As your storytelling photojournalistic wedding photographer, my goal for you is that when you sift through your wedding photographs - in the years and generations to come - you will remember how you felt on that day.
It is a cinematic style of photography that requires me to work in a very hands-off approach that encourages everyone around me to feel comfortable to be themselves and to be fully present in every part of the day. I believe that forced, awkward posing is not how you want to remember your day, but instead I document your day with minimal interference, allowing for genuine, heartfelt and real moments to naturally unfold.
Wedding Day
This is one of my favourite parts of the wedding day because it taps into my creative side and I believe the details set the stage for the look of the whole wedding. I photograph your details in a way that matches and showcases the style of the entire wedding day. Below, you'll find a list of the most common details that I shoot, and I ask my couples to gather these items aside and have them ready for when I arrive, so that I can walk in, say hello, give you a huge hug and then begin with all of your goodies!
You can choose to have a classic layflat, like the ones pictured here, or choose to have it photographed more modern, organic and photojournalistic way - whatever style you prefer!
If you would like to have coverage of the groomsmen, I start my day here first! I recommend at least 45 minutes and I typically start with the grooms details, followed by coverage of the groom and groomsmen getting dressed - interacting and putting on their final details. If there is a gift exchange (couple and/or amongst the groomsmen) this is the perfect time for it. I end off this part of the day with classic and candid portraits of the groom, and if there is time, photos with your parents and groomsmen!
Do note, Grooms! Since this part of the day is early, you can totally opt forgo these traditional photos if you and your boys don't want to get fully dressed and then have that long waiting period before you leave - and instead have casual photos of you and your groomsmen hanging out! I recommend doing some sort of fun activity whether it's lawn games, getting ready at a barber shop, strolling around the neighbourhood... anything you naturally would do that morning together - this is the start of your story and I want it to be authentic!
Getting Ready
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Bridal Details
After the detail shots are taken care of, I like to just blend in as another one of the girls, moving around quietly and capturing the moments photojournalistically. Apart from suggesting you place yourself in a spot in the room that has the best light, I really don't direct much at this point and instead observe and allow for genuine moments to organically blossom.
Hair and makeup can very often be one of the main causes for delay so be sure to coordinate with your hair and makeup artist with the timeline of the morning and schedule in more time than you think for that part of the day. Once I've located the room with the best natural light, you may find me cleaning up the clutter in the room as it visually helps to keep the focus of the photographs on you and your closest friends. Having someone help me do this will ensure I don't miss a moment!
Have whomever is helping you get into your dress (read: mom, bridesmaid) get into their dresses ahead of you - that way they can help you and they will look good too! Be sure to allot cushion time depending on how complicated your dress closes (for example, a corset back or 100s of buttons takes longer than a zipper). I won't start photographing until you are completely covered. I will take photos of you as you put on your final details (jewelry, shoes, veil) followed by classic and candid portraits of you!
EXPERT TIP!
As you can see, thoughtfully choosing a beautiful, spacious and well-lit getting ready space is incredibly important! It is the start of the story of your wedding day, and the ease, comfort and beautiful natural light within it will set the tone for the rest of your day.
Consider stylish Airbnbs or a fully-furnished photography studios for your getting ready locations. These spaces are especially perfect because it takes away a lot of the stress of planning since you'll know exactly what you'll get, it is expertly designed with beautiful photography in mind since they are designed by photographers (and thus flattering on your skintones), and most importantly - you won't have to worry about the weather causing a change of your timeline plans! They are perfect for colder or rainy days!
Some of my favourites include Archive Studios, Park Hill Studios, Casa Bona, Studio Pastel, Miraramiro and Lovt Studio but be sure to check out our my Vendor List for more recommendations!
Be sure to practice how to tie a bowtie and learn how to pin a boutonniere - so that when these moments happen naturally you will feel calm and confident!
any sentimental items
any heirlooms, keepsakes, and gifts
shoes
cufflinks
tie or bowtie
perfume bottle
jewelry
shoes
a wooden hanger for the dress
RINGS (All three)
with the bride
DETAILS CHECKLIST
02.
special champagne or bottles of whiskey, cigars
any heirlooms, keepsakes and gifts
stationary (invitation suite, if you HAVE a calligrapher include one set fully addressed)
bouquet
with the groom
Should I have a first look? It's one of the most frequent question I get asked as a wedding photographer. There's no right or wrong answer. Like so many decisions when it comes to your wedding, the answer is, "it depends". There are lots of factors going into making this decision, so I'll break it down for you!
First Looks
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1. For logistical reasons
If you ceremony is scheduled later in the day with little time in between it and the start of reception, you'll need to get all of your couples, bridal party and family photos out of the way ahead of time. Otherwise, you'll be super rushed which isn't fun and can diminish or limit the number of those important photos.
2. You want to enjoy your full cocktail hour
The cocktail hour is one of the few times you'll get to interact with your guests and enjoy some relaxing drinks and hor d'oeuvres. Many couples opt to enjoy the party!
3. You like the intimacy
There is a lot to be said about sharing this important, emotional moment with just the person you love. You can embrace, tell each other how beautiful and handsome you both look, and take a few precious moments together. Many couples prefer this to 200 of their closest family and friends looking on.
4. You're having a winter wedding
Winter weddings are gorgeous. Full stop. However, it get dark verrrrrrrry early and as a natural light photographer, we have limited time on the day. Doing a first look and getting your portraits out of the way before the sun goes down may be necessary.
1. Your ceremony is early.
If your ceremony is taking place earlier, you can easily wait to have your portraits in between the ceremony and reception. Not only are you able to do your photos at this time, but it's by far the best use of those "limbo" hours after you get hitched.
2. Family
As I'm sure you're figuring out as wedding planning is getting on, your family has lots of desires and opinions about what you should do. First looks weren't really a thing when our parents were getting married, so they may not totally "get it". You'll have to weigh that against your own desires and make a personal call.
3. You've been dreaming of it.
Hey, it's that big walking down the aisle moment. I totally get it! You don't need to throw away tradition i you don't want to. As long as your schedule allows for enough time after the ceremony for all of the photos, you can have that traditional moment and enjoy it completely!
when and why should i have a traditional aisle reveal instead?
when and why should i have a first look?
Let's chat about your wedding party! This is when the fun really begins! After you share your first look, depending on locations and timing of the day, your wedding party will join us for portraits! The best time to do them is before your ceremony, so that your wedding party will be free to mingle at cocktail hour if they wish!
I will typically start with a big group shot - taking both camera-aware and candid versions. Then I will alternate the wedding party members, and even do a walking variation if you like! From there, I will separate the sides of the wedding party and take a few variations of all the girls together, followed by individual photos of each bridesmaid with the bride. Last but certainly not least, I will do the same variations for all of the groomsmen!
Wedding party
04.
The moment is here! You're about to marry the love of your life!! I'll be down at the front across from your groom. When you first start your walk down the aisle, I'll be locked on your groom to capture his reaction, and then I'll turn and come back to you and photograph you as you are given away.
Ceremony lighting is extremely important. If you get married outside, really think about where you are standing. For example, midday in the summer in an open space, you will both be under strong, intense, contrasty light that will also make you squinty and sweaty! Instead, I would suggest designing a space where you are both standing in open shade. (link) (link - good example of dappled light from leaves)
Ceremony
05.
Some couples choose to have an unplugged ceremony - in short, where you ask your guests to put down their cameras and turn off their phones so that all of your guests can be fully present, watch the wedding with their eyes and not on their screens, and feel it with their hearts. I wholeheartedly believe you deserve all your loved ones fully present during this incredibly sacred part of the day.
From a logistical point of view, it is also important that I don't have one of your guests blocking my view and my camera from these fleeting moments that only happen once. Without having an unplugged ceremony, this is something I see at every single wedding - and I get it, we all want to "get it for the 'gram"! But you would be truly surprised at how many times I've seen a guest block the view from even the GROOM seeing his bride walk up the aisle! It's really shocking how bold and unaware people have become. Through the years, I've found the most effective way is to have your officiant reiterate the house rules before the ceremony starts.
For me, it's really simple. At a minimum, let's ensure we keep the aisle clear for the ceremony. Guests can freely photograph at any other vantage point and are free at any other part of the day!
After signing the registrar, it's one of my favourite moments of the day - the recessional! Don't walk too fast down the aisle, and be sure to take in the moment glancing at your friends and family and of course, your forever love!
Also, consider a confetti exit - it makes for such fun, interactive photos because everyone reacts and celebrates together and it's wonderfully visual. It's pure magic!
Oh my heart, if we're being completely honest, all of the wedding day photographs are important but the real favourites are almost always from my time with my couples during their portraits. This is where we get to be adventurous, romantic, playful, intimate, sweet and tender!
Couples Portraits
06.
I approach couples portraits with an editorial eye, and my main goal is for you two to be in the moment with one another. These romantic portraits define your love and will be the photographs you frame on your bedside, over your mantle and will fill your wedding album with.
This is the time we get to explore the venue you have heartfully chosen, find amazing backdrops, and discover sweet little nooks for you two to snuggle and whisper sweet-nothings to each other. It is also one of the rare times during your action-packed day where you two to get to be alone and actually BE together, to love each other and really connect before the party really gets started. I don't want you to rush this part, so be sure to set aside as much time as you want to make all the magic happen! The more time you give, the more variety you will receive!
Bonus tip! You can split up your portrait time with portraits during sunset hour, when the light is glowy, amber and the most romantic! Swoon!
There will be a plethora of feelings and emotions that you will experience on your wedding day and some of them may feel very strong during your portrait session. The first thing you should be mindful of during your portrait time is to take in the moment; relax, be present, and realize that you *just* married your favourite person and that the photos during this part of your wedding will illustrate this monumental moment in your lives. While emotions may be high, take a breath and remind yourself to live in the moment, right here, right now. This will help you to not only feel more like yourself but it will also allow your natural self to shine through your portraits. When you feel relaxed and comfortable in front of the camera, I will be able to capture the real, natural you, without any posing at all.
THE BEST POSING TIPS
TAKE IN THE MOMENT
If I have you walk towards or away from me, ensure your steps are made with intention and slowness. This also applies to when you’re walking down the aisle; take it slow and don’t rush through the walk. By allowing yourself to walk slowly when posing for your wedding photos, you not only allow me to capture the best angles of you and your spouse, but it also allows you to continue feeling relaxed and in the moment while you’re being photographed. Unless you are literally running for your portraits, take it nice and slow.
TAKE IT SLOW
While I'm not asking you to be an expert on your angles, you should have a small understanding of what side you like to be photographed best. To help with this, try to imagine posing for and taking a selfie - what side do you angle your face towards? What do you try to show or reveal? This little trick will give you an idea of what your “best” side is (although, honestly, everyone is beautiful from every angle!). Sometimes this can be as simple as a better side because of the way your hair is parted or the way your dress is (like an asymmetrical dress for example). If you’re not a selfie person and don’t know what side you prefer, don’t worry at all - I will ensure you feel comfortable being photographed from every angle.
understand your angles
Most of us have an insecurity or two, especially when we know we are being photographed. If there is something you know will be an insecurity for you where you won't be able to be fully present, communicate them with me with honesty and transparency. I will be mindful and discreet and this will allow you to feel confident that you will be photographed in a way you feel comfortable, and allow me to photograph you best, in a way where you can be fully present.
communicate your insecurities, if any
Not everyone holds hands when they’re with their person but some people hold hands, link arms, and simply need to be touching one another, nearly at all times. Many couples display their affection in a myriad of ways so it’s important to know which public display of affection feels authentic to you. Knowing this and communicating it to me allows you to be photographed in a natural fashion, providing you with romantic, authentic wedding photos of you and your spouse that you will cherish forever.
understand your personal public displays of affection
Yes, this section is about posing for your wedding photos but the best tip I can give is to try to *not* pose for your portraits. The most authentic and intimate wedding portraits are often captured when a couple doesn't really pose; they simply engage with their partner, ignore my cameras (to the best of their abilities), and enjoy the moment. It is the very definition of photojournalistic wedding photography - when I can observe and photograph moments as they naturally happen.
While you may need some guidance from me on what position to take/start with, or what spot has the best natural light, the best results (and the best moments) will come forth when you interact with your partner, move gently around as if nobody was there, and be your true, authentic selves, no matter what that may look like. I will definitely take some classic portraits - but I believe the best frames are the ones in between.
In fact, when my couples are playful and spontaneous and completely smitten within each other - those are some of my favourite photographs of all time. And so - if I give you a prompt and you feel inspired to do something else - please ignore me and do it! Do you usually curl up on his arm? Do they always giggle when you boop their nose? Do they love it when you kiss their forehead? Do you feel inspired to pull them close and give them a smooch? There are no such thing as bad ideas, and the photos will be all the butterflies - and completely YOU.
Over-posing and overthinking often brings stiffness - but playfulness, willingness to be your true selves, and trusting that I will photograph and deliver only the photos that you will love - well, that's pure magic.
Most IMPORTANTLY, try not to pose. Instead, be playful
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When it comes to building your immediate family photo list, it's best to be strategic and most efficient during this often chaotic part of the day. I typically suggest starting with one side of the family, then if you want photos of both sides of the family together, followed by the other side of the family!
For each arrangement, please allot 2-3 minutes in your timeline so it feels relaxed for everyone. I also recommend assigning one or two people that know both sides of the family so that it's easier to gather everyone. The more concise the list, the quicker everyone gets to enjoy cocktail hour!
These will be some of your favourite photos of the day - so I am happy to take as many photos of family and guests as you request - just ensure there is enough time to do them realistically!
Family PHOTOS
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(Listed here in order of efficiency)
Bride's Side
Bride with Mom
Bride with Dad
Bride with Mom + Dad
Bride + Groom with Mom + Dad
Bride + Groom with Mom, Dad, Siblings, Spouses, Children
Bride with Mom, Dad, Siblings
Bride with Siblings
Bride and Groom with Grandparent(s)
Combined
Bride and Groom with Both Sets of Parents
Bride and Groom with Both Immediate Families (Parents, Siblings, Spouses, Children, Grandparents)
Then repeat for other side of family!
(18 arrangements @ 2-3 minutes each = approximately 36-54 minutes)
Do note, you can skip my suggested list and provide me with one - just ensure you are allotting 3 minutes for each arrangement!
SAMPLE IMMEDIATE FAMILY PHOTO LIST
During receptions, it's all about the candids. I don't typically take photos of each guest at every single table (staged table shots), but instead use a longer lens to capture both the scheduled events (speeches, games etc) and the fun, emotional, sweet candid reactions!
For dinner, I request to be seated in the reception room and I highly recommend having a separate vendor table as I get up frequently throughout the nights events and it could be distracting for guests! Do let your caterer know that I would like to eat when you eat - this ensures I don't miss a single moment! A typical wedding day timeline includes enough coverage so that I can be present for the first 30 minutes into dancing - the most hyped up, most excited part of dancing before it gets messier and sweatier!
Reception
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