Shadi & Michael | Arta Gallery, Distillery District

Being a Toronto Wedding Photographer, I am often surprised at how many different wedding venues there actually are in Toronto.  A popular site for engagement photography and wedding photography is the Distillery District.  Shadi & Michael’s wedding was held at the Arta Gallery  just inside the Distillery District.  Their wedding consisted of a traditional civil ceremony mixed with a Persian Wedding Ceremony complete with the  Sofreye Aghd (or spelled Sofreh Aghd). (For a glimpse at Shadi & Michael’s engagement session at McMaster University, click here) We started out at the King Edward Hotel in Downton Toronto.  What a beautiful spot, so regal and elegant.  Shadi’s room was gorgeous and had beautiful light streaming through the windows!  Perfect for getting-ready, wedding day photos. The bride was absolutely radiant, as she got ready for her wedding day… Once the dress went on though, even more gorgeous! Shadi looked absolutely stunning! Shadi’s mom couldn’t take her eyes off her daughter…You could just see and feel the pride she has in her. We hopped into the limo waiting outside to take us to the wedding ceremony… Shadi’s beloved Michael was inside, hanging with the boys, looking calm and relaxed and trying to figure out how to tie his best man’s shoes no less! and once the shoes were figured out, he started helping the boys with their pocket hankies. Must be the engineering side to him, wanting to fix all the “difficult” problems his grooms men were having that day! Shadi & Michael were married, surrounded by loving family and friends. The Sofreh Aghd was a gorgeous spread decorated with pastries, fruits, nuts, honey, sugar and of course a gorgeous mirror and the Holy book… After the ceremony we wandered around the Distillery District, trying to keep warm.  I don’t think Shadi and Michael had a problem with this at all, rightfully so, they couldn’t keep their hands off of each other!   When we couldn’t take the cold anymore, we headed back to the Arta Gallery to get the reception started. To end the night a brother-brother dance off started and everyone got involved…I don’t judge the dance moves, I just photograph them 😉 Shadi & Michael, I can’t tell you what a pleasure it was to photograph your special day.  The love you two share is really inspiring.  Thank you for letting me be a part of it!