Vanessa & Roberto’s Engagement Photoshoot with Focus Photography at Pantages Hotel

After securing all kinds of permits at the Pantages Hotel, Downtown Toronto, Vanessa, Roberto, and I agreed to meet early in the morning. As soon as I had arrived, Vanessa and Roberto met me downstairs at the lobby. Once we secured the hotel room, I immediately started setting up my camera to align with the current location.

Then, I looked around the area and acknowledged the limited space we had. While Vanessa and Roberto were waiting, they quickly briefed me the kind of poses they thought best would fit their dynamics as a couple. I was more than grateful that they had done their own assignment.

They showed me the props and spare clothes they brought with them, so I made sure to arrange the timeline of the photoshoot.

For her first outfit, Vanessa had on a halter dress made with tulle. She looked like a Victoria Secret Angel, especially with her shiny, beachy waves and glowing tan. While Roberto went with a simple suit and tie with brown leather shoes. They were definitely an eye-catching couple, and so lovestruck!

Whenever I turned to look at them, they would be in their own little world. It was clear that they were still in the daze after the proposal, but who wouldn’t be if they knew they were going to spend eternity with their best friend?

After making sure everything was prepped and ready to go, I immediately instructed Vanessa and Roberto (who already had on their funky sunglasses) to start on the table set-up in the corner. Because there were so many objects and elements they could’ve worked with, I suggested that they incorporate those into their pictures. Instinctively, Vanessa picked up the telephone and pretended to be answering an incoming call.

Vanessa and Roberto made everything work out! Whatever area we chose, and whatever furniture they had lying around, they struck pose after pose after pose. Instead of cowering in embarrassment or hesitation, Vanessa and Roberto did everything with confidence.

It didn’t take long for this photoshoot to become one of my favorites! I mean, while we had minimal space in the hotel room, once we were out in the hallways, we felt so powerful! We were able to borrow one of the luggage carts from the administration. It kind of made me feel rebellious… with consent though, so it is pre-mediated rebellion but still fun nonetheless!

Vanessa and Roberto’s energy was crazy though. They really owned every shot, and they responded well to each other’s movements. They had an awesome chemistry, and it really showed in every picture I took.

For their second outfit, they went for something more casual yet spicy. Vanessa had on a tube dress, and Roberto changed into a red tee. But because the day was coming to an end, we were only able to do a handful of poses inside of the hotel room.

Soon after, they changed again, and we ventured out into the streets of Toronto. There was one sequence in particular that really ingrained itself into my brain. We were walking around, and we came upon this alleyway that stretched into a parking area. It was a bit dim, but the setting sun let enough light to create this beautiful shadow that engulfed Vanessa and Roberto well as they danced and twirled.

It was a busy day, but any photoshoot will always be busy! Although, Vanessa and Roberto made it so bearable. Their personalities were so welcoming and fun, everything about them was infectious. I was more than glad that they were able to find each other and that they were soulmates in every lifetime.