Downtown Kitchener Engagement | Duke Street Parking Garage | L+O

An urban engagement in downtown Kitchener

Not every engagement session needs a field or a forest. L and O wanted something with a little more edge, so we spent the evening exploring downtown Kitchener, from its street art and brick storefronts all the way up to the top of a parking garage.

Murals and main streets

We started on the street, beside a black-and-white mural painted on a brick wall, then crossed the road between the old brick buildings for a big piggyback hug. She wore a black leather jacket, black pants and leopard-print sneakers, and he went casual in a grey hoodie and white sneakers: easy, relaxed outfits that fit the city perfectly.

Up on the roof

Next we headed up the Duke Street parking garage. From the top deck, the downtown towers and cranes rise all around, and the curving concrete ramps make such a cool frame. We found a quiet spot on one of the round ledges for a few close moments, then walked the spiral ramp hand in hand.

A pop of colour

To finish, we brought out blue and orange smoke on the rooftop. Against the grey concrete and the cloudy sky, those colours really popped, and the two of them had so much fun with it.

Tips for an urban engagement session

1. Look up. Rooftops and parking garages give you skyline views without a long drive.
2. Wear what you’d wear to town. Leather, denim and sneakers look right at home downtown.
3. Add a little colour. Smoke or a bright accessory stands out against concrete and brick.

Planning a downtown wedding? See B and K’s wedding at the Walper Hotel in downtown Kitchener, or more of my favourite spots as a Kitchener-Waterloo wedding photographer.