Summer weddings in Toronto have a certain magic to them, especially when they unfold across some of the city’s most iconic locations. Anna and Alex’s Windsor Arms Hotel wedding brought together cultural traditions, architectural beauty, and perfectly choreographed moments that made for a truly unforgettable day.

Their celebration began with a traditional tea ceremony at Anna’s parents’ home, where family gathered to honor their heritage and bless the couple’s union. What made this particularly special was the dragon dance that spilled out onto the street, with brilliant colors and dynamic movements creating a joyful scene as family members watched in delight. There’s something so powerful about photographing these moments where tradition creates such spontaneous joy – the contrast of ancient customs against the backdrop of a Toronto neighborhood street made for images that truly tell a story.

After the morning ceremonies, we headed to the Royal Ontario Museum for one of my favorite parts of the day – their first look. I positioned Alex in front of the ROM’s iconic crystal structure, its dramatic angles and light creating the perfect setting for this intimate moment. When Anna walked up behind him and he turned to see her for the first time in her wedding dress, their reactions were absolutely priceless. His expression of complete awe and her radiant smile created that perfect, authentic moment that photographers dream of capturing. The juxtaposition of their elegant attire against the modern architecture of the crystal made for striking portraits that felt both contemporary and timeless.

Their reception at the Windsor Arms Hotel in Yorkville showcased why this venue remains one of Toronto’s premier hotel wedding destinations. The historic elegance of the space provided a sophisticated backdrop for their celebration. While the entire reception was filled with beautiful moments, their first dance was truly exceptional. I captured it from the second-story balcony, giving a dramatic overhead perspective of their perfectly choreographed movements. The birds-eye view revealed the patterns they created across the dance floor as guests watched in admiration from around the room.

What makes a Yorkville wedding so special is how it weaves together Toronto’s refined luxury with personal touches that make the day uniquely yours. Anna and Alex balanced cultural traditions with modern elegance throughout their celebration, creating a day that honored their past while celebrating their future together.

For couples considering a hotel wedding in Toronto, the Windsor Arms offers that rare combination of historic charm and contemporary luxury that photographs beautifully in any season – though the summer light we enjoyed for Anna and Alex’s day was particularly magical.

Anna and Alex, thank you for inviting me to capture your beautiful day across some of Toronto’s most iconic spaces. From the cultural richness of your morning ceremonies to the elegant celebration at the Windsor Arms, your wedding was a perfect reflection of the city’s diverse beauty and your unique love story.