Anja and Marcus’ Toronto engagement photos are the ultimate guide for planning and executing an engagement session in the Toronto area. Full credit goes to Marcus for crafting a detailed map complete with photos, a route, and a well-planned itinerary for their session. Combined with their wonderful personalities, this thoughtful preparation allowed us to capture some truly remarkable images—unlike anything I’ve achieved in my 25 years of photography experience.

The Ultimate Guide for Toronto Engagement Photos

I first met Anja and Marcus in the winter of 2024 at one of our Toronto wedding shows. Their energy was infectious and uplifting from the moment we started talking, and I immediately hoped to work with them in the future.

Like many couples at wedding shows, they were overwhelmed with countless details and decisions, and booking me wasn’t top of mind at the time. Still, they didn’t forget our wonderful interaction. A few months later, Anja reached out, asking if we could meet and chat in more detail. She even attached a photo of the two of them as a reference, which was such a thoughtful and sweet gesture. Of course, I remembered them immediately, and we arranged to meet for coffee.

At the time, they were still searching for a venue that truly reflected their personalities and vision for their wedding. Despite that, one thing was sure—they wanted me as their photographer. They had already decided on their wedding date and who they trusted to capture their big day. The rest of the details would come together as they fine-tuned their preferences.

The Planning Stage of Their High Park Photo Session

During our meeting, we discussed their engagement photos, and Anja and Marcus expressed their desire for something more formal and elegant for their Toronto engagement photos. Marcus, an amateur photographer in his spare time, had plenty of creative ideas, which made me even more excited to work with them.

Sometime later, Marcus reached out to schedule fall engagement photos in High Park, just a short walk from the apartment they shared. When I asked for more details and whether we’d be exploring multiple locations, Marcus mentioned he’d take a walk to scout potential spots and narrow down the best places for their Toronto engagement photos.

The next day, I was blown away when Marcus emailed me a PDF containing a detailed map, a photo location itinerary, and inspirational images of each spot. I had never seen anyone put so much thought and effort into enhancing their engagement photos. Marcus had gone several kilometres the night before, capturing pictures of locations that could spark ideas for the session.

I was thrilled to see how invested Marcus was in the planning process, but I couldn’t help feeling a bit nervous. With such incredible preparation, I didn’t want to fall short of their expectations.

High Park as the Starting Point of This Toronto Engagement Photos

We agreed to meet at the central parking lot of High Park, conveniently close to where Anja and Marcus lived. Having photographed in the park before, I knew it was best to arrive early to be prepared, especially in case of traffic delays.

Our meeting time was set for 2 p.m., giving us plenty of daylight to work with, the opportunity to capture the golden hour, and possibly even some sunset shots. Fall weather can be unpredictable, particularly when it comes to sunlight, so starting earlier seemed like a brilliant plan.

While waiting for them, I noticed some beautiful sunflowers near the parking lot and began taking photos of them. Little did I know, Marcus was bringing a bouquet of sunflowers for Anja, her favourite flower—a thoughtful and sweet surprise. As they approached, their excitement and energy were palpable, filling the air with positivity.

When they arrived, it felt like reconnecting with old friends rather than starting a new project. We skipped the small talk and dove straight into our session with ease and enthusiasm. The weather was perfect—warm for October, with a bright, cloudless sky. We decided to explore deeper into High Park to avoid the harsh midday sun, starting at the first location Marcus had marked on his map.

Although the map was meticulously planned and filled with carefully scouted spots, it became clear through our conversation that Marcus and Anja were flexible. They were happy to skip some stops if it felt right, giving me the freedom to focus on creativity rather than feeling tied to a strict itinerary.

Best Toronto Outdoor Photography Locations in Fall

From the moment we began shooting, their lively and playful dynamic made the session an absolute joy. I was so immersed in working with them that I completely lost track of time—it was one of those rare moments when everything just clicked.

As we talked, I mentioned how much I enjoy capturing photos in various locations rather than staying in one spot for too long. They were completely on board with this approach, so we strolled through High Park, stopping at places that inspired us or matched Marcus’s meticulously planned itinerary.

Anja and Marcus had brought along a variety of accessories, which allowed us to make each location and set of photos unique and distinct from the last. Their thoughtful preparation added a special touch to the session, making every moment feel fresh and creative.

At one point, we came across a stunning spot near the water, anchored by an impressive tree. The backlighting from the sun filtered through the leaves, creating a breathtaking scene that provided endless possibilities for capturing their photos from different angles and perspectives.

Using a range of lenses—and even stepping into the water at times—I was able to highlight the beauty of their Toronto engagement photos in a way that felt personal and meaningful to them. This location truly brought their session to life with its natural charm and dynamic light.

Engagement Photos at Butterfly Park in Toronto

We decided to reposition ourselves in the Lakeview area for our final location after High Park. Anja had a specific vision—she wanted photos that showcased the Toronto skyline in the background, with the iconic CN Tower standing out as the centrepiece.

Rather than using multiple cars, I drove them to each spot we needed to visit while Marcus handled the parking fees. When we arrived at the Lakeview area, I instantly knew this session would be special. The sun began to set, casting a warm, golden light across the landscape. The scene during the golden hour was absolutely breathtaking.

We decided to start in Butterfly Park’s garden, located near Palais Royale, a wedding venue I’ve photographed before. During this time, Anja and Marcus updated their outfits, giving them a fresh look for this part of the session.

After capturing some beautiful moments in the garden, we moved to the nearby beach. The soft sand and calm waters provided the perfect backdrop. I stepped out onto the sand to capture the two of them lit by the setting sun, which created striking silhouettes as they strolled along the beach together.

The timing was perfect—dinnertime meant the beach was almost entirely empty, giving us the space to work uninterrupted. Once we had taken a variety of unique and memorable shots, Anja suggested we head to Sunnyside Park for a better view of the Toronto skyline and the CN Tower to wrap up their Toronto engagement photos in style.

The Amazing Toronto Skyline view from Sunnyside Park

As the sun dipped lower in the sky, we hurried to the car and made our way to the Sunnyside Beach area, eager to make the most of the fading light. From this viewpoint, the sunset bathed the Toronto skyline in warm hues, and golden-red reflections shimmered off the high-rise buildings—a truly captivating sight.

With so many possibilities unfolding before us, I felt a rush of excitement. I wanted to capture every moment—the candid interactions, the tender scenes of Anja and Marcus by the lake, their stroll along the beach, and, of course, the breathtaking sunset. Somehow, I managed to document it all right up until the sun disappeared below the horizon.

During our session, Anja’s mom stopped by for a quick visit. It was my first time meeting her, and Anja shared how they often met here after work to take in the stunning views of this remarkable Toronto spot. It was a lovely personal touch that added even more meaning to the photos we were creating.

As the sun set and the air grew cooler, we began to wind down their Toronto engagement photo session. But just as we were wrapping up, I noticed something unusual. More and more people were gathering on the beach, carrying chairs, blankets, and tripods. It seemed as though something special was about to unfold, and the atmosphere became charged with anticipation.

The Last Full Moon of The Year, The Blue Moon

As I set up for the next shot, someone approached me and asked if I planned to photograph the couple with the full moon. “A full moon?” I asked, surprised. They explained it wasn’t just any full moon—it was the last full blue moon of 2024, set to rise behind the high-rises, perfectly framed between the CN Tower and the rest of the Toronto skyline.

Excitement bubbled up inside me, and I couldn’t wait to tell Anja and Marcus. When I shared the news, they were thrilled but hesitant. We had already doubled the planned two-hour session, and they didn’t want to impose on my time. Their thoughtfulness moved me, but I couldn’t let this rare opportunity slip away. Capturing this moment would be the perfect finale to their already incredible Toronto engagement session.

And then, it happened. The moon began to rise, large and luminous, casting its glow against the city skyline. It was unlike anything I’d ever seen, vibrant and majestic. I immediately started taking test shots to adjust my exposure and brainstorm how to position Anja and Marcus within the frame. The goal was to create a composition that spoke for itself—a stunning blend of nature, city, and love.

If you’ve ever photographed a full moon, you know it moves surprisingly quickly. I worked fast, eager to capture the reflection of its light shimmering across the bay. Even though the temperature was dropping and Anja shivered in the cool evening air, both she and Marcus fully invested themselves in helping me create images that felt timeless and magical.

When I finally captured the last frame, I was utterly exhausted—cold, hungry, and drained—but filled with joy. Together, we had created something extraordinary, something I’d never done before.

Thank You Note

Thanks to Marcus’s meticulous planning and Anja’s radiant energy, this session felt like more than just a photo shoot. It was an experience that could easily serve as the ultimate guide for engagement photos in Toronto. I couldn’t have been happier with what we achieved together.

As I drove Marcus and Anja back to their building, they kindly invited me to join them for dinner as a thank-you for the incredible experience we’d shared. I felt tempted to keep chatting with them, but I noticed how tired we all were, so I graciously accepted their generous offer for another time. We said our goodbyes for the night, parting with smiles and gratitude.

I can’t fully express the satisfaction and joy I felt from the energy we created during this session. It led to some truly amazing imagery and set the perfect tone for capturing incredible wedding photos on their special day.

I’m already looking forward to seeing them again, sharing smiles, and celebrating alongside their friends and family in just a few months.

Check Replicating the proposal a year to the day in these fun CNE engagement photos for some fun Toronto engagement photos. View our post Intimate Toronto Music Garden Proposal with Fall Colours for some inspiration for your surprise proposal.