There’s something about a summer wedding that sets the perfect stage for celebration, and Arielle and Max’s day was nothing short of spectacular. From the bustling energy of Yorkville where they prepared for their big day to the sacred traditions at the BAYT in Thornhill, their wedding was a beautiful journey through both the city and their heritage.

The morning began in Yorkville, where I captured Arielle surrounded by her closest friends and family as she transformed into a bride. There’s an intimacy to these getting-ready moments that I always treasure – the quiet excitement, the meaningful glances between mother and daughter, the laughter among friends. Meanwhile, Max was preparing with his family, donning his kippah and taking those deep breaths that mark the transition from everyday life to one of the most significant days of his journey.

After the preparations, we made our way to the Royal Ontario Museum for their portrait session. I love shooting at the ROM because its dramatic architecture creates such striking backdrops for wedding photography. The contrast between Arielle’s elegant white gown and the bold lines of the museum created images that felt both timeless and distinctly Toronto. The summer light streamed through the windows, creating that golden glow that photographers dream about, illuminating their faces as they looked at each other with such anticipation for the day ahead.

The ceremony at the BAYT (Beth Avraham Yoseph of Toronto) in Thornhill was breathtaking in its attention to detail and tradition. The chuppah – oh, the chuppah! It was adorned with the most incredible floral installation I’ve seen, cascading blooms that seemed to create a secret garden around Arielle and Max as they stood beneath it. The flowers weren’t just decorative elements but living symbols of growth and beauty, perfectly framing this new beginning.

What truly struck me about their ceremony was how deeply connected it was to family traditions. Each ritual was performed with such reverence, such awareness of the generations that came before them. The breaking of the glass, the circling, the blessings – each element carried the weight of history and the lightness of celebration in perfect balance.

The reception space continued this thoughtful approach to tradition and personal touches. One of the most memorable features was the custom dance floor with vinyl graphics that reflected Arielle and Max’s personalities. These little details make such a difference in creating a wedding that feels uniquely yours rather than following a template.

As the evening progressed, the space was transformed by the warm glow of countless candles, creating an atmosphere that was both intimate and magical. There’s something about candlelight that changes how we see each other – softening edges, highlighting the joy in people’s eyes, creating little galaxies of light across a reception space. This thoughtful lighting choice made the photography particularly dramatic, with each image capturing not just the people but the warmth of the celebration itself.

Jewish weddings are always filled with such incredible energy, and Arielle and Max’s was no exception. The hora brought everyone to their feet, with the couple lifted high above their loved ones, surrounded by circles of dancing and celebration. These moments of pure, unbridled joy are what make wedding photography so rewarding – capturing people at their most connected, their most present.

What made this Thornhill wedding so special was the seamless way it wove together ancient traditions and personal touches. From Yorkville to the ROM to the BAYT, Arielle and Max created a day that honored their shared heritage while expressing their unique love story.

To Arielle and Max, thank you for inviting me to document this beautiful journey through your wedding day. The love that surrounded you – from family traditions to thoughtfully designed details – was a privilege to capture. Mazel tov on beginning this new chapter together, enriched by the traditions that came before you and the new ones you’ll create together.