Toronto proposal photographer Archives

Toronto Skyline Proposal | Alex & Sydney

February 6, 2024

Toronto Skyline Proposal Photography – A little different than the usual CN Tower skyline, it’s a lovely above-city East End view that is in a tucked away location after a short nature walk that makes this spot feel extra romantic and special.

This Evergreen Brickworks Proposal was such a sweet one. And gosh dangit, was it ever a beautiful morning!! Get a load of that gorgeous sunrise glow.

Alex chose to take these photos at sunrise to minimize potential for other people in the photos – it also tends to be a popular spot for photos with the skyline view behind, so the goal was to get ahead of any others who would come that day for a chance at the spot.

The Big Event – How it Went Down!:
Alex planned to take Sydney for a walk where they had their first date, a trail by Evergreen Brickworks, under the pretence of taking brand photos for their trampoline exercise company, Jump n’ Jacked. (How cool and fun does that sound?)I was hanging around, seemingly just a random person taking photos of the nature and skyline. When they arrived with a couple of friends who started to take cell phone photos of them, I offered to take a few photos of them as well that I could send to them since I happened to have a camera.
Little did Sydney know I was hired by Alex in advance as their proposal photographer!
We got a few snaps of them just posing (like ‘About Us’ bio photos), but very soon the poses for the photos changed quite a bit – Alex got on one knee and Sydney’s face was absolutely priceless. I got to capture the special moment and her happy tear-full reaction in all its beautiful glory – so much love!! Just have a look through the photos – her emotion was so beautiful. And they way they embraced and looked at each other.. *sigh* it warms my heart reliving it. I freaking love photographing proposals!

Toronto Proposal Photographer | Olive Photography

Big congratulations to Alex & Sydney on their engagement!If you’re looking for a Toronto Proposal Photographer, I’m your gal!!

Feel free to also check out some other proposal photos at this same spot, different season!

Evergreen Brickworks Proposal | Abid & Safiah

November 9, 2020

Evergreen Brickworks Proposal | Abid & Safiah

Abid and Safiah have been together for 6 years and they’ve decided on forever ❤️

He planned sunrise proposal with a beautiful view at Evergreen Brickworks in Toronto’s East End.
We met while the sun was still not out, and made the trek to the spot where he set up the items for the big moment.

He chose sunrise to help avoid the crowds because of Covid, and of course to have that special moment be private.

That morning he snuck out of bed extra early – he said he felt like he was tiptoeing past a sleeping dragon – had to be extra quiet! ha

When it was time, Safiah’s sister (who slept over that night) led the way to the surprise location where Abid had a speaker softly playing music, a heartfelt letter for her to read, and a scrabble board with the question – and possible answers – laid out. (Yes, No, or Hell No!) This was a reference to how he first told her he loves her through Scrabble years ago. So sweet.

He even brought a broom in case he had to sweep up some mess, and press-on nails because he knew Safiah hadn’t gotten a manicure during the pandemic and she may want to spruce up her nails for the photos. She didn’t end up using them, but how gosh-darned thoughtful!

As Safiah walked towards Abid you could feel the excitement and love from them both. Safiah cried happy tears and Abid had a smile from ear to ear. So much love.

He got down on one knee with the skyline view still twinkling as the sun hadn’t fully risen yet. It was really lovely. And of course, she said yes!

It was a privilege to photograph this momentous occasion for you both!
Congratulations again on your engagement Abid & Safiah!

Toronto Waterfront Proposal at RC Harris Water Treatment Plant | Karim & Zoya

July 20, 2020

Toronto Waterfront Proposal at RC Harris Water Treatment Plant | Karim & Zoya
Karim called one day saying he was hoping to propose to his girlfriend soon, but he needed help formulating a plan.
You could hear the excitement and anticipation in his voice.
He wanted something with a view, by some water. Something special, not too busy. Something memorable and impactful.
Originally he was considering a Toronto skyline view proposal, but when the hotel terraces with the best skyline views were closed due to Covid, we re-worked the idea.

He thought about maybe Casa Loma. I mentioned their permit fee and also that it could be busy with visitors around the spots he’d want to propose.
I sent him some other options, and when he checked out the RC Harris Water Treatment Plant he was sold.
RC Harris Water Treatment Plant is unlike any other place I’ve seen in Toronto! It has serious Ireland Castle vibes with it’s expansive building atop hilly green grass overlooking the water, and it has this perfect little pier which served as the perfect spot for him to pop the question.
We arrived about an hour before Zoya was set to get there.
There were more people this time, but they were so kind to clear the spot for the occasion.
Karim came with his cousin and they both set up a path of flower vases – such a sweet touch!
Zoya was spending the evening with her cousin – little did she know her cousin was leading her to this momentous occasion!
Zoya originally thought Karim was going to pop the question on Thursday – her friends kept confirming their plans for that night which she thought was out of the ordinary since they’re usually more spontaneous. So that gave her the impression that something might be up… It didn’t happen that night but JUST IN CASE she dressed nice each day after that. Luckily it happened not too long after on Saturday evening.
She noticed him on the pier, and with eyes locked on him she handed her cousin her purse and kept walking in disbelief.
When she reached him he took her hand, got down on one knee, and asked that question… she said yes!
I was shaking with excitement as I took the photos… I usually do – shooting proposals is SO dang exciting!
I’m so happy for these two and was so honoured to be the one to photograph these memories for them.
We had a mini sunset engagement session afterwards, and then I left them to enjoy their newly engaged bliss.
Apparently he even had friends and family awaiting at their decorated home to further celebrate – this guy thought about it all.
Congratulations again, Karim and Zoya! I’m so happy for you!

Toronto Waterfront Proposal at RC Harris Water Treatment Plant | Olive Photography

Hotel X Toronto Proposal | Neysha & Lucky

June 2, 2020

Hotel X Toronto Proposal | Toronto Proposal Ideas | Neysha & Lucky

Lucky wanted to bring tropical vibes to his Toronto proposal for the love of his life Neysha.
He also wanted to incorporate Toronto somehow, while also being weather proof.
He enlisted the help of Toronto wedding planner Carmen Luk of Devoted to You, and they decided Hotel X was the perfect location for the occasion since it has a rentable private multi-purpose room that has a gorgeous Toronto skyline view!
The room is tucked away behind a restaurant – totally unexpected and private. (Could even be rented for private dinners with the stunning view! How cool is that??)

Together with the help of Denovo Floral they put together a jaw-dropping scene that surprised Neysha when she thought she was going to a simple dinner that evening. The decor featured a unique swing centrepiece where the ring awaited Neysha as she walked into the room, and following the Big Question a little decorated table with bubbly awaited them to celebrate. So many thoughtful touches!

Lucky went the extra mile and even arranged to have some of Neysha’s closest local loved ones be there as part of the occasion. The emotions on their face were priceless – from giddiness and glee to emotional tears, I loved every moment of photographing this special time!

Hotel X was such a perfect location for this proposal! It has it all: an unobstructed skyline view, even more views of Toronto’s waterfront, gorgeous light from the floor to ceiling windows, interesting spots for photos at the hotel, AND a park with green space and waterfront just across the street for more portraits for after the proposal.

It was so much fun to be a part of this special occasion!
All the best to these lovebirds in their life together!!

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Enjoyed this Toronto proposal photography? You may enjoy Andy & Viv’s on Ward’s Island or Rob & Jeannie’s at the Thompson Hotel!

Toronto Surprise Proposal Photography | Anthony & Allie’s

July 8, 2018

Toronto Surprise Proposal Photography | Anthony & Allie

Anthony got in touch with me 7 months ago! He was looking for a Toronto proposal photographer and had plans to propose to his girlfriend Allie on a trip they were planning from Cleveland, Ohio, USA to Toronto.

The only caveat: While he wanted the proposal to be a complete surprise, he knew she’d want to change for a photo session afterwards. So, I helped him develop a plan.

The plan: They would check into their AirBnB, and as they entered the living room I would come out of hiding and photograph the big surprise! (Then they could change for more photos outside.)
You can tell from the photos that she was totally caught off guard – he got her good!

Apparently he threw her off completely just 3 days prior when he said he didn’t think they’d be getting engaged for at least another year – she believed him!

After a tearful & super joyful ‘YES!’ they called their parents who were in on the secret. Anthony’s mom had been so excited she emailed me before the session to ask if she could do something special for them. I suggested the idea of ordering a gift basket that could be delivered to my home and I’d bring it over for them. It was so thoughtful of her. And Allie’s mom worked extra hard to keep the surprise a secret (apparently a big feat for her!) and somehow managed to convince Allie to go with her for a manicure before their trip, even though Allie wasn’t into the idea at first. I how excited all their parents were!

This was super duper fun to be a part of, and I’m so happy for them!

Congratulations again, Anthony & Allie!

Surprise Toronto Proposal Photography | Rob & Jeannie

January 28, 2018

Surprise Toronto Proposal Photography

I’ve had butterflies in my stomach all week about this one! Such an exciting thing to be a part of!

Rob reached out before he moved to Toronto for a job assignment.
He and Jeannie are from Michigan and they’ve been together for 4 years.
His plan was to move to his new apartment in #thesix, then once settled have Jeannie come for a visit and surprise her with more than his new digs.

He wanted to find a place that really showcased what Toronto looks like.
What better way than to get a Batman/birds-eye view from above?

The folks at the Thompson Hotel graciously welcomed us to use the rooftop, which is usually closed during the Winter months. (It included a minimum spend in the rooftop lounge, but that made for a really nice way to round out the evening – They had bubbly and food ready for them as soon as we came back in inside!)

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She actually had a feeling he’d propose to her that day, but she thought it would be back at his apartment. He told her to get dressed up for a night on the town and her Spidey sense started tingling. Where would he do it? Would it be at a restaurant? She didn’t realize it would be something as epic as being on top of the city!

Rob and I kept a close eye on the weather. It was calling for rain, but we stuck to the plan and though cloudy, the rain stopped for the big moment!

When they came up to the rooftop to take in the view, her expressions as she realized what was happening were AMAZING. “Is this really happening??” She asked. He said he loves her so much and wants to spend the rest of their life together. When he asked the question, her response was a resounding, ‘DUH!!’ – It was adorable.

She kept looking at her ring, then back at him: “This is actually happening! We’re engaged!”
He revealed that he’d had the ring for 2 months. He had it custom made after a visit to a jewellery store where he took note of her preferences and ring size. Smooth moves, Rob!

Jeannie mentioned she kind of blacked out as it was happening. That’s not the first time I’ve heard of that happening at a proposal! Which makes it even more gratifying that I could be there to immortalize these memories for them.

Here’s a look at Rob & Jeannie’s surprise Toronto proposal!

Toronto Proposal Photographer | U of T Proposal

January 19, 2017

I always get excited when someone reaches out about photographing a proposal.
Proposal photography is somethin’ else.

It’s getting to snap a moment in a couple’s relationship that is just so full of magic. The romance, anticipation, excitement – it’s all enough to make your heart skip a beat.

Jeremy got in touch with a really sweet proposal idea — He and Samantha met years ago while studying at U of T, and even though they have since graduated he wanted to take her back to the place where it all began.

Here are some highlights from their U of T proposal, which you can read more about at the bottom of the post!

His idea was to create a scavenger hunt for her. He would have a letter for her at each of the spots with clues for the next one (along with super romantic sentiments, I’m sure – those letters were long!). Each spot along the way had some significance to their courtship.

Where I came in: Jeremy wanted a proposal photographer to photograph the whole thing. I was of course so excited!

We met up before the day to go through his proposal plan, including walking through all the spots so I could scope out places to hide. (And so we could plan where they should stand so my lens could see and snap it all.)

On the proposal day I brought my super long lens so I could hide out of sight and snap away.
It was kind of funny – as they walked to the different checkpoints I hid behind cars, trees, walls – and even hot dog stands – to avoid being seen in case she happened to glance back. I hopped from spot to spot, and I have to admit I giggled a bit as I did so, feeling totally like a proposal photography spy.

At one point there was nowhere to hide to get a clear shot so I took a few photos and quickly turned around and photographed in another direction to make it look like I was just a random person snapping the campus scenery. It was pretty hilarious.
And she didn’t notice!

Aaah, then came the big moment.

He led them to a super beautiful building (who are we kidding, U of T is full of gorgeous architecture, but this one was super significant to them), and got down on one knee.

Oh man, my heart leapt.
She started to cry and smile and it was just amazing.

She said yes, and just like that, a new chapter in their life had begun!

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Interested in checking out (or getting your own) proposal photography? Andy had just 24 hours in Toronto to pull his plans off!
If this is an idea you’re into, I’d love to hear from you! Get in touch!

Toronto Proposal Photography – Andy & Viv

May 10, 2016

On a recent evening my phone started to ring – the call display said the number was from the US.
I picked up, and learned of the sweetest thing!

Andy and Viv have a long distance relationship – both living in different states currently.
Originally both from California, she moved to New York to be a real estate lawyer and he tours around being a dentist for the military.
They were planning a trip through Asia, and they had a one-day layover in Toronto.

Andy wanted to propose on that layover day, and he wanted a photographer to document the happy occasion.

Guys, I was SO excited.
I can’t even tell you.

Well, being the totally enthusiastic and keen person I am, I immediately started working with him to brainstorm ideas, and we quickly set a plan.
I would gather a few items – picnic basket, blanket, champagne, glasses – and help him find THE BEST Toronto skyline view for a romantic site for him to pop the question.

The day approached. Their planes had both arrived in Toronto and they met up around 11:30 am. They checked into a hotel, dropped off some stuff, & explored the city.
Meanwhile, I took the ferry to Ward’s Island that afternoon and set up the picnic stuff at the site.

At 5:30, they took the ferry across and Andy started to lead her across the island (saying a friend had said it was super pretty) using the directions I had sent him.

I knew what they looked like (he had sent me a photo), and when I saw them approach I readied my camera.

They arrived at the spot, and Andy made a comment about the strange picnic basket. They walked towards it, and he got down on one knee.

Y’all know what happens next.
She was totally surprised in that moment. And I was smiling ear to ear as I photographed the magic happen.

Hugs, kisses, happiness abound!

They then enjoyed some bubbly and some quality time exploring the beautiful scenery as I snapped away to commemorate the evening.

Ah! I’m so giddy just thinking about it.

Congratulations again, Andy and Viv!! I am SO stoked for you guys!!