Xanthi and I went to high school together, so this Toronto Island engagement session was extra special. When she messaged me to let me know she and Mani got engaged I was so thrilled for them! When she asked if I’d photograph their engagement photos for their public engagement reveal I was beyond excited.

We chose to shoot their photos on Centre Island because of the wonderful variety of locations it offers – beach, nature, farm, and Centreville! Though Centreville was closed, it was so much fun walking around and reminiscing about the place we’d visited as kids. I’ll be honest, it made me want to go back when it opens again to go on the log ride, train and buggy driving rides again!

We explored and chatted and goofed around whenever we were inspired by a nifty location. We were super excited to see horses and peacocks, and we of course had to go say hello.

The ‘Yes’ cupcakes that we photographed on the beach were actually saved from when Mani proposed! (He didn’t have any ‘No’ ones made – ha.)

Read more about this cupcake and their love story in a blurb from these lovebirds themselves, at the bottom of the post!

And if you like this location for an engagement session, check out this one, and this one! (I looove it there.)

And now some words from the lovebirds themselves!

“Friends. Lovers. Partners. Family. When Mani first asked me out eight years ago at York University, I told him I preferred being friends. Seems like we all say that when we’re not interested right? Wrong! In fact, this is the time we really got to know each other and build on our friendship.

How did we get out of the “Friend’s Zone” you ask? Well, after spending late nights studying at York, lifting weights together at the gym, and working double shifts serving tables, Mani made his second move. This time I knew there was something special.

Our biggest challenge as a couple was spending 10 months apart while I was living in Barcelona. Despite the time difference, our long distance was a success mostly thanks to Mani visiting me- twice! Our mini adventures around Barcelona, Mallorca and Rome was just the beginning of our craze to travel and explore the world.

Coming home to Toronto and moving in together brought us closer as partners sharing a life. Four years later and we’re engaged!

We knew for a while we’d be together “forever and ever”, but it was a fairytale that came true on a proposal that surprised me on a sunny Friday evening after work. “Καλό μήνα” he said (Greek phrase and fun game we play meaning “have a good month”). Without sharing too many of Mani’s romantic secrets, the cutest touch of the evening was the cupcakes saying “Will You Marry Me” and another one printed “Yes”!

Over the years we’ve strengthened our bond and have become a family whose love is unconditional and forever passionate. Our secret? Respect. Trust. Friendship.”