Since they live out of town, my first in-person meeting with Madison and Martin was at their Kew Gardens engagement session in Toronto's beautiful Beach neighbourhood. I pulled out all of my best tips and tricks to get these two talking and laughing together, since it was our first meeting, and I know people are usually nervous for a photo shoot, at the best of times.... And it was awesome. 

Here's a little peek:

It was late summer. We walked through the flower gardens of Kew Gardens park, and down to the beach boardwalk for some shots in the setting sun. These lovebirds were so sweet and funny. Madison's friendly, positive attitude shone through and brought out tons of great laughs from Martin.

I'm so happy for Martin & Madison, and I can't wait to spend their wedding day having even more fun!

Are you loving Flowery Garden Engagement Photos? Here are a few more engagement photo locations you might like:
Gacia & Alex at Kew Gardens
Elizabeth F. Gamble Gardens in California

Do you love being down by the sea? Apparently I do too! Here are a handful of beach engagement photos to check out:
Lisa & Rich at Scarborough Bluffs
Lelania & Mike in Tiny Beaches, Ontario
Vanessa & Mark's autumn Beach photos, Toronto
Sahrah & Aaron at Ashbridges Bay

Kew Gardens Engagement Photos! I met Gacia and Alex on a gorgeous summer afternoon, and we were blessed with sunlight in the trees, and the most colourful flower garden. As we wandered through the gardens towards Beaches Park (in Toronto's fabulous Beach neighbourhood), the bride- and groom-to-be talked and laughed, reminiscing about all the adventures that led up to this day, and feeling excited about their marriage and life to come.

The engagement shoot is a great practice session for being in front of the camera, and getting to know your wedding photographer. But I like to do things a bit differently... For me, this is a time of reflection, connection, and togetherness. It's a wonderful time to forget about wedding planning, and spend some real, quality time together.

And that's what they did. This happy couple were laughing and looking at one another and having a lovely time. I'm totally excited to see what the wedding day has to offer!

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We walked down to the boardwalk on the beach and looked out at Lake Ontario. The sun was setting, creating perfect, romantic, afternoon light.

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Later on, we met up to make more pictures at Boxcar Social, a fantastic cafe in Summerhill. Not only is the coffee delicious (being a total coffee-snob, I can attest), the space and decor of the coffee shop is super cool.

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I photographed Alex and Gacia enjoying cappuccinos on the backyard patio. We played some of the storytelling and word games I give to couples (especially in a public place, so they don't have to pose or feel self-conscious). ...I'm not sure what they ended up talking about, but it had them in stitches with laughter. A photographer couldn't ask for more!

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