There’s something particularly magical about weddings that connect Toronto’s most iconic landmarks. Brittany and Gianni’s summer celebration did exactly that, weaving together family traditions, architectural wonders, and classic elegance for a day that felt like stepping into a fairytale.

Their morning began the way I love to see weddings start—surrounded by the comfort of family in their respective family homes. I arrived at Brittany’s parents’ house to find a home filled with laughter, champagne glasses catching the morning light, and generations of women helping her prepare for the day ahead. These intimate getting-ready moments always tell me so much about a couple and their relationships. Watching Brittany’s mother fasten her necklace, her hands gently steadying with emotion, or seeing her grandmother’s eyes fill with tears at the first sight of her in the dress—these are the quiet, powerful moments that make wedding photography so meaningful.

Meanwhile, at Gianni’s family home, a similar scene unfolded with its own unique energy. The ritual of helping a groom prepare—straightening ties, adjusting pocket squares, sharing heartfelt embraces with fathers and brothers—carries its own special weight. There’s something about documenting these parallel morning rituals, knowing these two separate stories are about to become one.

Their ceremony at St. Basil’s Cathedral on the University of Toronto campus was breathtaking. Walking into this historic space is always awe-inspiring, but seeing it filled with their loved ones, flickering candles lining the aisle, and Brittany making her entrance in that stunning light that streams through the cathedral windows—these are the moments that remind me why I love what I do. The soaring architecture of St. Basil’s provided a setting of timeless reverence for their vows, the perfect beginning to their marriage.

After the ceremony, we had the pleasure of traveling between locations in what has to be one of the most photogenic wedding vehicles I’ve ever worked with—a vintage Rolls Royce that gleamed in the summer sun. Brittany and Gianni looked absolutely regal as they stepped into this classic car, adding that perfect touch of old-world glamour to their day. The photos of them inside the Rolls, with its rich leather interior and art deco details, created portraits that felt both classic and distinctively them.

Casa Loma provided the perfect backdrop for both their portraits and reception. This Toronto landmark never disappoints with its dramatic stone architecture and lush gardens, offering endless possibilities for creating memorable images. We took advantage of the castle’s Gothic Revival architecture, stone archways, and secret garden spots to capture Brittany and Gianni in moments that ranged from grand and dramatic to quiet and intimate. The summer light was particularly generous, creating that warm golden glow across the gardens as we moved through our portrait session.

What struck me most about their reception at Casa Loma was how they transformed the Glass Pavilion in the garden to reflect their own story. This stunning space, with its transparent walls allowing views of the castle and gardens all around, glowed with candlelight and lush floral arrangements that brought the outdoor beauty inside. As evening settled in and they took to the dance floor for their first dance, the pavilion’s magical lighting against the backdrop of the illuminated castle created a scene that felt like it belonged in a classic film.

The combination of these two architectural treasures of Toronto—St. Basil’s Cathedral and Casa Loma—created a wedding day that celebrated both the couple’s faith and their appreciation for beauty and history. These venues aren’t just backdrops but characters in their own right, adding depth and context to a couple’s love story.

Brittany and Gianni, thank you for inviting me to document your journey through these iconic Toronto landmarks. From the intimate family moments at home to the grandeur of your cathedral ceremony and castle reception, your day was a perfect blend of personal warmth and timeless elegance. The images we created together will always remind you not just of how your day looked, but how it felt—the weight of tradition, the lightness of celebration, and the beginning of your own history together.