Okay, I know I say this often, but seriously — I was really excited about this engagement shoot. From the moment I met Alex and Jess (and their awesome families) at the Canada’s Bridal Show, I could tell we’d hit it off. Their parents were all-in on my work from day one, and apparently, every bridal show they went to after that turned into a running joke: “This is good… but it’s not Diego.” 😂 I mean — how could I not get excited to shoot their wedding?
And the hype didn’t stop there. A few weeks before the engagement session, I got to photograph their engagement party at Capri Ristorante in Hamilton — and let me tell you, it was so fun. There were games, family vibes, a preview of their amazing bridal party, and even time to sneak in a few fun portraits. It made me even more pumped for their engagement shoot.
Now, here’s where it gets fun. Jess and Alex are big, big Toronto Maple Leafs fans. So when we started planning their session, we left the date open — waiting to see when the Leafs playoff game would land in Toronto. Once the schedule dropped, it lined up perfectly. So we decided to go for something a little different: a full, extended engagement session in two parts.
Part one (this blog!) includes their formal look at Exhibition Place, followed by a colourful, high-energy session at Tilt Arcade Bar — a nod to their shared love of gaming and fun. Then stay tuned for part two (coming soon), where we hit the heart of downtown and captured their real-time reactions at Maple Leaf Square during the playoffs. You won’t want to miss it.
Let’s start with the formal stuff… that still had a ton of laughs. 😆
Formal Creative Photos at Exhibition Place
And then the day finally arrived. I’m not gonna lie — that morning, I was stressing a bit. It was super cloudy and rainy, and while some photographers love soft light, I was really hoping for some punchy sunlight and hard shadows. I wanted to create 🤓.
And like some kind of cosmic reward… the clouds cleared right as I was pulling into Exhibition Place. Boom — blue skies, golden sun, perfect temp. It turned into one of those magical Toronto days that just feels like a win.
When I met up with Alex and Jess, I could instantly tell they were feeling good. Compared to the engagement party — where there’s family, friends, and a little extra pressure — this was just their time. They were chill, happy, and ready to go. And Jess? Jess came to slay. I actually asked her mid-shoot, “Did you study poses or something?” because she was absolutely killing it. Total pro.
She wore this deep blue dress with a high slit and a champagne-toned lining that shimmered every time the wind caught it — pure elegance, and honestly, exactly what I envisioned when we planned this location. Alex looked equally sharp in a clean, modern look that complemented Jess perfectly. They were styled like a magazine cover, but still had that playful, real energy that makes photos feel like them.
Fun detail: I had suggested Jess book her hair and makeup trial for the day of the shoot — which I always recommend when possible. It’s such a great chance to not only feel amazing in the photos, but to test out the full bridal glam look on camera ahead of the wedding. She nailed it.
I had scoped out a few spots around Exhibition Place earlier that day, and as soon as we started, I ditched my original plan and followed the light (and the vibes). We started easy — walking, warming up, playing with lines and clean backdrops. Then we found a grungy little ramp near a loading dock that most people would probably ignore… but with the right lens, angles, and lighting? Magic. It gave me a clean horizon with zero distractions and helped create some of my favourite shots from the day.
From there, we wandered toward the water and shot with the Lake Ontario in the background. I even had Jess run in that flowing gown — and let me tell you, she didn’t hesitate for a second. This couple put in the energy, the trust, and the heart… and you can feel that in the final photos.
This whole part of the session was relaxed, full of laughter, and just felt like a group of friends out making art. Couldn’t have asked for more.
Next stop: Tilt Arcade for round two 🎮
Toronto Arcade Engagement Photos|Playful Tilt Arcade Session 🎮
Okay… now it’s time for the fun part.
After we wrapped up the first half of Alex and Jess’s engagement shoot at Exhibition Place (which was all kinds of stunning and elegant), we switched gears completely and headed to Tilt Arcade in downtown Toronto for something totally different.
This was actually my first time photographing an engagement session inside an arcade, and I didn’t really know what to expect. I didn’t scout it ahead of time, and honestly, I’m glad I didn’t. It gave me that creative freedom to walk in, take it all in, and just start building the vision around the space.
And wow—Tilt did not disappoint. The staff was incredibly friendly and made us feel totally at home. You know when a venue just vibes with the energy of the couple? That’s what this was. Jess and Alex love video games, so doing part of their shoot in a retro arcade was more than just a cool backdrop—it felt like them.
A Different Kind of Engagement Session
I always tell my couples: if you want photos that feel real, choose an activity you already love doing together. Something you’d do on a regular weekend. For some couples, that’s walking their dog in High Park. For others, it’s a cozy coffee shop. For Alex and Jess? It’s arcade games and cheering on the Leafs. They nailed it.
This part of the shoot was way more low-key. No big poses, no stress—just letting them have fun and capturing that relaxed, playful energy. We bounced between pinball machines, vintage arcade cabinets, and classic game consoles. They were smiling the whole time, focused on beating each other at whatever game was in front of them, and I just got to do my thing in the background.
But of course, I wanted to go beyond just snapping them mid-game. I brought out my flashes to play with dramatic lighting and reflections—especially those neon signs and glowing game screens. Tilt Arcade has this epic wall that says “PLAY ALL GAMES ALL NIGHTS”, and as soon as I saw it, I knew I needed to work that into a silhouette shot. It was a bit tight in that space, with other people around, but we pulled it off without interrupting anyone.
Why This Works So Well
Sessions like this are what I live for—when couples trust the creative process and choose something that’s meaningful to them, that’s when the real magic happens. You don’t need a Mountain View or a golden sunset to have unforgettable engagement photos. You just need you, your person, and a place that feels right.
Tilt Arcade was the perfect second location for this extended shoot. It gave us all those playful, colourful, nerdy in the best way vibes—and a whole set of images that are completely different from the earlier glam session at Exhibition Place.
This was also the perfect lead-up to the next part of the evening (which deserves its own blog): The Maple Leafs playoff game. We captured Jess and Alex’s reactions as they watched the game surrounded by fellow fans, and yes—it was both fun and nerve-wracking. That story’s coming soon.
But for now? Enjoy this visual joyride through Tilt Arcade. It’s fun, quirky, romantic, and 100% them. 🎮💙
You Might Also Like…
Experience the energy of Toronto’s Maple Leafs playoffs through Alex and Jess’s unforgettable engagement shoot at Real Sports Bar & Maple Leaf Square. From candid crowd shots to a surprise guest appearance by Leafs legend Wendel Clark, this session captured fandom, fun, and once-in-a-lifetime memories.
Jeremy and Terri’s engagement session in Toronto’s iconic Distillery District was the perfect mix of cozy, stylish, and fun — featuring cobblestone streets, big laughs, and a vibe as cool as the couple themselves.
This dreamy Prince Edward Island elopement at Seacow Head Lighthouse had everything — golden hour magic, epic coastal views, and a barefoot couple completely lost in the moment. A true East Coast love story.