Scarborough Bluffs
I doubt this portrait session at Scarborough Bluffs actually classified as an engagement shoot considering it’s after the wedding. Yet, it has a very similar feel. These two actually tied the know earlier this week. However, with COVID restrictions, their dream of having a beachside ceremony did not work out. In order to have a ceremony in a public area like that, they needed a permit. And thanks to COVID, the city of Toronto just wasn’t giving out permits like that. So instead, they had their ceremony at the Aga Khan Museum and did a followup beachside portrait session later in the week. So I suppose you could call this a honeymoon shoot? Who knows. The photos are stunning. That’s all I really care about.
A word of advice for anyone using Scarborough Bluffs during the COVID lockdowns, give yourself plenty of time to find parking. With so many entertainment venues currently closed, beaches are busier than ever. We ended up spending about an hour just looking for parking and almost missed the sunset. But yeah, do check out the photos below. If you happen to be someone who is in the process of rescheduling your 2020 wedding to a later date, something like this can be super fun. We can coordinate it in or around your original date so you still get some great memories. These sessions are COVID friendly so masks and social distancing are practiced the entire time. If you have any questions regarding my COVID Protocols and how it all works, do send me an inquiry.
How to Prepare
What to wear?
This is the biggest question I get from couples planning their engagement shoot. What to wear? There is no real rhyme or reason. Wear clothes that make you feel like you. You’ll look like a bride and groom on your wedding day. For the engagement shoot, go for comfort and something that flatters your body type. If you book extra time, include an outfit change to show off a casual and semi-formal look.
You don’t need to match but coordination does help. Choose colors that go with the season you’re working with. Fall/Winter is better with jewel tones. Spring/summer works better with pastels. That doesn’t mean you have to make your man wear pink. Pick something that works for both of you. Play around with accessories. For guys, this could be a tie, pocket square, or a nice watch. For girls, it could be jewelry, shoes, or a nice purse. Opt for classic looks over fashion trends. You’ll look back on these photos for years so the idea is timeless.
Use Pinterest to your advantage. It’s a great inspiration source when selecting outfits and figuring out your style preference with photos. Copying another photographer’s editing style isn’t proper etiquette. However, if there is a pose or concept you’d like to try, this is the time to experiment. It’s a great way to learn about your photographer, and how they shoot. For us, it’s how we learn about your dynamic and what makes you laugh. We learn what angles are flattering and work around your insecurities. If you are self-conscious about your nose and avoid profile shots, tell us.
I normally recommend my couples to time their engagement photos around the same time of day they plan on doing their wedding portraits. While most want sunset photos, the reality is you’ll be doing your wedding portraits earlier in the day. The signature sunset photos are more of a quick escape during cocktail hour.
Be sure to check out the rest of this wedding…
Haldi – Day 1
Sangeet – Day 2
Hindu Ceremony – Day 3
Muslim Ceremony / Reception – Day 4
