Real Wedding at The Guild Inn Estate
Honestly, I don’t know how I keep getting so lucky with the couples I work with. Midori and Adil were no exception—just like so many other incredible couples I’ve had the chance to photograph, they were super down-to-earth, genuinely kind, and most importantly for any photographer… they fully trusted me and my style.
Even though a lot of time had passed since our consultation call, I still remember it clearly. It was one of those calls where we hit it off right away. The way they talked to each other and looked at each other, even just through a screen, you could tell how much love and understanding they shared. Of course, we discussed their wedding vision and how we could create their dream wedding photos, but we also went on plenty of tangents about our shared love for food, sports, hiking, and camping (which is how where the proposal happened too!).
A Sentimental Engagement Session at The Walrus Pub
Their engagement session was something really special. They wanted to take photos where they had their very first date—The Walrus Pub at Bay and Wellington in downtown Toronto. We were lucky enough to get access before the pub opened, which meant we got to capture some incredible moments inside, right where their story began.
The Wedding Morning
When I arrived at Midori’s Airbnb on the morning of the wedding, I knew right away it was going to be a smooth day. Everything was perfectly set up— details laid out by the biggest window with the best natural light. One detail that really stood out? A hand-painted Jo Malone perfume bottle, adding a pop of colour and personality that made this wedding feel uniquely hers.
After some fun photos with the bridesmaids along with some emotional gift-giving, it was time for Midori to get into her dress. Her mom helped, and while they both tried to hold back happy tears, it was impossible to keep them all in. Midori’s dress was absolutely stunning, and between the soft natural light and the clean backdrop of the Airbnb, the photos practically took themselves.
Before heading out, Midori also did a sweet dress reveal with her bridesmaids and an incredibly emotional first look with her dad, who had just arrived and was waiting downstairs.
Meanwhile, over at Adil’s, the guys were just being… well, guys. Lots of jokes, helping each other with their ties, and of course, some alcohol to “calm the nerves” (or so they say). A fun little detail—Adil also had a custom hand-painted Jo Malone cologne bottle to match Midori’s, which made their wedding details feel so cohesive. His beige-colored suit added a subtle but refined touch of class to his entire wedding-day look.
A Beautiful First Look & Wedding Party Photos
At The Guild Inn Estate, we set up Adil for the first look before Midori made her way over. His reaction was everything a bride could hope for. It was one of those emotional moments where you could tell everything—the anticipation, the excitement, the love— hit him all at once. After giving them a little alone time to soak it all in, we jumped into wedding party photos, where Midori and Adil’s crew absolutely nailed a Leibovitz-inspired group shot we love doing for wedding parties. These types of group portraits take some time to set up, but when everyone commits to their best model face, the results are always worth it.
Then, before the ceremony, we took some time to stroll around Guildwood Park for their wedding portraits. The light, the greenery, the way they looked at each other—it all came together beautifully.
The Ceremony
The excitement in the air was undeniable. Usually, as a ceremony begins, you hear the room shift from chatting and bustling to quiet anticipation. But with this group? You could still feel the buzz of energy.
Adil set the tone right from the start. As the music played, a chuckle ran through the crowd—of course, he walked down the aisle to Let’s Get Married by Jagged Edge, grinning and throwing finger guns at his friends while his parents escorted him. And the Midori appeared. You could literally hear the gasps in the crowd as they saw her in her stunning wedding dress.
Their vows? A perfect mix of emotions—plenty of laughs, plenty of heartfelt moments, and a whole lot of love.
Reception, Cultural Traditions & Dancing the Night Away
During cocktail hour, I headed into the reception space to capture some detail shots before the big room reveal. Their planner, Lisa (Lisa K Events— check her out she’s amazing!), absolutely crushed it—every detail was perfection. And when Midori and Adil walked in to see it all come together, their reactions said it all.
One of the most special moments of the reception was a small cultural ceremony led by Adil’s mom. A shawl was wrapped around them, they were fed sweets, and then a tradition where they needed to step on clay pots. Naturally, Midori and Adil got very competitive about who broke theirs first. And while the photos show a tie… let’s be real, most people agreed Midori won.
The rest of the evening was filled with heartfelt speeches, emotional parent dances, and an absolutely packed dance floor.
A Wedding That Felt Like Home
By the end of the night, it felt like I had made two new friends. Their warmth, their kindness, and the way their friends and family welcomed me in—it all made sense why Midori and Adil are the way they are. You can see it in the people they surround themselves with.
A few months after delivering their final gallery, they sent me photos of their printed engagement and wedding pictures hanging in their home. Nothing makes me happier than seeing the photos I take become a permanent part of someone’s life.
Midori and Adil, you two were truly a dream to work with. Wishing you both a lifetime of adventures, hikes, and of course, good food.
