Distillery District Creative Wedding - Tatjana And Wayne

Real Wedding Description

A Creative Wedding at Cluny Bistro in the Distillery District

From the first moment I met Tatjana and Wayne, I could tell their wedding day was going to be something special. They were all about embracing candid moments and creative photography, which is exactly the kind of energy I love to bring to my work.

When Wayne mentioned during our initial meeting that he wanted their wedding portraits at Cherry Street North Bridge, I couldn’t believe my ears! I had been eyeing that location for months, imagining how perfect it would be for a session, but I never thought a couple would actually suggest it. As soon as he brought it up, I knew we were a perfect fit. Needless to say, I was thrilled when they chose us to document their day. 😁

The Perfect Blend of Historic Charm and Modern Style

Tatjana and Wayne’s wedding at Cluny Bistro in Toronto’s Distillery District was a beautiful mix of elegance, creativity, and fun. The charm of the historic cobblestone streets paired with their modern and stylish vibe made the entire day feel magical. From their getting-ready moments to the heartfelt ceremony and the creative nighttime portraits, every detail reflected who they are as a couple—playful, adventurous, and full of love.

If you’re looking for wedding inspiration in Toronto or considering the Distillery District for your big day, Cluny Bistro is an incredible venue. Keep reading to see how Tatjana and Wayne made their day uniquely theirs.

Getting Ready: A Morning of Laughter and Love

Tatjana’s wedding morning was all about joy and connection. She gave her bridesmaids one simple instruction: have fun! And they did not disappoint. From laughter-filled conversations to the palpable excitement in the air, the energy in the room was infectious.

What made it even more special was having Tatjana’s mom there. The moments with family during the getting-ready process are often some of the most heartfelt and emotional, and this day was no different. These candid moments—filled with laughter, love, and shared glances—are the ones that will be cherished for generations.

When it came time to step into her stunning gown from Sash + Bustle, Tatjana’s mom and maid of honor helped her in the couple’s bedroom. The mix of humor and tenderness during this moment made for some incredible shots. Once the dress was on, we captured some bridal portraits against a gorgeous yellow wall in their home. It’s one of my favorite times of the day to capture these natural, fresh moments.

To wrap up the morning, we stepped outside to take some bold bridal portraits in front of their house. Their bright yellow front door provided the perfect backdrop—a reflection of Tatjana’s vibrant personality and energy.

On the other hand, Wayne’s getting ready was a much calmer affair, captured beautifully by Chelsey. He and his best man prepared at his parents’ home, where the serene backyard offered a great setting for portraits. The light and greenery provided a peaceful contrast to the urban ceremony setting to come.

But my favorite detail? Their adorable dog Lana, who played a big role as both the Dog of Honour and Ring Bearer. She brought so much personality and charm to the day. 🐾

First Look: An Emotional Moment in the Distillery District

The Distillery District was the perfect setting for Tatjana and Wayne’s first look. The historic brick buildings, warm cobblestone streets, and overall ambiance made this moment feel like something out of a movie.

Wayne arrived first, allowing us to capture some solo portraits before setting him up for the first look. I always give my couples a quick rundown of how it’ll unfold, but once it begins, I step back and let them share the moment naturally.

When Tatjana arrived, her excitement was written all over her face. Her glowing smile lit up the entire space as she walked toward Wayne. The moment they saw each other, everything else seemed to fade away. Their emotions were raw, real, and beautiful—a mix of nerves, excitement, and pure joy. This is why I love first looks; they create a space for couples to connect and ground themselves before the rest of the day unfolds.

Creative Portraits at Cherry Street North Bridge

One of the highlights of the day was heading to Cherry Street North Bridge for the couple’s portraits. This location has been on my radar for ages, and Tatjana and Wayne’s enthusiasm made it all the more exciting.

The bold, modern lines of the bridge contrasted beautifully with Tatjana’s timeless gown and Wayne’s dapper suit from Empire Customs. The vibrant red accents added a dynamic element to the photos, and their natural chemistry brought every shot to life. Whether they were laughing at an inside joke or sharing a quiet moment together, their connection shone through in every frame.

Cherry Street North Bridge is a photographer’s dream, but it’s couples like Tatjana and Wayne who bring it to life. Their willingness to embrace the moment and try something different made these portraits unforgettable.

Ceremony: Intimacy and Love at Cluny Bistro

The ceremony took place on the outdoor patio at Cluny Bistro. Despite being in the heart of the bustling Distillery District, the space felt intimate and private—perfect for a small gathering of their closest friends and family.

Wayne walked down the aisle first, followed by Lana, their Dog of Honour, who brought smiles and laughter to everyone. Tatjana’s entrance was a beautiful moment as she walked hand-in-hand with her parents, holding a stunning bouquet. The mix of emotion and joy on her face was priceless.

Judi Rees-Mantle officiated the ceremony with a perfect balance of humor and warmth, creating a relaxed atmosphere that everyone enjoyed. From heartfelt vows to lighthearted moments, it was a ceremony that truly reflected Tatjana and Wayne’s personalities.

Creative Nighttime Portraits

As the day turned to night, the lights of the Distillery District transformed the space into something magical. This is one of my favorite times to get creative with portraits, and Wayne had been excited about this all day.

We started at The Loft’s entrance, where the hanging lamps provided a warm and intimate glow. Using a softbox, we created a silhouette shot that turned out beautifully—a mix of drama and romance.

Next, we moved to the iconic Gooderham & Worts sign, surrounded by string lights that added a touch of whimsy and charm. A wide-angle lens captured the grandeur of the setting while keeping the couple at the heart of the shot.

To end the night, we returned to the colorful mural we used earlier. This time, it was fully lit, providing a vibrant and energetic backdrop for the final set of portraits. It was the perfect way to wrap up an incredible day.

Thank You, Tatjana and Wayne!

Tatjana and Wayne, thank you for trusting us to capture your wedding day. Your energy, creativity, and love made every moment a joy to photograph. It was such an honor to be part of your celebration at Cluny Bistro, and I’m so grateful for the memories we created together.