March 8th in Toronto usually signals the arrival of spring, but this year, winter wasn’t quite ready to let go. The sun was shining brightly, yet the crisp air reminded us that colder days were still here. We headed to Union Station for what we thought would be a classic couple's photoshoot – but what unfolded was something entirely unexpected, and absolutely hilarious!

Meeting a couple for the first time is always an exciting moment. As photographers, we never know exactly how they’ll move in front of the camera, whether they’ll be shy, natural, or full of energy. But this time, the moment we started, we knew this wasn’t going to be an ordinary shoot.

From the first few shots, they started goofing around, making exaggerated expressions, and striking awkward yet intentional poses – something straight out of an Awkward JCPenney-Style Photoshoot. They fully embraced the 80s-90s family portrait aesthetic but mixed it with the urban backdrop of Toronto. The contrast between their playful energy and the grand, historic architecture of Union Station made for some incredibly unique photos.

We still captured some beautifully cinematic, classic-style portraits, making use of the golden light reflecting off the glass skyscrapers and the elegant stone facades of Toronto’s downtown. The couple’s outfits added an extra layer of contrast.

But then – the goofiness kicked in again! They pulled off exaggerated model poses, pretended to fall dramatically, and even did over-the-top romantic embraces straight out of a cheesy 90s commercial. The session became a mix of classic romance and parody, making every moment more entertaining than the last.

Despite the fun, the cold was a real challenge. March in Toronto can be tricky, with bright sun but low temperatures. To make sure the couple stayed warm and comfortable:

• We moved quickly between shots to keep the energy up.
• We incorporated movement – walking, dancing, and playful interactions to keep the blood flowing.
• We timed our shots for golden reflections, using sunlight bouncing off the glass buildings to add warmth to the images.

• It was a mix of two contrasting styles – polished, editorial shots and ridiculous, awkward poses.
• It captured the couple’s real personalities – unfiltered, fun, and completely unique.
• It reminded us why we love photography – it’s about creating memories, not just pictures.

At the end of the session, we all walked away laughing, with a set of images that perfectly captured both elegance and playfulness. This was not just another couple’s shoot – it was a reminder that the best moments come when you embrace the unexpected.

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