Slate + Flash

Some proposals happen in public. Others happen surrounded by the people who matter most.

This winter proposal in Manotick, Ontario took place over the Christmas holidays at the bride-to-be's family home. While she was away for the afternoon, family members transformed the backyard with flowers, candles, and winter greenery, creating the perfect setting for a surprise that had been weeks in the making.

After the proposal, both families gathered inside to celebrate, raise a toast, and share the story of how everything came together. Lots of laughter, a few happy tears, and a moment they'll remember for years to come.

Some engagement sessions are memorable because of the location. Others are memorable because of the people. This one had both.

This fall engagement session at the University of Toronto was photographed in a place that already plays an important role in this couple's story. As students at U of T, the campus offered more than beautiful architecture and fall colours — it provided a meaningful backdrop filled with memories from this season of their lives.

We began around the university grounds at dusk, photographing beneath historic archways, along tree-lined walkways, and with views of the Toronto skyline and CN Tower in the distance. As the sun set, we moved north toward Bloor Street, where off-camera flash, city lights, and storefront signs created a completely different atmosphere and a more cinematic feel.

One of my favourite things about engagement photography is creating images that feel personal to the couple rather than simply choosing a location because it's popular. Whether it's a university campus, a neighbourhood, or a favourite street in the city, meaningful places often create the strongest photographs.