtered through it had my creative wheels spinning. I set up a silhouette shot right there, using flashes and just the right angles… and it turned out to be one of my absolute favourites of the day. Simple. Bold. Timeless. And again — they were all in.

And of course, no Eglinton Grand wedding is complete without photos in front of that iconic marquee. The front entrance of this venue is honestly one of the best in the city. It feels like a real-deal Hollywood theatre. The personalized sign with Claire and Adam’s names lit up above the doors, the vintage-style movie posters on the walls… the whole vibe is pure magic for night portraits. We grabbed a few final shots outside, and then it was time to head back in — because the party was ON. 🕺💃

The music hit, the lights went down, and the dance floor exploded. Friends, family, everyone from every part of Claire and Adam’s lives — they came ready to celebrate. There were hugs, wild moves, unexpected dance circles, and moments of pure joy flying around everywhere. And what I loved most? The energy never dipped. From the Hora-level hype at the start to the very last song, the celebration stayed full-throttle.
Amanda (their planner) was still working her behind-the-scenes magic to make sure everything flowed, and it totally did. The couple didn’t have to worry about anything — just laugh, dance, and soak it all in.

Claire and Adam, thank you for being such a blast to work with. Your day was full of love, laughter, creativity, and so much joy — and I’m still buzzing from it. Here’s to you, your epic dance floor, and the wild love you two share. 🍾🔥

One for the books!