There’s something particularly striking about weddings that embrace architectural beauty and minimalist design. Sherry and Shiyang’s fall celebration at Hotel X Toronto was a perfect example of how clean lines, thoughtful simplicity, and strategic pops of autumnal warmth can create a sophisticated wedding aesthetic that feels both contemporary and timeless.

Hotel X stands as one of Toronto’s most architecturally distinctive venues, with its sleek glass façade reflecting the city skyline and lake beyond. What makes it such a compelling setting for photography is the abundance of natural light streaming through floor-to-ceiling windows, creating bright, airy spaces that perfectly complement a minimalist approach. For Sherry and Shiyang, this modern backdrop provided the ideal canvas for their vision—where understated elegance took center stage.

Their fall wedding color palette worked in beautiful harmony with the hotel’s clean design. Rather than overwhelming the space with decorative elements, they chose strategic touches of autumn-inspired hues—deep burgundies, muted golds, and subtle greens—that added warmth to the hotel’s sophisticated neutral backdrop. This thoughtful balance between seasonal warmth and architectural coolness created a visual dialogue that photographed beautifully.

What I particularly love about photographing weddings at Hotel X is the variety of striking backdrops available within a single venue. The rooftop terrace offered panoramic views of the Toronto skyline and Lake Ontario—a dramatic setting for portraits that captured both the couple and the city they love. The sleek corridors with their clean lines and geometric patterns provided opportunities for editorial-style images that highlighted Sherry’s elegantly minimalist gown. Each area of the hotel offered a different aspect of contemporary design that complemented their aesthetic.

Sherry’s approach to bridal style perfectly echoed the architectural elements around her. Her gown featured clean lines and thoughtful details rather than elaborate embellishments—a choice that photographed beautifully against the hotel’s modern surfaces. Shiyang’s attire complemented this with equally refined tailoring, creating a harmonious visual story throughout their images.

The ceremony space at Hotel X was transformed with an intentionally restrained hand. A simple, architectural arch framed the couple, adorned with asymmetrical floral elements that added organic shape without overwhelming the clean design. The result was a ceremony setting that drew attention to the moment itself rather than elaborate décor—placing Sherry and Shiyang’s connection at the center of both the experience and the photographs.

As the fall afternoon light streamed through the windows, it created natural spotlights and shadows that added depth and dimension to their portraits. This interplay between architecture and natural light is what makes minimalist weddings so compelling to photograph—the clean backdrop allows these subtle variations in light to become part of the visual story.

Their reception space continued the thoughtful balance between minimalism and warmth. Tables featured simple, elegant centerpieces that complemented rather than competed with the architectural elements of the room. The evening skyline visible through the windows became part of the décor itself, with the twinkling city lights creating a dynamic backdrop as night fell.

What stands out most about Sherry and Shiyang’s celebration was how their design choices created a sense of peaceful sophistication. By embracing the clean, modern aesthetic of Hotel X rather than trying to transform it, they created a wedding that felt authentic to both the space and their personal style. This approach to wedding design—working with architecture rather than against it—resulted in images with a timeless, editorial quality.

For couples considering Hotel X or similar architecturally distinctive venues, Sherry and Shiyang’s wedding offers beautiful inspiration for how minimalism can create impact. Their celebration reminds us that sometimes the most striking wedding designs aren’t about adding more, but about thoughtfully curating less—allowing the beauty of the space, the season, and most importantly, the couple’s connection to take center stage.

Sherry and Shiyang, thank you for inviting me to document your Hotel X Toronto wedding. Your celebration was a perfect example of how modern architecture, minimalist design, and fall’s natural warmth can combine to create something truly sophisticated and memorable. The images we created together reflect not just how your wedding looked, but the serene, elegant atmosphere you cultivated through your thoughtful approach to design.