Stephanie & Joshua’s Engagement Photoshoot | Focus Photography at Downtown Toronto & Graffiti Alley

It wasn’t like they needed my blessings and wishes, but when I photographed Stephanie and Joshua, I felt like they never had to be superstitious in any way throughout their relationship. They wanted forever, so they made sure that they got it! And now, Stephanie and Joshua are only a few more steps away in making it more official.

I mean, have you seen them together? Can you find another couple who was as cool as them? Argue with a wall, because you can’t! It isn’t up for debate, actually.

But can you imagine? Having your parents take you to the right place at the right time? Stephanie’s mom was so right in claiming that playground, or the special place as her own, and it proved in more ways than one as to why it was really special. Because it brought Stephanie and Joshua together.

And all throughout their childhood and teen years, they spent most of their time bonding and growing at the playground.

Early in the day, we began the photoshoot at a restaurant somewhere in Downtown Toronto. It was a quaint, cute Italian-looking restaurant. Stephanie looked so sublime in her black blouse and pencil skirt. And Joshua had on a white blazer with black lapels, and button down and pants. For this location, they wanted to go for a more classy and polished look.

The restaurant itself looked so warm and inviting. The decorations were minimal but it felt homey. The yellow lighting really gave the place a lot more color, and it lit up Stephanie and Joshua really well. I wanted to take advantage of the lights and made it seem as though the aesthetic reflected the kind of relationship they shared with each other: bright, certain, and soft.

Afterwards, they brought me to the Graffiti Alley. While they were changing into a different outfit, I was so astonished with the sprayed murals along the walls. Everything looked so colorful, and a whole bunch of photos that I felt like it was perfect for them to do rushed into mind.

The Graffiti Alley felt so mature yet young at the same time. While the playground was something they would always have, this alley felt more adult and reminiscent of how their personalities tie in. Apart from the more formal pictures, they didn’t want it to look too professional so they brought with them a bunch of props to elevate the level of swagger they already possessed.

They wore sunglasses, and I instructed them to lean on a bunch of different walls and be really loose with their poses. And they delivered. Peace signs out there. Arm on the shoulder over here. And it really fit with the vibe they were going for!

Then, they wore matching jackets. I kid you not, Stephanie and Joshua looked like they came straight out of a magazine. They modeled like never before, and they did not disappoint at all! I was all for it, and I became even more insistent and excited with my directions.

Because the alley was kind of enclosed, I wanted them to be more exposed to the natural light so we decided to take a walk in more open areas. With that, I wanted to try and capture their pictures with long exposure. This was to give the feel that their happiness got them stuck in time, or too enraptured in their blurred bubble.

During the entire shoot, I realized that these engagement photoshoots were kind of like a sneak peek into the relationship of a couple, and how they decided together on what they wanted to be presented as to other people.

And I thought that Stephanie and Joshua’s teamwork really showed in their pictures. So, thank you for taking me on this cool journey, and for choosing me to document all of these precious memories for you!