Energetic Estates of Sunnybrook Wedding

This Estates of Sunnybrook wedding was a masterclass in blending ten years of shared history with a vibrant, celebratory spirit. As a wedding photographer, I arrived earlier for Sadie and Sam’s wedding with a clear goal: to document the culmination of a decade-long journey that began in a Queen’s University history class back in 2015. Their wedding day felt less like a beginning and more like a profound, joyful continuation of their decade-long tale.

On this sunny Friday in late September, the atmosphere at the Estates was exactly as the couple described: romantic, timeless, and pulsing with energy. The Estates of Sunnybrook is one of Toronto’s most storied wedding destinations, offering a rare blend of historic grandeur and secluded natural beauty right within the city.

My work began in the quiet, sun-drenched moments of the bridal suite. When I arrived, Sadie was finishing her makeup alongside her mother and bridesmaids in a sunroom that was a photographer’s dream—bathed in the kind of abundant natural light that makes every detail feel soft and ethereal.

Before any of the public festivities began, I arranged a private first look for Sadie and Sam in a quiet room within the estate. This is a practice I highly recommend for couples who value intimacy. It allowed them a few private moments together to simply breathe and take each other in before I headed to the groom’s suite to document the Tish.

Jewish Wedding Tradition: Tish and Ketubah

During the Tish, I focused on the specific, grounded energy of Sam’s closest male family members as they gathered with the Rabbi to offer him direct wisdom. I chose to stay back, capturing the unscripted expressions of support rather than staged poses.

The energy shifted during the Bedeken and the Ketubah signing. My role here was to curate the space so Sadie and Sam could have a moment of genuine connection before the public ceremony. These are the “in-between” heartbeats, the way Sadie looked at Sam in the quiet of the McLean House, that define the authenticity of a wedding day.

Estates of Sunnybrook Wedding With An Outdoor Ceremony

I positioned myself at the back of the aisle as the ceremony began, framed by a spectacular late-September sun and an outdoor Chuppah overflowing with white flowers and lush greenery. The setting was vibrant and energetic, fueled by the sound of live instruments and a bridal party of eight bridesmaids dressed in varying shades of green.

One of the most honest moments I’ve ever photographed occurred when the Rabbi led the entire guest list in song. Instead of just focusing on the couple, I turned my camera to the crowd to document the collective voices of their community. It transformed a standard ceremony into a lively, celebratory experience that felt entirely unique to Sadie and Sam’s story.

Editorial Movement: The Veil

I took on a more directive role during the portrait session to ensure we captured the “effortlessly elegant” imagery Sadie and Sam envisioned. While the late afternoon light provided the glow, we needed a touch of editorial movement to elevate the shot. I noticed Sadie’s uncle nearby and asked for his help; I had him hold the end of the long veil and toss it into the air just as the couple kissed. This small, collaborative contribution resulted in a timeless, high-fashion image that felt as real as it did curated.

A Candlelit Celebration and the Horah

I transitioned my approach as the sun set, moving into the reception room where the “Estates of Sunnybrook wedding” atmosphere became intimate and candlelit. My focus shifted to the movement on the dance floor, specifically during the Horah. With a live band and singer driving the tempo, the room became a whirlwind of motion. I stayed in the thick of the action, capturing the raw, energetic joy of a couple who truly knows how to have fun together, whether they are cycling through the city or celebrating with their oldest friends.

Sadie and Sam mentioned in their testimonial that they barely noticed me during these moments, which is the highest compliment for a photographer with a documentary heart. By providing guidance when needed and stepping back when the emotions took over, I was able to deliver a gallery that feels both artful and honest.

Documenting Your Story

Capturing Sadie and Sam’s Estates of Sunnybrook wedding reminded me why I breathe for this work. It is about more than just the schedule; it’s about the support they show one another, their shared love for their cat Bialy, and the way they lean into their traditions.

Let’s Tell Your Tale

Are you planning your own Estates of Sunnybrook wedding or an intimate celebration in Toronto? I would love to help you document the authenticity and the intimacy of your day.

Click here to contact me about my photography services. Let’s create some visual poetry together.

The Creative Team:

• Venue: Estates of Sunnybrook
• Florist: Kamea, Summerhill Market
• Band: Supersonic Hearts Band
• Hair & Makeup: LAC & CO
• Officiant: Audrey Kaufman