When Tori and I were chatting about doing a summer couples shoot, she mentioned that it was her and Christian’s 5 year wedding anniversary this summer. She asked if we could do a simple vow renewal, and once the idea was planted we went into full planning mode! To celebrate five years together, they opted to exchange their vows by the water. The Beaches was the perfect spot for this stunning Toronto elopement-inspired vow renewal!

This Toronto elopement-inspired vow renewal was simple, casual – and still seriously gorgeous.

As much as you can go crazy for a vow renewal (think venue, guest list, full glam), you can also keep it low-key. I approached it much the same way I would an intimate elopement, which is simple, beautiful, and meaningful. We started with figuring out what vibe best suited them, and then Tori decided on a dress, bouquet, and all of the other details. Oh – and we planned this all in a week!

Tori mentioned that she and her hubs love to walk along the water. A lot of their early dating life was spent hanging out lakeside. I always love shooting near water – lakes, rivers, waterfalls, oceans, pools – lol you get the point! It’s so much more intentional when you choose a location that means something to you and your story together.

I always encourage my couples to choose an elopement location that adds something to their story.

After a ton of boho dress options, Tori landed on a simple stunner that was perfect for the beach. AM Floral Studio created an all white bouquet, tied with an extra long white silk ribbon to catch the wind. It is freaking beautiful. We met up at an area of the beach that I’ve been going to for years. After ditching our shoes almost immediately, we hit the sand. We explored and they re-exchanged their vows on a pier overlooking the water as the sun went down. The beach cleared out as the sky turned shades of cotton candy blue and pink. Birds dove for fish right in front of us. As we waved goodbye at the end of the night, I couldn’t help thinking, “damn. Magic.”

Vow renewal vendors:

Photography: Danielle Aisling

Florals: AM Floral Studio

Dress: Aritzia

Couple: Tori + Christian

If you love this Beaches Toronto elopement-inspired vow renewal, you may also want to check out this Sand Dunes Elopement in Ontario!