A Film Forward Cocktail Wedding at The Ace Hotel, Toronto
Samantha and Phil’s Ace Hotel Toronto wedding was designed around one simple idea: throw an incredible cocktail party . Set in the middle of June, their celebration leaned into warmth, movement, and energy - modern, social, and intentionally photographed entirely on film.
As a Toronto film photographer, I love weddings that prioritize atmosphere over formality. This day was a perfect example of how film excels in city spaces, from natural daylight to late-night flash.
From the start, Samantha and Phil knew they wanted their wedding to feel more like a gathering than a production. No rigid structure, no overemphasis on tradition - just great music, flowing cocktails, and space for people to connect.
The Ace Hotel Toronto was an ideal setting for this vision. Its modern architecture, layered textures, and intimate scale create an environment that feels elevated without feeling stiff. It’s a venue that naturally supports cocktail-style celebrations, where guests move easily between conversations and the night unfolds organically. Alder Restaurant and its bar inside the Ace Hotel became the perfect backdrop for the evening—intimate, warmly lit, and buzzing with energy as guests gathered, cocktails in hand.
Samantha and Phil specifically reached out wanting their wedding documented fully on film, trusting the medium to tell the story from start to finish. Film’s ability to hold softness, depth, and texture made it a natural fit for their celebration.
Ace Hotel Toronto Website: https://acehotel.com/toronto nstagram: https://www.instagram.com/acehotelto/
Ace Hotel Toronto, https://acehotel.com/toronto, @acehotelto. Alder Restaurant Toronto, https://www.aldertoronto.com, @aldertoronto. Lauren Kurc, https://www.laurenkurcwed.com, @laurenkurc. Kiera Caruso Event Company, https://kieracaruso.com, @kiera.caruso.
