All of the reasons why I chose the Bisha Hotel in Toronto to create the perfect backdrop for my engagement photos. Plus what to wear for the special occasion.
Creating Timeless Memories: Perfect Locations for Engagement Photos at the Bisha Hotel
The Bisha Hotel is elegantly stylized, offering the ideal blend of modern luxury and classic sophistication. This is why we knew, from the moment we set foot on the premises, that this would be the perfect location to elevate our engagement shoot. We have stayed here countless times before, and each time is better than the last.
Located in the heart of downtown Toronto, the hotel provides convenient access to trendy restaurants, bars, and entertainment, while its rooftop (also home to KŌST Restaurant) delivers stunning views of the city skyline. The hotel offers impeccable service, with staff going above and beyond to attend to every detail. Whether you’re here for a staycation (as we often are), a special event, or – in this case- a photo shoot, the Bisha Hotel offers a refined experience that immerses visitors in the vibrant pulse of Toronto’s bustling cityscape.
So, why the Bisha Hotel for an engagement shoot, you ask?
The ambiance is simply unmatched, which is why every frame captured is filled with emotion and intrigue, evoking a sense of timeless love that’s destined to last long beyond the moment. The interiors highlight sleek, contemporary design elements, accented by bold, artful touches. The plush velvet furnishings, striking mood lighting, and rich color palettes also create a space that’s both chic and inviting.
Capturing the Mood: The Art of Romantic Photography at the Bisha Hotel
We fully trusted Joanna Dass of Joanna Dass Photography to bring our vision of capturing romantic photos- with a hint of drama- to life. Her philosophy is centered around creating photos that will adorn the walls of her clients’ future homes- not just sit on their phones. She is also extremely passionate about capturing images that evoke nostalgia and remain meaningful for years to come.
We knew we were in capable hands because she allowed us to feel comfortable and natural in every pose, resulting in photos that perfectly reflected the emotions and beauty of the moment. She also inspired us to get creative during the shoot, often trying different angles, capturing candid moments, and using various techniques to bend the rules of a traditional engagement shoot- something we absolutely LOVED!
Why the Bisha Hotel is Toronto’s Top Choice for Dramatic, Romantic Photos
If you’re planning on visiting the Bisha Hotel or contacting them to inquire about an engagement photoshoot opportunity, here are some of the top spots we recommend checking out.
Mister C Bar Room: The Bisha Hotel’s Mister C Bar Room offers an upscale yet intimate atmosphere for engagement photos. The sleek, modern design paired with soft lighting and luxurious decor creates a romantic, sophisticated vibe. The space is also filled with striking details like plush seating, bold art pieces, and elegant finishes, which help to add depth and character to each shot captured.
Rooms/Suites: The grand collection of rooms and suites at the Bisha Hotel makes for the perfect engagement shoot backdrop, featuring sleek, modern furnishings, rich textures- like velvet and marble- and a carefully curated art collection. As a result, each room offers a unique blend of elegance and intimacy. We also loved how the warm lighting and dramatic contrasts helped to create a mood that’s both romantic and cinematic, making it easy to capture timeless photographs in every corner.
Rooftop (KŌST): Since we planned these photos in December, shooting at the hotel’s rooftop was not the most ideal location for this time of year. However, if you’re heading to the hotel during the spring, summer, or fall months, then this would be the perfect opportunity to take advantage of the Bisha Hotel’s stunning rooftop views.
The Glam
I was treated to a gorgeous blowout for the engagement shoot, courtesy of Nicole Pidherny, co-founder of Pomme Salon.
After 13 years in the hair industry, Nicole recently expanded her Pomme Salon brand with a new Toronto location at 890 Queen St West, offering innovative hair care services and a unique educational experience. Originally founded in Kelowna, BC, Pomme Salon has grown into a multi-level business. This includes a digital education platform and e-commerce for branded hair tools, with Nicole specializing in hair and scalp education to help clients extend the life of their treatments and care for their hair between appointments.
The staff is dedicated to providing personalized care and transformative results for every client, which is why I completely trusted Pomme Salon- and Nicole- to give me the most amazing blowout for this shoot.
The brand’s newest Toronto location on Queen St W is absolutely stunning, and it’s home to the city’s premier scalp and hair specialists.
What to Wear
I opted to bring a few outfit choices with me when it came to shooting at the different on-site locations at the Bisha Hotel. Here are a few of my top picks that I found evoked a timeless yet elegant look that perfectly accompanied the chosen backdrops of the hotel.
Dynamite


















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Published by HOLR Magazine
Engagement Photo Image Credits: Joanna Dass Photography (@JOANNADASSPHOTO)