The most romantic day of the year is upon us – that’s right, Valentines Day is finally here! As tradition has it, the day is typically celebrated with cards, chocolates, flowers and romantic gestures – sometimes even a proposal or two (or 3, or 4, or 10+)! So, in the spirit of love and with the help of some of the most talented photographers in the city, we wanted to celebrate this special day by sharing some of our favourite romantic engagement shots with you.
We had so much fun putting this one together. Not only are the photos stunning, the stories behind them will melt your heart!
Ally & Nicholas Photography
“This session is one we’ll cherish always not only because these two exude romance, but because a massive storm was happening all around us except for Niagara-on-the-Lake. We could see the storm in Toronto from across Lake Ontario when all of a sudden the sun burst out over us. We were the only ones by the lake. The quiet, and the colours in the sky in combination with their connection was so romantic. James ever so sadly lost both of his parents and we all felt this was a sign from them, sending their love. It gave us all chills. The whole session was spent watching in awe.”
– Ally, Ally & Nicholas Photography
Fox Photography
“This proposal/engagement session was definitely one for the books! He brought her to the park and proposed to her as a surprise, and had arranged for her friends to come and hold up a ‘will you marry me’ sign. This was one of the photos taken afterwards. He proposed at sunset but the sun had gone down before we could take more. However because it was late, nobody was at the park, it was silent and peaceful. The proposal was full of excitement with the couple and their friends, in contrast to the quiet moment they had when everyone had gone.
I love how the small amount of light that was left still hit their faces before it disappeared so quickly over the horizon.”
– Michelle, Fox Photography
The Love Studio
“Kaity and Jesse have the most romantic of love stories: the minute he met her, he said he would marry her…and he did! There is an electricity between these two, the way they look at each other across the room, the way they touch. Kaity and Jesse invited us to Miami where they now live, to shoot their engagement session which extended over two days. This image was captured at Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, in the lush gardens surrounding the site. We love how the entangled tree roots behind them mimic the way the two lovers are intertwined in an embrace.”
– Andreea,
Mango Studios
“Engagement photo sessions are a great opportunity to get to know your photographer, and for us it’s the best time to get to know YOU! Before you go to your neighborhood park for your engagement pictures, consider what really inspires the two of you and look for a place that reflects that. If you’re into camping, you could drive up north for some awesome hiking pics. If exploring new trendy restaurants in town is more your thing, you could book a table for two at a newly opened bar and have us take sweet, candid photos in that space. The key here is to set the scene for your engagement photos.
I really loved how Francesca and Francesco (yes, these are their real names!) opted for a mini road trip for their engagement shoot. They are both avid travelers and love spending their time exploring what beautiful Ontario has to offer. So, embarking on a road trip to an apple orchard was a no-brainer! Don’t be afraid to take us with you onto your next adventure! Once you find yourself at a place that truly inspires you, you will see that your engagement photos are a true reflection of your love.”
– Ayyyna, Mango Studios
Purple Tree Wedding Photography
“It’s a scene from a movie! Sunset photo on a beach as the wind blows. How can you not feel the sparks between Amanda and Daniel?”
– Svetlana, Purple Tree Wedding Photography
HRM Photography
“Olivia and Ryan’s beach photo session was a matter of fate after multiple reschedules due to rain, and Ryan (who is in the armed forces) being called out to help with flooding in Quebec. This session just didn’t seem like it was going to happen. We had originally hoped for spring blossoms but they were gone by the time a new date was finally set. Olivia said, “I wish we could go just to the beach!” I cancelled my plans for the rest of the evening and said “why not!” I love the feeling that there is no one else around in these photos, and Olivia and Ryan are so caught up in their engaged affection that they stepped right into the water!”
– Heather, HRM Photography
Rhythm Photography
“This is my favourite engagement photo of these two because when I look at this photo I feel that it really showcases their cuteness, love and sweetness towards one another. Just the way they look at each other makes my heart melt! These two are adorable and completely inseparable! ”
– Anita, Rhythm Photography
AGI Studio
“Dusk falls, the lights were bleak with the last shade of light glazing over the horizon of the lake view. The crisp composition of the reflective water and the painted sky highlights the symmetric preposition of the three subjects – the family (left), the couple (middle) and the cyclist (right). It was the photographer’s intention to capture the essence of love in life, which can be interpreted as a state of mind and a romantic process. Using the bridge as a platform to run the course of our lives, from right to left, a hectic cyclist soaring across the bridge with no intention to stop, a couple who just got engaged savoring the moment of their lives, and a family of three on drifting peacefully through the bridge in confidence. We feel that it perfectly resembles a person’s journey to marriage.”
– Polk, AGI Studio
Simply Lace Photography
“This session was one of the most spontaneous sessions I’ve done. We only scheduled it because of the snow storm that was about to hit the GTA and these two were all up for it. It couldn’t have been a better fit for them, I mean even her engagement ring is in the shape of a snow flake! How unique and special!”
– Bruna, Simply Lace Photography
Jennifer See Studios
“Steph and Liz were so excited to get their engagement photos done, we decided to meet in the Beaches and wander the streets together making our way to the water. The whole session they were wrapped up in each other! Totally in their own world, only breaking out to converse and laugh with me. I cannot wait to see these two beautiful ladies make the biggest commitment to each other in August!”
– Jennifer, Jennifer See Studios
5ive15ifteen Photo Company
“We love this image of Stephanie and Dusan shot at the Evergreen Brickworks because it’s all about them! No fussy props or over the top backdrops; beautiful autumn light and a couple that are truly in love – the perfect recipe for a romantic engagement photo.”
– Eric, 515 Photo Co.
gennarino.ca
“This fun-loving young couple are both hopeless romantics! At time of this shoot, they were expecting their first child, symbolized by the balloons we let free! What started as a simple engagements session turned into a beautiful creative between us and the couple! It was so easy to document such pure, effortless love.”
– Justine, Gennarino.ca Photography
Ikonica
“Joanne and David wanted their engagement photos to be epic and dramatic. Planned for November, using some indoor space was a must, and the vaulting arches and Gothic architecture of Knox College fit the bill perfectly. The couple opted for formal attire, Joanne in an evening gown and David in a tuxedo, lending a level of romance to the shoot. This image in particular is a favourite because despite the couple looking outwards rather than towards each other, the connection between them is unmistakable.”
– Alex, Ikonica Images
Olive Photography
“This photo comes from right after he proposed – an actual “just engaged” photo! They are originally from Michigan but he moved to Toronto for work. He wanted to surprise her with a very ‘Toronto’ proposal spot when she came to visit – what better option than a birdseye view above the city? We timed his proposal so that they could watch as the night lights started twinkling along the skyline. It was epic, and so perfect.”
– Anastasia, Olive Photography
Nikki Mills
“Ian and Jill started their engagement session at Home of the Brave – the site of their very first date together. I think it’s so romantic to return to the place that started it all as they moved into the next chapter of life together. After that we wandered around the neighbourhood taking photos along the way.”
– Nikki, Nikki Mills
Toronto Wedding Studios
“Engagement photo shoots are a great excuse to plan an awesome date with your partner. It’s all fun, from choosing your favourite location to your favourite pair of shoes (or no shoes) and everything in between. I encourage everyone who chooses to do engagement photos to really have fun with it and make the most out of the opportunity. The benefit is that your photos will be meaningful, real and look great. Lauren and Derek did just that and they had a blast. Their love for each other is truly inspiring. I particularly love this photo because they were absolutely spontaneous, loving and in the moment. It felt as they were not aware of my presence at all.”
– Rudo, Toronto Wedding Studios
