University Club of Toronto Wedding Chris+Caleigh

Stunning wedding photos at the University Club of Toronto in beautiful downtown Toronto

Chris and Caleigh were my first Toronto wedding of 2019 and they were certainly a gorgeous start to the season! They had been together for 8 years before getting married, though it honestly seems like they’ve been in love for at least 80 years.

The love story in their own words

“Chris and I grew up in the same small town, Creemore. Our families knew each other before we were both born but it wasn’t until later in life that we properly connected. We started dating when I was in grade 12.  We moved to Toronto after I graduated high school to attend the University of Toronto together. It was my first year and his third.
In October 2016, Chris and I were travelling around Italy for our annual getaway. We always joked that Italy would be the perfect spot to elope to (we love art and European culture).  Little did I know that he was planning on proposing there! After we toured the Palazzo Pitti in Florence and explored their palace gardens, Chris found the perfect spot overlooking the Tuscan countryside and proposed! I had a horrible head cold, just like I did when he asked me to be his girlfriend, so it was only fitting! We were betting I was going to have one for the wedding knowing my track record for milestones in relationships…
3 years later, on May 4th, 2019, we decided to have a small and intimate wedding in the city. We waited until I finished university, as working full-time, going to school and planning a wedding was just a bit too much to handle! “

They’re truly a couple that seems to exist outside of time, which made their choice of wedding venue in Toronto simply perfect – the elegant and timeless University Club of Toronto. I’ve known Caleigh since 2012 and knew she had always wanted a classic city wedding so I was super excited when she announced their wedding venue in Toronto would be the University Club of Toronto!

When I first heard of the University Club of Toronto, it sounded very exclusive and possibly pretentious, but the vibe is incredibly welcoming and classy. It’s the perfect spot for a Toronto wedding that combines all the best parts of being in a bustling city with all the historical beauty of a heritage building. The current University Club of Toronto location was built in 1929 and has a quiet, almost-regal charm that kicks the feeling of being a princess on your wedding day up a notch. And there’s still plenty of room for personal touches (such as the Star Wars cookies and lightsaber Chris and Caleigh included at their “May the 4th” wedding!) 

Caleigh and I met in the fashion industry where she was a model so she’s definitely comfortable around a camera, but Chris felt a bit awkward before the engagement shoot. Once he realized I’m basically just a friendly person chatting and joking and giving some fun directions, he totally loosened up! Chris was completely comfortable around the camera by the time the wedding rolled around and we were able to capture some awesome moments that wouldn’t have looked as natural without that initial practice.

If you’re looking for a unique and charming downtown Toronto wedding venue, definitely think about having a University Club of Toronto wedding. Seriously, it feels like your very own somehow-intimate mansion. Getting to visit places like this is one of the reasons I LOVE being a wedding photographer in Toronto! 

Locations and Venues:

University Club of Toronto

More from the University Club of Toronto Website:

Located on Toronto’s prestigious University Avenue, in the heart of the city, the University Club of Toronto is housed in a cherished heritage building that is a retreat for members to dine, socialize and pursue intellectual and artistic enlightenment. It is a place where connections are forged; relationships are built and friendships are made. The Club is warm and welcoming; collegial and engaging.

Additionally, members are part of the heritage, traditions and future of a Club that has been in existence for over a century and continues to evolve. Members understandably take great pride in entertaining or touring colleagues, friends and family at the Club. It is truly a Club unlike any other in the city!

Other Vendors

Bride’s Dress: Kleinfeld Canada / Rosa Clara

Bridesmaid Dresses: JJ’s House

Suits: Moores

MUA/Hair: Kestra Illiatovitch-Goldman (@makeupbykestra)

Florals: Kenilworth Florals (@kenilworthfloral)

Cake: Danish Pastry House (@danishpastryca)

DJ: Michael Pircio – Mr. Productions DJ Service 

Officiant: Stoney Baker