Historic & romantic garden wedding | Toronto Garden Wedding Inspiration

Elisa and Riley’s beautiful Ashbridge Estate wedding was filled with garden romance, historic charm, and heartfelt moments. Located in the east end of Toronto, Ashbridge Estate is truly one of Toronto’s hidden gem wedding venues. It  offers a unique mix of heritage architecture and lush green space. The historic house, garden with white picket fences, and open grounds create a setting that feels both elegant and relaxed—perfect for couples who want timeless wedding photos without leaving the city.

Elisa and Riley was one of those couples who I felt I clicked with right away when we met virtually. They are easygoing, authentic, and warm. And these qualities came through on their wedding day as well. In my Get to Know You Q&A, there is a question about what the couple wants to remember about them right now. Their answer was “the gaiety of life even when things are chaotic and life is unpredictable”. Because of their love for jazz music, they originally planned to walk to the jazz festival after their low-key reception at the Rorschach Brewery. However, it had started to rain during the reception, but they decided to stay with their original plan despite of the rain. To them, the most important thing about their wedding day is to celebrate with their loved ones and making the day their own, not about perfection. And I really love that.

Favourite Moments from This Ashbridge Estate Wedding

After a few getting ready photos inside the historic house, Elisa and Riley had their First Look and couple portraits in the romantic garden. 

I also loved how they opted to have a private moment during their wedding ceremony and had their vows privately surrounded by the willow trees. 

Elisa and Riley picked Rorschach Brewery for their relaxed reception, and it was perfect because it was only a 5 minute walk away! It made the logistics transitioning from ceremony to reception much simpler and stress free. 

If you’re planning a wedding at Ashbridge Estate in Toronto and are looking for a photographer who captures natural, timeless moments, I would love to hear more about your plans.

The Vendor Team

Venue: Ashbridge Estate in Toronto

Photographer: Janice Yi Photography

Hair & makeup artist: Olivia Liu (@olivia_beautymua)

Flowers: Elisa (the Bride)

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Toronto Wedding Photographer Review

Calm, patient, artistic, and an eternal optimist – these are just a few words my husband and I would use to describe our most wonderfully talented wedding and engagement photographer, Janice Yi. But above all things, Janice is a storyteller. She strings together the myriad of emotions and feelings that are present on your special day, and then presents in such visually captivating way. She not only understands the art of photography but the importance of capturing the essence and beauty of present moment.

Janice is exactly who she says she is and believes her style of photography to be on her website. She does not impose; she does not portray fictitious environments or elements in photography. She simply ‘goes with the flow’. She asks her clients to trust in her to tell their ‘story’. This is exactly what we did and through that, we ended up with a true recount of one of the most precious and beautiful day of our lives.

But to go in a little detail of how great Janice is, I’ll tell you a little story that happened during our engagement photo shoot. It was a glorious day for our engagement photo shoot at Niagara-on-the-lake…until we got there. As soon as we arrived on scene it started to down pour cats and dogs- I mean a DOWNPOUR. However, Janice kept her calm (obviously this wasn’t happening for me) and offered various solutions to make the day work. Somehow, we managed to hop around to different locations and managed to get a full day of photos both in and outdoors, visiting vineyards, coffee houses, restaurants, and even went with the picnic I prepared in a remote park. Flexibility, optimism, and creativity are such powerful tools to have as a photographer; and lucky her, she possesses them all. Throughout preparing for our engagement and wedding photo shoot, Janice really tried her best to understand and accommodate to our needs as well. And it’s all because she really cares. She cares so much for this profession, for her clients, and in their big special day. This way there is no possible way that the photos won’t end up turning out like a masterpiece. My husband and I are both so pleased and grateful for Janice’s work (she also works like a beast) and can only leave this last comment: Janice Yi is not only an exceptional photographer but a great, wonderful individual, whom we cannot wait to share more future projects with.

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Hidden Gem Photo Location in Downtown Toronto

As a Toronto wedding photographer, I always get asked what my favourite venues to shoot at are in the city. And I always have to really think about it because there are just so many different venues for different styles and tastes. And one of the places I always liked but didn’t have the chance to shoot at was Knox College on the University of Toronto campus. 

So when Karen and Walker mentioned they wanted to do their pre-wedding photos at Knox College, I was truly looking forward to it. A pre-wedding photo session is similar to an engagement session, but you come in wedding outfits instead (it doesn’t have to be your actual wedding dress, and you can rent beautiful gowns from various places). You can mix it up with an outfit change with a more casual outfit as well, like a traditional engagement session. 

Tucked quietly within the University of Toronto campus, Knox College feels like a secret you stumble upon rather than a landmark you plan for – and that’s part of the magic. The stone façade, arched doorways, and intimate courtyard delivers old-world charm that is timeless. 

As a photographer, light is everything – and Knox College delivers. The way the light comes through the windows on the grand staircase and through the stained glass windows on the second floor hallway makes everything feel cinematic and romantic. 

The only downside about taking photos here? You need a paid permit. However, I truly think it is worth it especially as an option for portraits for your wedding photos since it provides both outdoor and indoor options (where indoor options can be quite rare in Toronto as a back up plan in case of rain). 

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Today I’m excited to share Maria and Jacob’s intimate Cluny Bistro wedding! Cluny Bistro is a stylish restaurant in the heart of the Distillery district featuring modern French cuisine. The event space at the restaurant is located at the back, so even though you cannot buyout the whole restaurant, your wedding is still very private. You also have access to the patio in the warmer months. It is a great space for an intimate wedding, and the food is delicious especially if you like French food. A bonus point is that you also get a permit to take photos in the Distillery for booking your wedding here. Although all restaurants in the district have that benefit.

Maria and Jacob started their day with getting ready at the Broadview Hotel. Then we did some photos at Eastbound Brewing Co, which is where they went for their first date! Then we did some portraits around the Distillery where their pup Jerome joined us for a bit. And then it was on to the wedding ceremony and reception.

It was an intimate evening full of good food, their nearest and dearest, and lots of laughter and happy tears. Here is Maria and Jacob’s wedding story.

xo

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A while ago I shared a few (actually it was 3+1) of my favourite restaurant wedding venues in Toronto. Archeo was actually also a favourite pick of mine when I first wrote about restaurant wedding venues in Toronto. Today I’m going to share another three that I really like! 

4. Archeo

Archeo is a restaurant in the Distillery District that offers Italian comfort food in a rustic urban setting. If you like the exposed brick walls at the Distillery, you will like Archeo. 

Why I like the venue:

• Both the indoor dinning space and the outdoor patio at Archeo is very nicely sized, and also very private. As such, you can easily have both your ceremony and reception at the venue. 
• The patio is decorated with string lights, which is also great for having your first dance outside in the warmer months. 

Things to consider:

Booking your wedding here may also include a permit for taking photos around the Distillery! 

5. Caffino

Caffino is an eclectic restaurant serving Italian fare nestled amongst 18th century buildings in the carpet factory district in Toronto.

Caffino is an eclectic restaurant serving Italian fare nestled amongst 18th century buildings in the carpet factory district in Toronto. 

Why I like the venue:

• The unique decor and atmosphere. 
• The venue features both indoor and outdoor areas for wedding ceremony, cocktail hour and reception. 
• The carpet factory area works nicely as a backdrop for some portraits as well.

Things to consider:

The outdoor area for wedding ceremonies is not strictly private, though it is very quiet. 

6. Cluny Bistro

Cluny Bistro is another restaurant in the Distillery District, featuring modern French cuisine. 

Why I like the venue:

• Stylish modern French decor with exposed brick walls.
• Also featuring indoor dinning space and a patio.
• Can seat up to 80 people but can also be divided into two smaller spaces, each still with access to a part of the patio. 

Things to consider:

The main dinning area at Cluny is not available for buyout but the event space is at the back of the restaurant and is still private. 

That’s it for this round of top restaurant wedding venues in Toronto. I’d love to hear some of yours too!

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Today I’m sharing one of my favourite weddings from the past couple of years. Jes and Kevin’s Bandit Brewery wedding was so fun, and full of warmth. I had a huge smile on my face looking through the photos again as I put together this post.

Bandit Brewery is also one of my favourite restaurant/small wedding venues in Toronto, check out that blog post here.

Jes and Kevin met during the Covid years, both of them had been staying with their parents in their hometowns when both decided to get back to the city and start dating again. Jes had a goal of going on 5 dates. Kevin was date number 4, and she never did make it to number 5. Their timing was impeccable, and goes to show that some things are just meant to be. This was also the case when they contacted me about photographing their wedding. I was originally booked for their wedding date, but the other couple emailed me about postponing their wedding a couple of days before Jes’ email. And boy am I glad that I was able to capture their special day.

Thank you so much for having me be a part of your day Jes and Kevin! Here is the story of their intimate wedding at Bandit Brewery. xo

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I’ve shot weddings in many different venues in Toronto and across the GTA. From rustic barns to grand halls and everything in between. In the past few years, I think restaurant venues, especially in cities, are increasingly becoming a popular choice for couples. Today I’m going to share some of my top restaurant wedding venues in Toronto that I’ve had the pleasure of shooting at. Whether it’s because of their unique space, great food or amazing views, any of these locations would be a great choice for a smaller and more intimate gathering. 

A restaurant venue is a great wedding option for a few reasons:

1. The food is usually fantastic! And with food already included, you don’t have to worry about finding a caterer. 
2. The decor is mostly done for you. You don’t have to do much more to decorate other than some additional table lights like candles, and flowers. 
3. You can often have both your ceremony and reception in the same location, which can be more cost effective. Some restaurants even have outdoor space for ceremonies. 

1. Bandit Brewery 

Bandit Brewery is actually a micro-brewery in the heart of the Roncesvalles neighbourhood. The setup was inspired by the experiences and the atmosphere of German beer gardens. 

Why I like the venue: 

• It really is a unique space. There is an indoor area that can be used for wedding ceremonies, and the patio is used for receptions.
• The patio can also be covered in cooler months, but the glass walls and roof still provide lots of natural light. Combined with the trees that they keep inside the patio, it’s a very airy and relaxed garden ambience.
• There is even a small area adjacent to the patio where you can set up a couple of lawn games.
• The whole venue is yours and very private. 

Things to consider: 

Due to the size of the venue, the bridal party will likely only be able to hide in the back alley behind the brewery before entering for the wedding ceremony. Not ideal for inclement weather but something to plan for. 

2. Boehmer 

Boehmer is a modern French restaurant located in the very popular and hip Ossington neighbourhood between Dundas and Queen street. 

Why I like the venue: 

• The food really is fabulous!
• The front dining area can the rearranged to accommodate typical wedding ceremony setup and then flipped for reception seating during cocktail hour.
• A small patio area at the front also provides some outdoor space. 

Things to consider:

• The main dining area can seat up to 115 guests, with some space towards the back of the restaurant for your vendors and/or musicians. 
• There is also a smaller private dining room that is great for very intimate weddings with fewer than 16 guests. 

3. Canoe

Canoe is a modern and stylish restaurant located atop TD Tower on the 54th floor with inventive Canadian cuisine.

Why I like the venue:

• The biggest draw is of course the exceptional view of the CN Tower, the lake and the downtown core. On a good day, the sunset views are stunning. 
• The windows provide lots of natural light in addition to the great view.

Things to consider:

They have a separate room that can be used for a wedding ceremony. The same room is also used for smaller, more intimate weddings. 

Bonus: Propeller Coffee Co.

Though not a restaurant, Propeller Coffee Co. is a unique space for weddings with 80-125 guests. Located near Lansdowne and Bloor, it is regularly a hip and stylish coffee shop. 

Why I like the venue:

• The building itself is industrial but not cold, and it provides a very clean canvas. 
• Unlike most restaurants, the space feels airy and open. 
• Flexible seating setup options for both ceremony and reception (for example, you can have smaller tables or tables put together for two rows of long table for the reception). 

Things to consider:

• The immediate surrounding area of the venue is a mix of urban and residential creating a varied and unique environment that may not suit every taste.
• Because it is not a restaurant, food is technically not included. But Propeller has a list of trusted caterers that they work with. 

I’d love to hear your favourite restaurant venues, comment below!

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Spadina House wedding ceremony | Intimate restaurant reception at Boehmer

I’m excited to share this beautiful outdoors Spadina House wedding today! The Spadina House Museum is one of those locations that I’ve always wanted to photograph at. So I was pretty excited when Caitlin and Anthony contacted me to shoot their wedding. The museum is also a great spot for wedding portraits even if you don’t have your ceremony here. The gardens are beautiful especially in spring and summer, and the house itself just exudes old world charm. 

We started the day with getting ready at the stylish Kimpton Saint George hotel, then we were blessed with beautiful weather for Caitlin and Anthony’s wedding ceremony in the gardens of the Spadina House. After some portraits on the grounds of the Spadina House and also at a bar where the pair had their first date, we made our way to their reception at Boehmer restaurant along Ossington. It was an evening filled with great food, heartfelt speeches, lots of laughter and awesome live music. 

A wedding photographer is a visual story teller, and as I look through these images from that sunny June day, I find myself smiling, laughing and tearing up all over again. And that is what I hope my images would do for all of my couples, to remind them how their wedding day felt, and to feel again the emotions that all those fleeting moments brought. 

Here’s the story of Caitlin & Anthony’s wedding day. xo

The Wedding Team

Planner & Coordinator: Claudia Cole Events

Bride preparation: Kimpton Saint George hotel

Hair: @shanpetrohair

Makeup: @presleyfoskettmakeup

Ceremony Venue: The Spadina Museum

Reception Venue: Boehmer Restaurant

Band: The 99s

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Niagara-on-the-lake Wedding | Intimate Vineyard Wedding

I’m excited to share Diana and Lee’s intimate Vineland Estates wedding on the blog today! Their celebration took place on a clear summer day at the beautiful Vineland Estates Winery in Niagara-on-the-Lake. If you are looking for an intimate venue outside of the city, this is a great option!

Diana and Lee is proof that sometimes you just don’t know what life has in store for you. They met on Tinder and swiped right because they thought the other spoke English. Lee was teaching in Shanghai at the time and Diana was travelling in Shanghai visiting friends and family. Their initial dumpling-eating date turned into a week-long date. After lots of food and long walks around the French Concession neighbourhood in Shanghai, they quickly realized they wanted to see more of each other. Over the next six months they made an effort to see each other despite having an ocean between them. After having spent so much time travelling together (and if you’ve travelled with other people, you know that travelling is a true relationship endurance test!), they knew there was something more to this courtship. So Lee planned a proposal in beautiful Bali during a stopover while they were travelling (but of course), and that’s what led us to their heartfelt celebration at Vineland Estates.

Thanks Diana and Lee for inviting me to share in and document your special day! I still remember how much joy and laughter filled the day and I hope you do too. Here’s the story of their wedding day. xo

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