Enjoy Jessica and Sebastian's wedding photos captured at the Old Mill Toronto. The couple got married at the splendid wedding venue on a beautiful summer day and we had a lot of fun documenting their special event.
We started photographing the handsome groom's preparation in one of the Old Mill Inn rooms.
Afterwards our team moved to the courtyard to take a variety of portraits of the boys enjoying the big day.
Around noon we arrived at the bridal suite overlooking the courtyard. As usually, we quickly took pictures of the details (robes, flowers, engagement rings and wedding bands, shoes, etc.) then we focused on the girls.
The girls enjoyed a moment together and a glass of champagne. For extraordinary wedding photography, we always recommend a glass of champagne or a mimosa as it calms nerves. Over the years we noticed the photos looked even better when the girls enjoyed a glass or two as it removed inhibitions and made the day more fun.
Jessica took a few minutes to read a love letter from her husband to be.
After the bridesmaids helped the bride put on her dress, it was time for portraits of the girls.
The courtyard offers diffused lighting and is a perfect spot for portraits.
Right before the reception we took a few portraits of the newlyweds. The courtyard looks magical when the sun bounces into the walls that become massive reflectors creating dream lighting.
Tip: please reserve 10 minutes before the sunset for your portraits and you will not regret it!
As the courtyard was filled with several bridal parties, we had to shoot very tight at times.
The reception took place in the Guild Hall (A and B). Please note that Guild Hall is very dark and special lighting is needed to overcome that challenge.
As usually, we invited the newlywed couple to a short night shoot. We never spend more than 5-10 minutes taking evening portraits as the couple wants to spend time with their guests, friends and family and we respect that. After all, it is the couple's big day and not our shoot.
The Old Mill is located steps from Bloor Street at 21 Old Mill Rd., Etobicoke, ON, M8X G5. The wedding venue includes 16 banquet halls, a hotel, a restaurant and spa and it is one of the top event spaces in the area.
For the couples who want to get married here, the complex has its own wedding chapel and offers splendid backdrops. On the wedding day couples can also enjoy serene moments in the courtyard.
There is paid parking at 30 Old Mill Rd. and for the patrons of the establishment the parking is free. Please make sure you discuss the parking situation beforehand as the policies might change.
The subway is a mere 3 minutes walk via the Old Mill Trail and there are several buses servicing the area besides the cabs and uber options.
Old Mill Hotel boasts 13 suites and 45 rooms. Your guests will certainly enjoy the fine character of the hotel and the Kingsway Neighbourhood.
Please inquire if the establishment offers preferred rates for group bookings.
While you cannot reserve a certain bridal suite, please ask the venue wedding coordinator to book a suite overlooking the courtyard.
Build time buffers for delays. If is very common in the summer for Old Mill to host up to six weddings at the same time. As such, budget extra time if you want to take photos in popular locations such as the courtyard, bridge, etc.
The chapel is very dark. It is one of the most difficult locations (in the GTA) to photograph a wedding ceremony - ask your photographers to familiarize themselves with this venue and make sure they use professional equipment or your images will be blurred.
The Wedding Garden is our top choice when it comes to group photos. The light is even, (the shade makes the skin look amazing) and the garden is large enough to accommodate large groups of people.
If you decide to take your family portraits here, please ensure the space is not booked. Once again, it is very common for the venue to host several events at the same time.
The courtyard boasts a bridge and gorgeous backdrops.
To avoid crowds, we prefer photographing either early in the morning or near the sunset when the light is diffuse and soft. In the courtyard you can enjoy a great light in the afternoon most time of the year.
The venue requires a permit to access the exterior and interior of the beautiful location. If you are getting married here, the permit is included.
The place boasts quite a few banquet halls where you can celebrate your marriage: Balmoral, Brule Room, Drawing Room, Garden Room, Garret, Guild Hall (A&B) the largest in the complex, Humber, Kingsbrook, Mill, Royal Oak, Victoria and Westminster.
The Old Mill was used to film movies, series and shows. Among them, the most popular were "To Die For" with Matt Dillon and Nicole Kidman, Good Will Hunting, Mrs. America, American Gods, etc.
There is another establishment named Old Mill located in Ancaster, ON.
As a Toronto wedding photographer I had the opportunity to photograph at many venues in the GTA and here are a few reasons to get married here