• The St. Patrick's Day parade in Toronto on March 16, 2025, started at noon, featuring around 4,000 participants and over 100 groups, including 75 floats, despite heavy rain.
• It seems likely that the route went from Bloor & St. George, east on Bloor, south on Yonge, ending at Yonge & Dundas, lasting about one and a half hours.
• Research suggests Caroline Mulroney was the Grand Marshall, with Mayor Olivia Chow and other dignitaries present, adding to the event's significance.
• The evidence leans toward the parade being a major cultural event since 1987, celebrating Irish heritage, with a separate St. Patrick's Day Run also occurring.

On March 16, 2025, Toronto hosted its annual St. Patrick's Day parade, starting at noon under rainy conditions. The parade featured approximately 4,000 participants, including over 100 groups and 75 floats, showcasing Irish culture through music and dance. Despite the weather, the event drew a large crowd, highlighting the community's resilience.

The parade likely followed its traditional route, beginning at Bloor & St. George, moving east on Bloor, then south on Yonge, and ending at Yonge & Dundas outside The Eaton Centre. It lasted about one and a half hours, with easy access via TTC subway stations like St. George and Dundas.

Caroline Mulroney, president of the Treasury Board of Ontario, served as Grand Marshall, joined by Mayor Olivia Chow and other notable figures like Ben Mulroney and Brian Burke. The presence of these VIPs underscored the event's importance, with social media posts noting the crowd's enthusiasm despite the rain.

Since 1987, this parade has been Canada's largest St. Patrick's Day celebration, promoting Irish heritage. On the same day, a separate St. Patrick's Day Run at Evergreen Brick Works offered 5K, 10K, and 1K races, supporting charities like Achilles Canada, adding to the festive atmosphere.

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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Some love stories deserve to be captured in the most magical settings, and Christie & Eric’s winter engagement photoshoot at Graydon Hall Manor was nothing short of a fairytale. The couple, preparing for their spring wedding, dreamed of an elegant, snow-covered engagement session, blending timeless romance with the charm of Toronto’s winter scenery.

Nestled in the heart of Toronto, Graydon Hall Manor is one of the most stunning wedding venues in the city. Its historic architecture, grand interiors, and beautifully landscaped gardens provide the perfect backdrop for romantic engagement photography. The couple wanted a winter photoshoot to contrast with their upcoming spring wedding, and we waited patiently for the perfect snowfall to bring their vision to life.

The manor’s large windows and soft natural light created an intimate, cinematic atmosphere. Inside, the couple embraced in the elegant ballroom, while outside, they walked through the snow-covered gardens, adding a magical touch to their love story.

When we first met, Christie and Eric were nervous about being in front of the camera. They repeatedly told me that they didn’t know how to pose and were afraid of looking awkward. However, as soon as we started, I reassured them that the best photos come from genuine emotions and natural interactions.

We started with simple movements—walking, holding hands, and gentle embraces—allowing them to forget about the camera and focus on each other. Slowly, their nerves faded, and their personalities began to shine through. Their love spoke louder than any staged pose, resulting in beautifully romantic, intimate engagement photos that feel effortlessly timeless.

• Indoor Elegance: The ballroom at Graydon Hall Manor set the stage for some of the most breathtaking moments. The couple stood in front of the massive floor-to-ceiling windows, surrounded by the warm glow of natural light. Their soft smiles and stolen glances told a story of deep connection and anticipation for their future together.
• Winter Wonderland Romance: As we stepped outside, the snow-covered gardens of the manor transformed into a winter wonderland. The contrast of their light-colored outfits against the white landscape created a dreamy, almost ethereal aesthetic.
• A Walk Through Love: Some of the most natural, candid shots came as they walked hand in hand through the garden paths, whispering to each other and laughing softly. The presence of snow-dusted trees and the manor’s elegant architecture in the background made every frame feel like a scene from a romantic movie.

Many couples hesitate to book a winter engagement photoshoot in Toronto, but the truth is, the results are absolutely magical. Snow acts as a natural light reflector, creating soft, flattering tones that enhance the warmth and intimacy of the couple’s connection. Plus, there’s something incredibly romantic about bundling up together in the cold, sharing moments of warmth and affection.

Benefits of a winter engagement session:

• Soft, diffused natural light for elegant, cinematic photos
• A unique contrast between the crisp, snowy landscape and the couple’s warmth
• Intimate moments captured without the crowds of busy summer locations
• A chance to create complementary engagement and wedding albums with different seasonal aesthetics

By the end of the session, Christie & Eric were glowing—not just from the winter light, but from the confidence they had gained in front of the camera. They had started the day feeling unsure, but left with genuine, emotional, and elegant engagement portraits that they will cherish forever.

As photographers, we believe that the best images come when couples trust the process and focus on their love rather than the camera. This session was a beautiful reminder that even the shyest couples can shine in front of the lens when they feel comfortable, relaxed, and truly connected.

Are you dreaming of a romantic winter engagement session? Whether you prefer an elegant indoor setting or a snowy outdoor backdrop, we’d love to create timeless engagement photos that tell your unique love story.

Contact us today to book your Graydon Hall Manor engagement photoshoot or a winter couple session in Toronto!

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