DeVon Franklin and Maria Castillo

Romantic Toronto Engagement Session with DeVon Franklin and Maria Castillo

On April 14, 2025, I had the honor of photographing DeVon Franklin — renowned Hollywood producer, preacher, and bestselling author — along with his fiancée Maria Castillo, a celebrity fitness trainer, during their engagement session in downtown Toronto. The couple radiated love, elegance, and undeniable chemistry as we explored some of the most iconic urban backdrops the city has to offer.

The entrance of the Royal York Hotel features an ornate facade with multiple flags, including those of the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States. The building's architecture is detailed with arched windows and decorative elements. Planters with seasonal decorations are placed in front of the entrance.

A couple embraces and smiles warmly in an urban setting, with tall buildings in the background.

A close-up image of a couple embracing, focusing on their hands and the woman's smile. The woman has tattoos on her fingers and is wearing a ring, while the man has his arm around her shoulder.

A couple poses affectionately in an urban setting, surrounded by modern skyscrapers.

A couple shares a tender moment, with the woman smiling warmly at the camera while the man embraces her lovingly.

A couple shares a tender moment in an urban setting, surrounded by towering skyscrapers and classic architecture.

A black and white portrait of a couple in an intimate embrace, capturing a moment of affection and connection.

A couple shares a tender moment in front of a building, with the CN Tower visible in the background, suggesting a location in Toronto.

A couple shares an intimate moment, gazing into each other's eyes in a black and white photograph.

A couple shares a romantic kiss outdoors, with the woman in a form-fitting gray dress and the man in a blue sweater.

A black and white close-up portrait of a woman with long hair, showcasing her facial features and a ring on her finger.

A woman poses confidently in a sleek beige dress, leaning against a concrete wall in an urban environment.

A woman poses elegantly, highlighting her ring and wearing a light gray top.

A man in a blue cardigan smiles warmly at a woman in a gray dress on a bustling city street.

A woman and a man stand near a bull statue in an urban environment, possibly a financial district.

A man in a blue sweater smiles warmly at a woman with long black hair, wearing a backless dress, on a city street.

A couple shares an intimate moment, gazing into each other's eyes outdoors.

A couple shares a romantic moment in front of a building, with a bull statue visible to the side.

A couple shares a romantic kiss in an urban setting, with the CN Tower visible in the background, suggesting the location is Toronto.

A couple shares a romantic kiss outdoors, with the woman in a gray dress and the man in a blue sweater.

The CN Tower in Toronto, Canada, stands tall against a clear sky, surrounded by modern and historic buildings.

The historic Fairmont Royal York Hotel in Toronto, with the modern TD Tower visible in the background, showcasing a blend of architectural styles.

A couple walks hand in hand near Union Station in Toronto, with the CN Tower visible in the background.

A woman in a form-fitting dress smiles as she holds hands with someone on a bustling city street, with tall buildings in the background.

A handshake between two individuals, one in a blue sweater and the other in a beige shirt, symbolizing connection and agreement.

A man in a blue cardigan and white shirt walks confidently in a city environment.

DeVon Franklin and Maria Castillo dancing on the street in front of Union Station with CN Tower in the background during Toronto engagement shoot

A woman in a beige dress smiles at a man in a blue sweater on a city street, with urban buildings in the background.

A couple shares a joyful embrace in a city setting, with tall buildings in the background.

A close-up shot of a person embracing another from behind, highlighting hands adorned with a diamond ring.

A joyful couple embraces in an urban setting, with a tall building visible in the background, capturing a moment of happiness.

A couple stands back-to-back outside a modern glass building in a cityscape, showcasing urban architecture and style.

A joyful couple shares a tender moment, smiling and embracing each other outdoors.

A couple shares an intimate moment in a black and white photograph, highlighting their affection and connection.

A couple shares a tender moment, embracing and smiling at each other outdoors. The woman is wearing a ring and has her hands gently on the man's face.

A black and white image capturing an intimate moment between a couple, highlighting their embrace and gentle touch.

DeVon Franklin and Maria Castillo holding hands on opposite sides of a glass building corner in downtown Toronto during their engagement session

Skyscrapers in a city with Bay Street and Front Street signs visible, showcasing modern architecture.

A couple walks hand in hand in a cityscape, bathed in sunlight and surrounded by towering buildings.

Black and white photo of couple’s shadows holding hands during a downtown Toronto engagement session

A couple walks hand in hand through a modern cityscape, surrounded by tall buildings and bathed in sunlight.

A couple enjoys a sunny day in the city, walking hand in hand and sharing smiles.

Romantic Walk Through Downtown Toronto – Engagement Photo at Golden Hour

A couple shares a tender moment in an urban setting, with the man kissing the woman's hand.

Wide-angle shot of DeVon Franklin and Maria Castillo in downtown Toronto surrounded by skyscrapers during engagement session

A couple shares a tender moment in an urban setting, with sunlight creating a warm, romantic atmosphere.

Romantic black and white photo of DeVon Franklin and Maria Castillo embracing in downtown Toronto with skyscrapers in the background

A couple shares an intimate moment, gazing into each other's eyes with affection.

DeVon Franklin kissing Maria Castillo’s hand during a romantic black and white engagement shoot in downtown Toronto

A close-up shot of a couple sharing a tender moment, smiling and gently touching each other's faces.

A stylish man leans against a glass building, with a woman's reflection visible in the glass.

A woman poses confidently in a backless dress, with a cityscape softly blurred in the background, highlighting her elegance and style.

A woman with long hair in a backless dress stands in an urban environment with modern glass buildings.

A close-up portrait of a woman with long dark hair, showcasing her elegant earrings and light-colored top, as she gazes over her shoulder.

A stylish man in a blue cardigan and sunglasses leans against a glass building, with a blurred figure in the foreground, creating a depth of field effect.

A black and white portrait captures a woman looking over her shoulder, showcasing her earrings and smooth skin.

A woman with long hair walks confidently in a backless dress, captured in a black and white urban setting.

A man wearing sunglasses and a blue cardigan is reflected in a glass window, with a blurred figure in the foreground, creating an artistic composition.

From Union Station to the Heart of Downtown Toronto

We began our Toronto engagement shoot at Union Station, one of the city’s most historic and architecturally stunning locations. Walking hand in hand through the financial district, DeVon and Maria blended effortlessly with the modern lines and golden morning light reflecting off glass towers. Their chemistry made every frame cinematic and deeply emotional — a true documentary-style love story set against the rhythm of the city.

A woman in a long, backless beige dress walks confidently in an urban environment, surrounded by modern glass buildings.

A close-up portrait of a smiling woman with long dark hair and multiple ear piercings, wearing a gray top.

A woman wearing a backless beige dress poses confidently in an urban environment, with modern buildings in the background.

A close-up image of a woman's back, showcasing a tattoo along her spine. She is wearing a gray top with an open back, and her face is partially visible with a smile. The lighting is soft and natural, highlighting her skin tone.

A woman with a long ponytail and a back tattoo poses in a backless dress, illuminated by soft sunlight.

DeVon Franklin wearing sunglasses, looking at Maria Castillo during downtown Toronto engagement session

A man in sunglasses and a blue sweater stands outdoors, bathed in sunlight.

A stylishly dressed man stands confidently in front of a modern glass building, with his reflection visible in the window.

A man in sunglasses and a blue cardigan enjoys a sunny day outdoors.

Maria Castillo with long hair and back tattoo in open-back dress during engagement photoshoot in downtown Toronto

A stylish man in sunglasses and a light blue cardigan walks confidently in an urban environment.

DeVon Franklin smiling and holding eyeglasses during a sunny downtown Toronto engagement photoshoot

DeVon Franklin and Maria Castillo posing confidently during a modern downtown Toronto engagement session

Maria Castillo resting her hand with engagement ring on DeVon Franklin’s shoulder during their Toronto engagement shoot

Smiling DeVon Franklin and Maria Castillo during a joyful moment in their downtown Toronto engagement session

Maria Castillo looking at the camera with her hand resting on DeVon Franklin’s shoulder during their downtown Toronto engagement shoot

DeVon Franklin and Maria Castillo standing together in front of Toronto skyscrapers during an elegant engagement session

Close-up portrait of DeVon Franklin during a downtown Toronto engagement photoshoot in natural light

Full-body portrait of DeVon Franklin and Maria Castillo during their downtown Toronto engagement shoot with sunlit skyscrapers in the background

Close-up of Maria Castillo’s hands resting on DeVon Franklin’s chest during their downtown Toronto engagement session

Maria Castillo smiling and gently holding DeVon Franklin’s chin during their golden hour engagement shoot in downtown Toronto

DeVon Franklin looking into the camera as Maria Castillo holds his chest during their engagement shoot in downtown Toronto

Romantic moment between DeVon Franklin and Maria Castillo during their Toronto engagement photoshoot at sunset

Black and white portrait of DeVon Franklin and Maria Castillo during their downtown Toronto engagement session

DeVon Franklin and Maria Castillo embracing during their downtown Toronto engagement shoot in soft morning light

A view of modern skyscrapers with reflective glass facades, showcasing the architectural design and urban landscape.

DeVon Franklin and Maria Castillo during their downtown Toronto engagement photoshoot with skyline views and romantic city backdrops

A view of modern skyscrapers with reflective glass windows in an urban city center, featuring the Royal Bank Plaza sign and street banners.

Thoughtful portrait of DeVon Franklin sitting on downtown Toronto steps during engagement photoshoot

Confident Groom-to-Be Portrait During Downtown Toronto Engagement

Editorial Portrait of Groom-to-Be on Toronto’s Urban Steps

Close-up of groom-to-be sitting on granite steps in downtown Toronto looking confidently at the camera

Man sitting alone on granite steps in downtown Toronto during engagement photoshoot

Woman kissing man’s forehead in quiet moment during downtown Toronto engagement shoot

Couple sitting on large architectural steps during downtown Toronto engagement photoshoot

Groom-to-be kissing smiling fiancée as she shows engagement ring during downtown Toronto engagement shoot

Close-up of engagement ring on bride-to-be’s hand as groom embraces her during Toronto photoshoot

Engaged couple sitting closely with serious expressions during stylish downtown Toronto photoshoot

Fiancée showing her engagement ring while embraced by her partner during downtown Toronto photoshoot

Couple embracing on a downtown Toronto sidewalk with soft sunlight and modern architecture in the background

Groom-to-be embracing and kissing fiancée’s shoulder during stylish engagement session in downtown Toronto

Couple standing on sunlit downtown Toronto street sharing an intimate moment during engagement photoshoot

Couple smiling and leaning in for a kiss during playful engagement photoshoot in downtown Toronto

Groom-to-be kissing fiancée’s shoulder while she smiles during engagement session on downtown Toronto street

Couple sharing a romantic kiss while holding hands during engagement session in downtown Toronto

Couple standing on empty downtown Toronto street surrounded by modern skyscrapers during engagement photoshoot

Sweet Candid Moment During Downtown Toronto Engagement Shoot

Couple laughing and hugging on a quiet downtown Toronto street surrounded by modern buildings during engagement session

Joyful Downtown Toronto Engagement Session with Urban Romance

Modern Love in Downtown Toronto – Urban Engagement Session

Romantic Downtown Toronto Engagement Photoshoot with Candid Moment

Intimate Engagement Moment Captured in Downtown Toronto

A couple shares a tender moment in an urban setting, with the man wearing a blue sweater and the woman in a beige dress.

A tender moment between a couple as the man kisses the woman's neck, showcasing intimacy and affection.

A joyful couple shares an intimate moment in a city setting, with the man laughing and the woman gently holding his face.

A low-angle view of three modern skyscrapers with glass facades, showcasing their towering presence against a cloudy sky.

A couple shares an intimate embrace, highlighting the woman's back tattoo and the man's gentle hold.

A close-up image captures an intimate moment between a couple, focusing on the man's hand gently holding the woman's back.

Golden Hour Romance at Polson Pier

As the sun began to set, we arrived at Polson Pier for the final chapter of our session. The downtown Toronto skyline served as a dramatic and romantic backdrop as the light turned soft and golden. DeVon and Maria embraced, laughed, and shared quiet moments by the water — creating timeless images filled with warmth and sincerity. It was a perfect Toronto engagement session filled with emotion, intimacy, and iconic city views.

The Toronto skyline is silhouetted against a setting sun, with the iconic CN Tower prominently visible. The scene is viewed from across the water, creating a serene and picturesque cityscape.

A person stands on a wooden dock overlooking the water, with the Toronto skyline and CN Tower visible in the background during sunset.

A person in a shearling coat stands by the water with a city skyline in the background, capturing a serene moment.

A person stands on a boardwalk by the water, with the Toronto skyline in the background.

A woman in a brown shearling coat smiles by the water, with a city skyline in the background.

A man walks on a dock with a city skyline in the background, wearing sunglasses and casual attire.

A man in sunglasses and a blue sweater gazes into the distance with a cityscape in the background.

A man in sunglasses and a blue cardigan walks along a waterfront with a city skyline in the background, under a bright sky.

DeVon Franklin and Maria Castillo Engagement Session in Toronto

Groom-to-be smiling in sunglasses at Toronto waterfront engagement session during golden hour

Smiling groom-to-be during Toronto engagement session by the water

Stylish bride-to-be walking along Toronto waterfront boardwalk with skyline in background during engagement session

Romantic winter engagement close-up by Toronto waterfront

Engagement ring detail photo in Toronto during waterfront shoot

Winter engagement photo at Toronto lakeshore with skyline backdrop

Close-up engagement portrait during golden hour in Toronto

Sunset waterfront engagement photo in Toronto with skyline view

Close-up portrait of engaged woman in shearling coat by the Toronto waterfront

Engaged couple standing on a Toronto pier at sunset, city skyline in the background

Close-up of engaged woman leaning on fiancé’s back during Toronto waterfront photoshoot

Couple looking at each other during Toronto engagement session at sunset by the water

Woman embracing fiancé from behind during waterfront engagement photoshoot in Toronto

Couple hugging at Toronto waterfront during engagement session at sunset

Woman smiling while leaning on partner’s back during Toronto engagement session

Blurry couple kissing with Toronto skyline in the background during golden hour engagement session

Bride-to-be kissing fiancé on the cheek during joyful engagement session in Toronto

Close-up of couple’s hands with engagement ring during waterfront photoshoot in Toronto

Romantic couple during engagement session on Toronto waterfront with skyline view

Emotional Close-Up from Toronto Engagement Session at Polson Pier

Sunset Kiss on Polson Pier During Toronto Engagement Session

Intimate Forehead Touch at Polson Pier Engagement in Toronto

A Dream Come True: Their Story

This session came just months after DeVon’s unforgettable proposal to Maria in Maui — a surprise he planned during a photo shoot at The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua. Their love story is one of intentionality, faith, and deep connection. Capturing this next chapter in their journey was a privilege, and I’m grateful to have witnessed their joy here in Toronto.

Toronto Engagement Portrait with Ring Close-Up at Polson Pier

Sunset Engagement View of Toronto Skyline from Polson Pier

Romantic Toronto Engagement Photoshoot on Polson Pier Boardwalk

Romantic Stroll During Toronto Engagement Session at Polson Pier

A couple enjoys a walk by the water, holding hands and sharing a smile.

Sunset Walk During Toronto Engagement Photoshoot on Polson Pier

A couple walks hand in hand along a waterfront, with a city skyline in the background, captured in black and white.

A couple shares a tender moment on a dock with a city skyline in the background, captured in black and white.

A man in a light blue sweater smiles warmly with a blurred city skyline in the background.

Groom standing by the water in Toronto with hands in pockets, soft sunlight and skyline in background

Smiling man in a blue sweater looking over his shoulder during a golden hour photoshoot in Toronto

Couple standing together in a black and white portrait at Polson Pier, with the Toronto skyline in the background

DeVon Franklin and Maria Castillo smiling and embracing at Polson Pier with the Toronto skyline behind them

DeVon Franklin embracing Maria Castillo from behind during their engagement shoot in Toronto

DeVon Franklin and Maria Castillo kissing on the dock at Polson Pier with Toronto skyline in the background

CN Tower framed between blurred silhouettes of DeVon Franklin and Maria Castillo at sunset

DeVon Franklin kissing Maria Castillo on the forehead during their engagement session in Toronto

A tender moment captured between a couple, highlighting intimacy and affection.

A couple embraces by the water with a city skyline in the background, capturing a romantic moment.

The Toronto skyline is silhouetted against a sunset, with the iconic CN Tower prominently visible. The scene is viewed from across the water, creating a serene and picturesque cityscape.

DeVon Franklin and Maria Castillo facing each other during engagement session by the Toronto waterfront

DeVon Franklin and Maria Castillo embracing during their Toronto engagement session

A couple shares an intimate embrace with a city skyline in the background, highlighting the woman's back tattoo and elegant backless dress.

Tattoo on Maria Castillo’s back reading “Dance even if no one else hears the music”

DeVon Franklin embracing Maria Castillo from behind during their engagement session in Toronto

Close-up of DeVon Franklin and Maria Castillo with eyes closed, embracing gently during their Toronto engagement session

Silhouette of DeVon Franklin and Maria Castillo at sunset with Toronto skyline in the background

Black and white photo of Toronto skyline with CN Tower at sunset, reflected on Lake Ontario

Looking for a Toronto Engagement Photographer?

Whether you’re newly engaged or planning a surprise proposal, I specialize in natural, documentary-style engagement photography across Toronto — from downtown’s architectural gems to the quiet beauty of Polson Pier at sunset. View more engagement sessions here.

If you’re new here

If you’re reading this engagement story because you want your photos to feel like a stylish Toronto date — iconic landmarks, modern city lines, and a story that looks editorial without feeling “performed” — take one more step and explore Downtown Toronto Anniversary Photoshoot with a Chic Cocktail Vibe. It has a similar downtown energy and that same effortless, people-first pacing where the city becomes part of the mood.

If you’d like to explore complete wedding stories captured in our warm, cohesive style, browse our Wedding galleries — it’s the easiest way to compare venues, seasons, and the overall mood of each day.

And if you want your story told in motion too — the walk, the laughter, the music of the city, and all the in-between moments — take a look at Videography.

When it feels like the right fit, simply reach out through Inquire — we’ll confirm availability and help you plan a session that feels effortless from start to finish.

Downtown Toronto, Toronto Engagement Photographer

Engagement Photoshoot in Toronto

ENGAGEMENT

April 14, 2025

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