Meet Mandy & Lu. Mandy is from the US, and Lu from Toronto. When we were discussing their engagement photography, they wanted to include some component of their Canadian/American relationship, and the traveling theme. I had already done Union Station and used flags as props for another couple who had a similar request. Mandy and Lu are also very fashion-forward and the shoot had to be stylish. We through some ideas back and forth, and then when the idea of a road trip with a classic American car surfaced, we knew we had our vision. We planned a 50’s era shoot, and sought after some details. The Diner seemed like a must have, however there just didn’t seem to be any available diner that was in the right location, with the right look, and the willingness to allow us to shoot. I ended up calling the Wimpy’s Diner in Scarborough, and they were more than happy to host us. Awesome:)

The car was a very similar story; we knew what we wanted, but nothing seemed to check all boxes and be available at any decent rate… Then I met John Cilia at an unrelated engagement shoot in Markham. John had a 1956 Cadillac convertible that he was showing. He let us grab a few shots and gave me his card. The car was perfect. I mentioned the mint green Cadillac and John to Mandy and Lu, and they loved it. We contacted John and he was gracious enough to meet us at the Scarborough Bluffs with the car for the engagement photos. All I can say is that it couldn’t have worked out better. It couldn’t have fit our vision better. Sometimes things have a strange way of working out and presenting opportunities even after every other avenue has been exhausted.

Mandy & Lu’s wedding is coming up next weekend, so I thought it would be nice timing to blog the engagement shoot now. If anyone is interested in renting the Cadillac for either their own wedding, or a photo shoot, there’s more info on John’s services HERE.