Tracey and Shaun’s York Mills Gallery wedding was the final piece they had been eagerly waiting to share with their friends and family. I first met them before the pandemic when we were planning their wedding like any other. However, COVID-19 threw a curveball that disrupted countless plans, including theirs. Although we moved the date to another year, they could still celebrate their wedding only with a relatively small Hindu wedding ceremony without any reception or party celebration.

How We Continue Their York Mills Gallery Wedding

To avoid more cancellations and postponements, Tracey and Shaun decided to lock in the final part of their wedding for the next year. In the meantime, life carried on, and they became parents, welcoming a beautiful baby girl into their family. Now, the planning wasn’t just about the two of them—it was about celebrating as a family of three, giving them even more reason to gather with loved ones and mark this special moment.

They picked York Mills Gallery in North York, specifically the YMG2 space, for their ceremony and reception. The venue has two other sections, YMG1 and YNGO, and can host up to 650 guests. I’d never shot there before, so I was really excited to capture their York Mills Gallery wedding.

Getting Ready for Their Big Day

For their York Mills Gallery wedding, I had Rosanna as my second photographer. She joined Shaun to capture the guys getting ready while I stayed with Tracey and the girls at her mom’s house. It’s funny—now that I’m a parent myself, capturing those tender moments between Tracey and her baby girl felt even more natural in my documentary style. I really wanted to focus on those genuine emotions and sweet glances they shared.

While Tracey was getting ready, I split my focus between her and her daughter, making sure to catch those special little details that make each wedding unique. It was an autumn day without much warmth or sunshine, but at least the weather held steady.

Not knowing York Mills Gallery and what I needed to set up to capture their wedding ceremony, I arrived there earlier to set up my lighting. Rosanna was already on-site, taking care of the details and photographing the guys as they arrived.

The Wedding Ceremony for This York Mills Gallery Wedding

The setup of their wedding ceremony at York Mills Gallery was unique and different from other places. Soft white sheers divided the reception tables from the ceremony space, allowing a soft light to bounce back onto my wedding couple’s faces. I also loved how the wooden plank wall behind them and the officiant added another texture as they said their vows in front of their friends and family. The high ceilings and these little details made York Mills Gallery a perfect spot for capturing beautiful photos.

I had already figured that if the weather didn’t hold up, we could take the family photos in front of that wooden wall, which would still look amazing. Sure enough, as soon as the ceremony ended, I stepped outside to check the photo locations and was met with a light but steady drizzle.

The Indoor Photo Session With Touch of Rainy Photos

To make the most of our time for photos, Rosanna headed off to capture the cocktail hour while I stayed by the wooden plank wall with Tracey, Shaun, and their families. The atmosphere was fun and relaxed since we didn’t have to worry about rain, wind, or harsh sunlight. Instead, we focused on getting all the family shots Tracey and Shaun had envisioned.

After we wrapped up the family photos, I wanted to move quickly and have my couple outside for more intimate, romantic images and, if needed, photos with an umbrella. Going outside, we did need that umbrella! Tracey was ready with a translucent one that she had brought along just in case. It added a charming touch to the photos, capturing the rainy day while keeping them dry and cozy together.

I knew we only had about five minutes before the rain got too heavy and before their little one needed them back. So, we made the most of those few moments, getting some beautiful shots before heading back inside.

The Reception Dinner Ceremony and Venue Set Up

With the pressure of the posed wedding photos behind us, I decided to shift into a more documentary style for this part of the day, focusing on capturing candid moments without any staging. Tracey and Shaun’s York Mills Gallery wedding was already unique, so embracing a more authentic, documentary approach to their reception added an extra layer of beauty to their photos.

While they took a moment to freshen up before the reception, I captured shots of the venue setup, the beautifully arranged antipasto displays, and the thoughtful details Tracey and Shaun had prepared for their guests. When they made their entrance, it was as a family, not just a couple and their first dance was shared with their little one. I can only imagine how incredible it must feel to dance with your partner and your baby in your arms. The joy on their faces said it all—not a single moment passed without smiles and pure happiness.

The Big Group Photo And How We Did It

Tracey and Shaun didn’t have many specific photo requests; they just asked for one group shot whenever I thought it was best. After the cake-cutting and their thank-you speech, I knew the perfect time for the group photo would be right before the dance floor opened.

To make it happen, I coordinated with the DJ to get everyone onto the dance floor for the shot. This helped us capture a great group photo and set the stage for a lively start to the evening, keeping everyone excited to hit the dance floor.

With some fantastic group shots taken, the dance floor opened, and Tracey and Shaun got to celebrate their wedding, their new marriage, and their baby girl with their friends and family. I was so happy that their York Mills Gallery wedding was as unique as they are and that we ended up with some amazing photos from the day.

Thank you, Tracey and Shaun, for letting me be part of your special day and trusting me to capture your dreams through my lens.

Credits to below wedding professionals and locations that helped Tracey and Shaun’s wedding to be one-of-a-kind.

Here is another wedding in North York, Serena and Kyle’s wedding at Glendon Campus at York University.