Going through these images at first you’d probably assume this is just another cute Toronto City Hall Elopement, but when you dig a bit deeper, you’ll see that the bride and groom went way beyond the surface and took their elopement experience to a truly personal and beautiful place. Through meaningful actions and keeping things sincere to who they are, they created an unforgettable wedding day that was capped off with a meaningful vow exchange beneath a willow tree in the most meaningful place to their lives together here in Toronto.
Their legal ceremony at city hall was minimal but still extremely intimate. With their immediate families and close friends in attendance, they were able to have a memorable shared experience with without sacrificing what was truly important to their wedding day.
Kate and Shiv wanted to exchange their vows and make their lifelong commitment to one another in an important and significant location to their relationship. Walking through the University of Toronto campus every night together to discuss life and all things about it, Kate and Shiv’s love grew deeper with every conversation they had over the years.
Naturally they wanted to come back to that special place to read their vows to one another and have a private one on one ceremony together and be present in the moment. As we explored downtown Toronto on our way to U of T, the bride and groom stopped occasionally to enjoy the fall colours before finally finding their favourite willow tree to stand beneath as they emotionally exchanged vows in a private setting away from the chaos of the city.
Being more of an introvert myself, I respect their decision for privacy and wanting to be comfortable enough to pour their hearts out to one another. The result wasn’t just real tears of joy, but gut busting laughter, the kind you only really experience in the comfortable presence of loved ones. At that moment I knew what was in front of my camera was very real. This elopement wasn’t a ‘Plan B” for Kate & Shiv, this entire experience was at the forefront of their minds and they got to do exactly what they wanted to do on their wedding day, spend precious and intimate time together before reuniting with their families for an elegant dinner at a downtown restaurant.
Despite the natural chaos that Toronto’s urban landscapes provide, you can still find meaningful and private nooks to exchange vows with one another and using important and significant locations to have your elopement will create an at-ease atmosphere that will create a comfort level that will allow you to express your inner feelings without fear of judgement. This downtown Toronto elopement is the perfect example of all those ingredients making a dream elopement come to life.
Song of the day - Blue Bell - Golden Daze
- 3B
VENDORS Ceremony Location: Toronto City Hall Vow Location: Philosopher’s Walk, U of T Campus Second Shooter: Ryanne Hollies