Tasha & Marco | Wedding at The Drake Hotel Toronto
I fell in love with Tasha & Marco the moment we met for their engagement session almost 2 years ago. These two special humans are funny, outgoing, and have the most ridiculously warm energy. They’re the type of people who make you feel like we’ve been best friend for years. They love film photography (same same), our beautiful city, good food, and they don’t take themselves too seriously. My kind of people.
If you haven’t seen their super cute Pizza & Cocktails Engagement, go have a peek. It’ll give you a good sense of what I’m talking about.
We shot their engagment well before they had finalized wedding plans and believe me when I say that I prayed for like, a year, that they’d come back to me when their wedding was booked. I was overjoyed when their wedding at The Drake Hotel in Toronto began to take shape. Fast forward to this past September and the wedding I dreamed of finally happened. It was every bit as special as I knew it would be. A little artsy, a lot of personality, and full of people who clearly adore Tasha & Marco. I couldn’t ask for more, honestly.
A First Look and Wedding Portraits at The Drake Hotel
We started with Tasha & Marco’s first look, which was just the sweetest. I always love having a little time with my couples before the ceremony, especially when it gives them a chance to enjoy each other’s company without a hundred people around.
After our sweet pair had a moment to themselves, we wandered around The Drake Hotel for portraits. One of the things I love about photographing weddings here is how much character the space has. There’s so much to work with creatively, and it suited these two perfectly. I’m a huge believer that wedding portraits don’t need to be a huge production. Give me two people who are happy to spend time together, a little room to play, and some interesting light. That’s all you need!
With Tasha & Marco, having fun was never going to be an issue.
A Toronto Wedding Full of Art and Personality
Alright, can we talk about Tasha’s insanely good artwork for a second?
One of my favourite things about this wedding was how much of Tasha’s creativity was woven into the day. She created artwork and illustrations for their wedding details, and I absolutely loved that. Be sure to keep an eye out for these details in the photos below!
It’s one thing to plan a beautiful wedding, but it’s another to fill it with little pieces of yourselves. Those are the details I get really excited about photographing. Not because everything needs to look a certain way, but because there’s intention and a story behind it.
Years from now, I hope Tasha & Marco look back at these photos and remember not only how their wedding looked, but all the love and thought that went into making it their own.
Also, as someone who loves a little artistic weirdness and personality, I was very much in my element.
A Heartfelt Rooftop Wedding Ceremony at The Drake Hotel
Tasha & Marco exchanged vows in The Drake Hotel’s rooftop space, surrounded by their favourite people.
And while these two are an absolute riot, there was so much genuine tenderness in their ceremony. I love that they leaned into their playful side while making room for big feelings. You can and should have both. In fact, I think those two things belong together.
While I had the honour of officiating their legal marriage a couple of days prior, Marco’s Aunt expertly guided them through their vows and ring exchange on their wedding day. She absolutely killed it, and there was not a dry eye in the house. I will never get tired of couples inviting a loved one to lead their ceremony. It’s such a beautiful way to make a ceremony extra special.
Cocktails & A Fun Guest List
Tasha & Marco love a good cocktail, so it’s no surprise that they prioritized time for a drink and some great food with their guests. I know that first look sessions aren’t for everyone, but if you want to be part of your cocktail hour without sacrificing portraits, this is the way to go. The Drake pulled out all the stops with their incredible apps (sliders the size of my face) and some tasty signature drinks.
T&M are such warm, friendly people, so it was no surprise that their guests were exactly the same. Cocktail hour can be a little awkward to photograph (picture people chatting and eating while I wander around in their midst) but they all leaned into me being there. I love when guests aren’t afraid to be seen and interact with the camera unprompted! Candid doesn’t always mean subjects aren’t aware of the camera, sometimes they’re totally aware but we’re capturing something natural in the moment instead of manufactured. That’s how I define “candid” coverage. These guests understood the assignment.
I’m such a fan of documentary photography because every group of people and every room is different. My job is never boring because humans are endlessly interesting and this was a particularly good room to be in.
A Cozy Wedding Dinner and Sweet Speeches
While there was no official wedding party, Tasha & Marco made a high energy dinner entrance that really set the tone for the evening. Cozy but high vibes filled the reception space as everyone enjoyed a delicious meal and some of the sweetest speeches I’ve heard in a while.
Hot take: I love speeches. I don’t need to hear a 20 minute essay on the couple, but a short heartfelt toast never misses. One of the greatest privilveges of my job is being invited into these very personal celebrations. It’s so fun to become immersed in a different family or friend group and get to see the world through the eyes of the people who love my couples the most. I’m the luckiest!!!
The Discmen Brought the Vibes
And then came the party.
Live music can really bring the energy level up after dinner and The Discmen did not fail! As a millenial, the 90’s and 00’s covers made my heart so happy. They kicked off their set with the FRIENDS theme and every person in the room swarmed the dance floor. Tasha switched out her dress so she could cut loose and Marco joined her in cutting a rug. The room was full of happy humans and although I only stayed a little while, I imagine it stayed that way all night.
Tip: want your guests to dance??? GET OUT THERE! They want to be where you are. You’ve spent months planning one hell of a party, so party with your friends! Be like Tasha & Marco, prioritize fun.
A Drake Hotel Toronto Wedding I’ll Never Forget
I think what I’ll remember most about Tasha & Marco’s wedding is how easy it was to be around them. Sounds silly, but we meet a lot of people in this crazy wedding world, and the ones who just naturally feel like friends are treasures. From the first time we chatted, to the engagement photos, to the legal ceremony, and then finally to their big celebration at The Drake Hotel, they were just genuinely lovely to be around.
This beautiful day was creative, emotional, funny, and full of life. It looked gorgeous, but more importantly it felt like Tasha & Marco. That’s what I’m always hoping for when I show up to a wedding. When every detail & decision feels like it was made with intention, it shows.
Tasha & Marco, thank you for welcoming me into your world over the past 2 years and for trusting me with your beautiful day. I absolutely adore you two and I hope this isn’t the end of our time together.
(Scroll to see all the goodness and all the team credits!)
This wedding and these photos would not be possible without the hard work of our team! Special thanks to the following for making this day so incredibly special:
Venue & Catering: The Drake Toronto
Florals: Dayna Armstrong
Music: The Discmen
Beauty: Maison by Cat Morales & Makeup by Arielle
Suit: Sydney’s
Dress: VSP Consignment
Planning Your Own Wedding at The Drake Hotel in Toronto?
If you’re planning a wedding at The Drake Hotel (or anywhere, really) and want to prioritize having a fun and relaxed day, I’m your girl. My approach is pretty simple: I want you to have an incredible day with the people you love, without feeling like you’re spending the whole thing on a photoshoot. Documentary-driven photography coverage with editorial touches to tell the story. This is what I love!!
Let’s connect to capture real moments, beautiful chaos, and the people who make your life special. That’s the good stuff.
Photography has always been more than just images to me—it’s about holding onto the moments that matter most. The raw, unfiltered bits of life that tell our stories.
My approach is candid, vibey, and unposed whenever possible (don’t worry, I still gently guide your portraits when needed). I believe every emotion—joy, laughter, quiet tears, the big and small—is deeply beautiful and deserves to be remembered.
As your wedding photographer, my job isn’t to stage your love—it’s to witness it, document it, and let it shine in its most authentic form. Because at the end of the day, these aren’t just wedding photos. They’re the moments that will bring you back to exactly how it all felt.
I’m so glad you’re here—I can’t wait to get to know you!
Aries Sun, Cancer Moon, diet Coke fan, Swiftie, mom, wife, vibe capturer, lover of love…
FOUNDER + LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER
JENNIFER
Culling your own work is tough—it’s easy to get attached to every frame. Let a real human with a photographer’s eye (not just AI) help you curate a gallery that flows seamlessly, highlights the strongest moments, and tells a story your clients will love.
