Eritrean wedding photographer

Tiffiny and Haben's Engagement Shoot at The Riverwood Conservancy in Mississauga

Hello hello! Welcome to another blog post on my website! Today, I’m so excited to feature the beautiful couple that is Tiffiny and Haben!

From the moment they arrived at the Riverwood Conservancy for their engagement shoot, I knew we were in for something truly special. Their effortless style, natural chemistry, and warm energy made them such a joy to photograph — and their outfit choices couldn’t have been more perfect for the serene and romantic setting. Something about this shoot even gave me London, England vibes — maybe it was the architecture, the landscape scenery, the energy, or just how timeless they looked together!

I absolutely loved this couple’s style — so uniquely them. The soft, neutral palette they chose not only reflected their personalities but also beautifully complemented the natural tones of the photoshoot location.

Tiffiny’s look was the embodiment of soft elegance. She wore a flowing, sun-kissed yellow midi dress with delicate pinstripes that moved beautifully with the breeze. Draped casually over her shoulders was a light blue sweater — a subtle, preppy touch that added depth and charm to her already graceful ensemble. Paired with pearl accessories, a natural curly updo, and minimalist white heels, her look was fresh, romantic, and effortlessly chic.

Haben complemented her style perfectly with a smart-casual vibe that felt laid-back yet polished. His navy blazer over a mustard-toned shirt struck just the right balance between formal and relaxed, while his charcoal slim-fit pants and casual sneakers gave the outfit a grounded, modern feel. The way he looked at Tiffiny throughout the shoot truly made the images come alive.

Together, their style felt authentic — a beautiful reflection of who they are as a couple: timeless, thoughtful, and full of joy. It’s always a gift to photograph couples who bring not only love but also personality and presence to the session, and Tiffiny and Haben did just that.

This shoot is a great example of how thoughtful wardrobe choices can really elevate your photos. When colors harmonize with your location — whether soft pastels, earthy neutrals, or rich seasonal tones — it brings a natural cohesion and glow to every image.

The couple’s wedding day is just around the corner, and my team and I couldn’t be more excited to work with them again. It is going to be one beautiful multicultural (Eritrean, Ukranian, Kenyan, Canadian) wedding. Stay tuned for more to come from this wonderful couple!

Vendor Team and Location

MUA: HNA beauty

Wedding Planner: Eden Zeweldi

Location: Riverwood Conservancy

Black and White Photo of Toronto couple
African wedding photographer Toronto
Happy Smiling couple mississauga engagement shoot by Toronto based African wedding photographer Karimah Gheddai

Thank you for joining me for another edition of the blog!
Wishing you a beautiful rest of your day — and who knows, maybe our paths will cross someday... or better yet, we’ll get to create something beautiful together.

With gratitude,
– Karimah

Selena and Zack's Engagement Shoot at Riverwood Conservancy

Hello Hello Hello!

Welcome to my latest blog post! It is May and am just happy to be enjoying one of my favourite months and the amazing spring season! I know I say this all the time but where is the time flying to? Whew we really are almost halfway through the year!

Today I get to share the engagement shoot of one of my summer clients!

Selina and Zack are such a lovely couple. Selina is of Eritrean heritage (like me) and Zack is of Caribbean heritage so am excited to be covering another multicultural wedding with Habesha elements! Eeeehhh can you feel my excitement hehe.

We took these engagement shoot images at the beautiful Riverwood Conservancy and I love how naturally beautiful everything looks!

When it comes to engagement shoots, finding a location that perfectly captures the essence of love, nature, and timeless beauty can be a challenge. However, Riverwood Conservancy in Mississauga offers the ideal blend of lush landscapes, charming architecture, and serene vibes, making it a perfect spot for capturing those precious moments. Hope you enjoy these photos as much as I enjoyed taking them!

Tips for a Perfect Engagement Shoot at Riverwood Conservancy

  1. Timing is Key: Opt for the golden hours of early morning or late afternoon when the natural light is soft and flattering.

  2. Seasonal Beauty: Each season offers its unique charm, so choose the one that best reflects your love story. Spring and summer are lush and vibrant, autumn is rich and colorful, while winter brings a pristine, quiet beauty.

  3. Wardrobe Choices: Complement the natural surroundings with lovely tones and soft fabrics. Flowing dresses and comfortable, casual attire often work best to enhance the natural feel of the setting.

  4. Explore and Experiment: Don’t stick to just one spot. Wander through the grounds, go shoot by the barns, and explore the gardens and architectural features to capture a variety of beautiful backdrops.

  5. Stay Natural: The essence of Riverwood Conservancy is its natural beauty, so let your poses and expressions be as genuine as possible. Interact with each other, share stories, laugh, and let the photographer capture those candid moments.

Other Vendors:

Selina’s M.U.A: Faces by Pureness

If you would like to book me for your 2024 Engagement Shoot, Wedding or Event then get in touch HERE!

Eritrean Jewelry with writing in Tigrigna

Thank you for joining me on another edition of my blog post! Hope to see you back here next time! or better yet, that we get to work together!

-Karimah

If you would like to book me for your 2024 Engagement Shoot, Wedding or Event then get in touch HERE!

Sinit and Alex's Eritrean Ecuadorian Wedding at the Royalton and Glendon College

Hi Everyone! Welcome to another blog post on my website. The first one I get to post this year is the beautiful wedding of Sinit and Alex!

St. Basil's Church Wedding Toronto - Eritrean Ecuadorian Bride and Groom - Photos by Toronto based wedding photographer Karimah Gheddai

I met this couple back in 2022. when I had the pleasure of covering their engagement shoot that year. You can see that shoot HERE!

In June of 2023, I was fortunate to cover their beautiful wedding! I have to say this couple is one of the most down to earth, easy going and and fun loving couples that I have ever had the pleasure of capturing.

The wedding day started out at a downtown tower, where I arrived at 8.00 am and was super happy to find both the bride and groom ready to go in their separate suites for the getting ready images. The bride’s beautiful makeup was done by talented M.U.A Tracy K and her hair was styled by BBN Studios.

The church ceremony took place at St. Basil’s Cathedral (part of St Michael’s college at the University of Toronto). You can imagine my happiness when I found out it was only a 5 minute walk from the getting ready location so there was virtually no chance of any of the wedding party or vendors being late/ stuck in traffic.

It was a heartfelt ceremony and I found myself crying with the bride and groom, as they saw each other for the first time while the bride walked down the aisle accompanied by her father. After the church ceremony there was the usual chaos and exuberant joy of family and friends exiting the church behind the bride and groom, however as I had already attended the rehearsal and gave some tips for this portion of the day the bride and groom were ready for the family portraits at a location we selected at the rehearsal. Everything went so smoothly (well except for the fact that the sun decided to be dramatic and change directions every two minutes. I think it just wanted to serenade the couple and their guests with light because it was such a joyous day).

Having spent time with the bride to prepare the photography schedule ahead of the wedding day, we did the photoshoot on the stunning grounds of Glendon college! We made sure to put enough buffer time for the large wedding party and am glad my advice of sticking with the buffer time was adhered to. The bride and groom have such wonderful friends who really made the experience a fun one for the couple. Adding a lovely element to the “lifetime of memories experience”.

The reception took place at the Royalton Banquet Hall. I fell in love with the decor the minute I saw it! A beautiful setup by Babylon Decor!

My personal favourite moment of the evening was the traditional Eritrean entrance, complete with men holding swords and the women drumming away. That was a sight to behold whilst the wedding party were escorted in to the reception hall. I loved it! Well I will let you take a look at the images below and see the beautiful happenings of the day! Please do check out the following vendors as well!

Vendors:

Reception Venue: The Royalton

Ceremony Venue: St. Basil’s Church (part of St. Michael’s College at UofT)

Portraits Location: Glendon College

Melse Venue: The Lithianian Centre

Videographer: PhotoBerhan

Florals and Decor: Babylon Decor

M.U.A: Tracy K

Hair: BBN Studio

Bride;s Dress: The bride’s choice official

Groom’s Suit: The Suit Supply

Wedding Bands: Bobby Ll Toronto

Catering: Tsehaye

Cake: Tatiana Treats 2.0

DJ: Andre Clarke

Second Shooter for Karimah Gheddai Photography: Ali Haider

Assistant for KGP on the Day: Raghav

If you would like to book me for your 2024 Engagement Shoot, Wedding or Event then get in touch HERE!

Eritrean Bride getting her makeup done by Toronto based M.U.A Tracy K. Photo by Karimah Gheddai Photography
Eritrean bride getting ready with her sister
Downtown Toronto Wedding
eritrean wedding toronto - eritrean bride - photoby toronto based photographer Karimah Gheddai
St. Basil's Church wedding in Toronto captured by Karimah Gheddai Photography
st basil's church wedding toronto - Photos by Karimah Gheddai
Karimah_Gheddai_Photography_The_Royalton_event_space_Vaughan.jpg
Eritrean Wedding Toronto

The Melse is the traditional Eritrean event that follows a wedding. This Melse happened the day after the wedding. Starting at the getting ready suites and the celeberation venue being at the Lithuanian community centre.

Eritrean Bride at her Melse in Toronto - Photo by Toronto based African Photographer Karimah Gheddai
Eritrean Bride at her Melse in Toronto - Photo by Toronto based African Photographer Karimah Gheddai

Thank you for stopping by to read my latest blog post. I hope you enjoyed looking through the images as much as I enjoyed covering this event and putting together the post. Until next time I hope to see you back here or better yet that we get to work together!

-Karimah

If you would like to book me for your 2024 Engagement Shoot, Wedding or Event then get in touch HERE!

Eden and Moses' Intimate Wedding at the Beautiful R Garden Boutique in Pickering (Eritrea meets Nigeria!)

Hello all you lovely souls! Today am sharing the wedding of Eden and Moses!

Fun fact: These two are from cultural backgrounds that are the very representation of the cultures I grew up around. The bride is Eritrean by heritage and the groom is Nigerian. Having been born in Nigeria of Eritrean Heritage myself, I had to tell myself: Wow! What are the odds!

These lovely people were truly made for each other. I have to say I am quite lucky with the clients I have worked with in my career. Many are truly some of the most wonderful people one could meet. I first met Eden while covering another wedding a few years back. She was the wedding planner for that wedding and it was great to connect with another Eritrean wedding vendor! As fate would have it, years later I would cover her own wedding!

I started off the day at the Toronto Don Valley Hotel where Eden was getting ready along with her family and friends. At the same time my second shooter on this day (The lovely Shubila K) covered the groom getting ready with his family at his home. After the getting ready we all headed to the church ceremony that took place at the Calvary Church on Pape Avenue. It was a beautiful ceremony that started off with the main ladies of both sides lighting up a candle in unity. Moses’ brother officiated the ceremony and one of Eden’s friends sang the most beautiful song while Eden walked down the aisle in what was one of the most emotional moments I have ever witnessed!

After the beautiful ceremony we all headed to Pickering for the reception. It ended up being a bit of a rainy and humid day. The intimate wedding reception happened under a white tent. Wedding Designer Tristan of Luxe Design T.O created a beautiful vignette of white and green decor with hints of peach. One can never go wrong with these colors. Super Elegant!

The bride and groom had two entrances. The first entrance in their main wedding outfits and the second entrance happened after they both changed into the most amazing turquoise green Nigerian outfits! Eden’s Gele (Nigerian Head wrap) fit was so well done. She truly looked like a Nigerian Queen! There were lots of beautiful speeches to toast the bride and groom and of course lots of dancing!

To end the evening each table had takeaway slices of cake in a box (made by Hephzibah Delight - which is owned by Moses’s sister) and wow were they delicious!

As much as I loved their beautiful wedding day. I have to say I really enjoyed capturing their Melse (Traditional Eritrean day after the wedding ceremony) on Day 2 of their wedding weekend. The most beautiful light appeared for their portraits and I had the freedom and time to create some beautiful portraits with no interruptions. We took their photos in one of the gems of Scarborough: The Cedar Ridge Creative Centre. The portrait session was followed by their reception at a location in Riverdale.

Vendors (Hover over the names for the links):

Planner: Weddings with Nia

Bride’s Makeup at Wedding and Melse: BBM Beauty

Cake: Hephzibah Delight

Main Shooter: Karimah Gheddai (Me!)

Second Shooter for KGP: Shubila K

Decor: Luxe Designs T.O

Video and Live Streaming: F10 Studio

Singer at the Church: Hallelujah Ghide

Eritrean Food: Minia Catering

Nigerian Food: Heritage Afro Caribbean

Photobooth: Snaps N Co

Tent Rentals: Tent X

Wedding Venue: R Garden Boutique in Pickering

Wedding DJ: DJ Shorty

Melse Portraits: Cedar Ridge Creative Centre

If you would like to book me for your 2023 Wedding or Event then get in touch HERE!

Colorful Florals and Green Velvet Ring Box with couple's monogram -  photo taken by Toronto based Eritrean photographer Karimah Gheddai Photography
Colorful Florals and Green Velvet Ring Box with couple's monogram -  photo taken by Toronto based Eritrean photographer Karimah Gheddai Photography
Wedding Details from the intimate Eritrean Nigerian Canadian wedding
wedding dress detail shot toronto R Garden Boutique
Invitation suite Green, red and orange
Colorful Floral Bouquet - Green Orange White Yellow and Peach
Ring in bouquet photo by Karimah Gheddai Photography
Wedding details featuring the invitation suite, beautiful bowtie shoes
Eritrean Bride getting ready at Don Valley Hotel in Toronto photo by Toronto African Photographer Karimah Gheddai
Eritrean Bride getting ready at Don Valley Hotel in Toronto photo by Toronto African Photographer Karimah Gheddai
Eritrean Mom wearing a zuria fixes her daughter's wedding dress during her getting ready on her wedding day
Eritrean Bride getting ready with her Mom at Don Valley Hotel in Toronto photo by Toronto African Photographer Karimah Gheddai
Eritrean Bride has help from her sister in putting on her shoe on her wedding day
Brother helping groom put on his cufflinks
Groom's brother helping him get ready for his wedding
Wedding Ring and florals
Groom reading letter from bride
Bride is emotional after reading letter written by her husband
Wedding singer sings as the bride walks down the aisle
Ring Exchange at Nigerian Eritrean Wedding in Toronto Canada by Eritrean Toronto based photographer Karimah Gheddai
Wedding Portraits at The R Garden Boutique
Eritrean Bride - Photo by Toronto based Eritrean Photographer Karimah Gheddai
Wedding bouquet Photo of Bride
Intimate tent wedding at R Garden BoutiqueGreen White Peach Orange Decor by Luxe Designs T.O
Groom holds bride's dress as they walk during the wedding portraits session in Pickering
Intimate tent wedding at R Garden Boutique Green White Peach Orange Decor by Luxe Designs T.O
Green White Peach Orange Decor by Luxe Designs T.O
Green White Peach Orange Decor by Luxe Designs T.O
Wedding Cake with orange and white floral details
R Garden Boutique Wedding Pickering Green White Peach Orange Decor by Luxe Designs T.O
R Garden Boutique Wedding Pickering
R Garden Boutique Wedding Pickering
R Garden Boutique Wedding Pickering Ontario Eritrean Nigerian Wedding
R Garden Boutique Wedding Pickering Ontario Eritrean Nigerian Wedding
R Garden Boutique Wedding in Pickering Ontario Eritrean Bride Nigerian Groom
R Garden Boutique Wedding Pickering
Eritrean Bride and her friends - Photo by Toronto Eritrean wedding photographer Karimah Gheddai
Eritrean Wedding Toronto Entrance
Eritrean and Nigerian Food at a wedding in Pickering
R Garden Boutique Wedding Eritrean Nigerian Wedding
Nigerian Wedding Toronto Pickering traditional outfits - Photo by Karimah Gheddai Photography
R Garden Boutique Wedding in Pickering Ontario Eritrean Bride Nigerian Groom
R Garden Boutique Wedding
Weddings R Garden Boutique
R Garden Boutique Wedding - Mom with Bride Nigerian and Eritrean Outfits
Toronto Nigerian wedding photographer
toronto NIGERIAN wedding photographerNigerian Eritrean couple toronto Wedding - Photo by Karimah Gheddai
Eritrean Nigerian Couple's Melse Wedding Photos taken at Cedar Ridge Creative Centre in Scarborough by Eritrean Photographer Karimah Gheddai
Cedar Ridge Creative centre Wedding Photos
Eritrean Bride with beautiful traditional hairstyle at her Melse Portraits at Cedar Ridge Creative Centre in Scarborough
Cedar Ridge Creative Centre wedding photos in Scarborough - Toronto Eritrean Wedding Photographer Melse Kappa Kaba
Cedar Ridge Creative Centre Wedding Photos
Karimah_Gheddai_Photography_Nigerian_Eritrean_Canadian_Wedding
Eritrean Bride and Nigerian Groom in Traditional Eritrean outfits for their Melse Portraits in Scarborough Ontario. The Kappa or Kaba is a traditional gold embroidered outfit that is worn at an Eritrean wedding - Cedar Ridge Creative centre
Melse Photos Toronto Eritrean Nigerian Wedding Kappa
Melse Photos Toronto Eritrean Nigerian Wedding Kappa
Eritrean wedding photographer toronto Kappa Photos taken at Cedar Ridge Creative Centre
Melse decor toronto
Eritrean Wedding Decor Toronto Melse
Melse Decor Toronto
Toronto Eritrean Wedding
Eritrean Food catered by Minia Catering in Toronto for the Melse (Traditional eritrean wedding celebration)
Eritrean Bride with her mom at the Melse
Cedar Ridge Creative Centre Scarborough Portraits

Thank you for stopping by and spending a part of your precious day looking through my blog post. I am always honoured and grateful!

I hope to see you back here, or even better in person as we work together!

Until next time have a great one!

If you would like to book me for your 2023 Wedding or Event then get in touch HERE!

Z and M's Wedding Details

Hi Hi Hi! Welcome to another post on my blog! Can you believe we are already in April! I know I know, by the looks of it outside today and this ehheem "Ice Storm" we might as well be in February. Anyway weather talk aside, I am so excited to share this blog post featuring details from my first wedding of this year! The bride came all the way from Edmonton to have her beautiful wedding in our city! One thing I absolutely loved about this wedding was the amount of time the bride gave me to take her getting ready shots and portraits. I started off the wedding day by taking getting ready and detail shots at the double tree hotel and because we started the day early I was able to utilize beautiful natural light, streaming in from the large windows for the getting ready portion of the day resulting in gorgeous photos! Future clients take note! These are two integral things for me as a wedding photographer when it comes to wedding day photos; Time and utilizing natural light. I have said it many times before! Making sure to give your photographer time to do their job is integral especially when it comes to portraits. We photographers really cannot do much in 10 minutes. If you prioritize your wedding day photos then please do make sure to give us the time to do our job by scheduling it in your wedding day timeline and also prioritizing that time! I am currently offering free timeline assistance for Summer 2018 weddings so if you are still looking for a photographer then get in touch!

The love of family and friends was so evident at this stunning wedding. The bride had eight bridesmaids and they all looked stunning in their beige diraacs! I appreciated that one of them (out of love for her friend) was making sure that I did my job correctly lol, she also was very kind to assist me with the details and organizing family members during the family portraits! In my opinion that is what a good bridesmaid should do!

Another element of this wedding that I truly loved was the beautiful decor that was done by The Wedding Boutique! Guys the details were so on point and to die for! They are truly professionals at their work and the owner is so friendly!

 

Due to client privacy I can only share non-identifying photos from this beautiful wedding! Until next time enjoy these beautiful detail photos!

Vendors:

Wedding Venue: Verdi Banquet Hall

Wedding Decor: The Wedding Boutique

Wedding Videography: Five Ft Above

Bride's Shoes: Ted Baker

Henna: Henna By Zey

Bride's Makeup: Neo's Beauty

If you would like to book me for your 2018 wedding then get in touch HERE!

Toronto Wedding Photographer Glam Bright Photos Somali Weddings Habesha Eritrean Indian Kenyan Muslim Arab Ontario Ottawa Munaluchi Bride Karimah Gheddai Photography Eritrean Ethiopian International Destination Verdi Convention Airy Natural Light ne…

Well  I hope you enjoyed looking through these detail photos as much as I enjoyed capturing them! 

Until next time have a lovely one!

-Karimah