Congratulations, you’re engaged! Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of finding the best wedding venue in Toronto. Don’t worry; we won’t judge if you’re feeling a little overwhelmed. It’s not every day you have to pick a spot to celebrate your love that will make even your in-laws happy.  Think of it like choosing a Netflix movie, but with higher stakes. You need something that will appeal to both you and your partner, but also something that won’t make you want to pull your hair out.

We get asked all the time at the studio if we’ve photographed weddings at a specific Toronto wedding venues before, and almost always, our answer is “Yes!”. With nearly two decades of experience in the wedding industry, we’ve had the privilege of shooting all over Canada, the United States, and even internationally. Wedding venues come in all shapes and sizes, with varying lighting conditions. As photographers, we often categorize venues as either “light” or “dark” locations. When helping clients choose a venue, we highly recommend looking at a venue’s lighting in addition to its capacity and aesthetic.

Whether you’re interested in a classic hotel ballroom, a trendy restaurant, or a country club, each type of wedding venue comes with its own pros and cons. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve put together a list of our top five most popular wedding venue types and what you need to know before booking.

1. Restaurant Wedding Venue

2. Country Club Wedding Venue

Here are some pros and cons to help you decide if a Country Club wedding venue is the perfect match for you!

Pros:

• Nature: The natural surroundings make for a stunning backdrop, no matter the season.
• Blank canvas: There are no restrictions on decor, so you can get as creative as you want!
• Unique location: Country clubs often have beautiful scenery, like lakes and woods, making for unique photo opportunities with your photographer.

Cons:

• Temperature control: Outdoor and tented receptions can get chilly at night, so be sure to plan accordingly.
• Transportation: Country clubs are often located outside the city, so transportation can be a challenge.
• Restrictions: There may be limitations on the setup or use of amenities, like golf clubs not allowing guests to go outside designated areas.

3. Private Toronto Estates Wedding Venue

Do you love the classic sophisticated look of a private estate for your wedding venue? Let’s see the pros and cons of having your wedding venue here.

Pros:

• Both indoor and outdoor locations: What we love about private estate weddings like Graydon Hall,  is that they have a great variety of photo locations indoors and outdoors.
• Nostalgia vibe: Historic venues are cozy for family-centered celebrations and ethereal bridal portraits.
• No restrictions on decor: These venues are pretty flexible when it comes to decor and have no decor restrictions: Perfect for those looking to create a sophisticated ambiance.

Cons:

• Rentals required: Furniture and DJ rentals add to costs.
• External catering: May need to bring in catering company, increasing expenses.

4. Toronto Banquet Hall Wedding Venue

Are you looking for a Banquet Hall venue to fit your large guest list but aren’t sure if it’s the right fit? Here are some pros and cons to help!

Pros:

• Capacity: Banquet halls are made for grand, glamorous celebrations so go all out! They usually fit the most guests and are perfect for dancing the night away.
• Variety: There are so many banquet halls to choose from in the city and you can find any aesthetic to your liking.
• Experienced staff: As banquet halls specialize in weddings, their in-house staff is knowledgeable and can help with wedding planning.
• Built-in accommodations: Banquet halls usually provide tables, chairs, and may even have a DJ and lighting equipment already.
• Location: Banquet halls are usually located in the city, making it easy to find great locations for photos and parking for you and your guests!

Cons:

• Hidden costs: Watch out for extra fees like overtime, valet parking, and cake cutting services.
• Limited flexibility: Popular wedding venues might have other weddings happening at the same time, limiting photo locations.
• Tricky lighting conditions: Grand ceilings and spotlights can make lighting difficult, so make sure your photographer is experienced with these lighting conditions.

5. Barn Wedding Venue

Do you love the outdoors and want a country side feel to your wedding photos? Let’s see if our list below can help you decide on booking a barn for your wedding venue!

Pros:

• Capacity: Barn weddings can host unlimited guests inside and outside, perfect for large groups. The sky’s the limit!
• Charm & textures: As artists, we love that barn locations offer diverse textures and lighting scenarios for stunning wedding photos inspired by the countryside.
• Intimate wedding feel: Barn weddings provide an intimate and laid-back setting with a small wedding feel and vibe.
• Blank canvas: Barns are a blank canvas for decor and styling, from dramatic chandeliers to intimate candles. You have free rein over decor and styling!
• Natural light: Barn weddings offer ample natural light for ceremonies and creative portraits in nearby nature. Taking some creative couple portraits during golden hour here also makes for beautiful photos with your partner!

Cons:

• Unpredictable weather: If you’re committed to an outdoor ceremony or reception, make sure you’re prepared for the craziest of weather scenarios.
• Indoor lighting: Barns can be dark, so ensure adequate reception lighting. Wooden walls and ceilings can pose flash challenges, hiring an experienced photographer is important.
• Transportation: Barns and farms are usually located at least an hour or two away from the city. Make sure you consider transportation time for your guests and make necessary accommodations.

Ultimately, choose a venue that fits your style, vision, and budget. We’re here to help you capture all the special moments of your big day, regardless of the venue you choose!

We hope you find this guide helpful! Whether we’ve shot at your venue or not, our photographers always prepare ahead and scout your venue. We also pride ourselves in maintaining great relationships with top venues who pinpoint the best backdrops, suites and views. As always, feel free to pick our brain on all things weddings and reach out to us using the form here.

Some more Wedding Venue Tips and suggestions

Take Our quiz: to find out which Toronto Venue is for you

Some of our Faves

Small trendy Wedding venues

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1. Schedule 

We can’t stress this enough. Having a proper schedule sets the entire tone for your wedding. We love having an understanding and balance of the wants and needs of your big day and photography expectations.

The timing for photography needs to be juuuust right and fit in with the rest of your day’s schedule flawlessly.

Here’s how much time we usually suggest allocating for each section:

• 1 hour for the Groom Getting Ready 
• 1.5 hours for the Bride Getting Ready 
• 1 hour for Bride and Groom Creative 
• 45 min for Bridal Party Photos
• 45 min to 1 hour for family photos (depending on how many people there are) 
• 15 min – 30 min to photograph reception decor 
• 15 min to photograph sunset photos with the bride and groom

Of course, each wedding day is different and unique. But these general time slots allow for the right amount of time needed for us to photograph each important moment as thoroughly as possible. We’ve basically got it down to a science!

TIP: Give yourself some wiggle room when scheduling! Sometimes your wedding can be unpredictable, be prepared and try to plan for the unexpected 😉

2. Travel 

Travel might be the biggest thing that couples tend to let slip their minds when planning their photography and wedding day schedule as a whole. But we’re here to tell you that it is SUPER important to time your travel out, especially if your ceremony and reception are in separate locations.

We encourage all of our couples to maximize the time allowed for shooting instead of favouring travelling. This is definitely a quality over quantity type of situation. Try to choose photography locations that are close to one another and are easily accessible. The last thing you want to do is venture on a 20-minute hike up the escarpment for a location when you only have your cocktail hour to take pictures!

TIP: Look at galleries of other weddings that have happened at your venue(s) for ideas.

3. Permits 

Don’t forget to research, plan, schedule, and purchase photography permits! Some of the most popular wedding photography locations do indeed require a permit. If you’re making your marriage legal, be sure to make your wedding pictures legal too!

Did you know that some locations even require you to book permits 1+ year in advance due to popularity? Make it a goal to decide on your photography locations as early as possible and secure those permits! Your wedding photographer can help you suggest cool locations that can work as alternatives if purchasing a permit isn’t possible for you. We always encourage couples to choose a location that is meaningful to them. This way you might not need a permit and it’s one less headache 🙂

TIP: Popular Toronto locations that need permits are Casa Loma, UofT, Botanical Gardens, and any City of Toronto parks

4. Keep It Clean!

You’re going to be super busy on your wedding day, we totally get that! And in that wedding whirlwind, you may find your smaller/enclosed locations can get a little cluttered. The biggest culprit of this will be your getting ready location. It may be worth your while to appoint one or more of your bridal party members to be on tidy/clean up patrol while pictures are being taken. We can help too! We are dedicated to making each shot as perfect as possible, and sometimes that means moving/removing items from the frame. We pride ourselves on a clean polished photography style here at MANGO, and we take these extra steps to be absolutely sure you and we are both totally happy with the final product. Marie Kondo will be proud.

TIP:  A great motto for this is “if something doesn’t add to the story, it takes away from the picture”

5. Family Photo List/Schedule 

One of the greatest parts of weddings is being able to see, reconnect, and celebrate with your families. But as that guest list climbs, so can the number of family combinations you’ll want to get photographed.

Having a detailed list of who, when, and where for your family photographs will literally save you. There can be a lot of people to wrangle, and it can be a little overwhelming to organize. But we know you will be super thankful that you did it. Just another bit of planning that will go a very long way and help your day go off without a hitch. Be sure to talk to your parents or heads of your families before too.

TIP: If taking family photos right after the ceremony, get your officiant to announce the time and location each side of the family is needed at. Also, consider sending out specific picture times to your family members ahead of the wedding.

6. Back-up Locations

Sometimes there will be rain on your wedding day parade. But there’s no reason to be worried. If any component of your wedding day is planned for the outdoors, you NEED to plan for a weather backup location.

A lot of venues these days will have on-site weather permitting locations for a low cost, or no cost at all. It’s definitely better to be prepared than to be scrambling for a dry photography spot at the last minute. You can also ask your photographer for local, indoor photography ideas. With years of experience, we know exactly what will work in a pinch. And lastly, I have to say though, some of my favourite wedding pictures have been captured outdoors during a little drizzle 😉

TIP: You may need to get another permit for indoor portions at an outdoor location you already have a permit for.

7. High Heels on High Terrain

Have you ever been at a wedding and gotten that sinking feeling? Not in your heart or stomach, but on your feet! Think about your photography locations and the season you are getting married in. Having your first look in a farm field in April? Those April showers may bring May flowers, but they won’t give you any help when it comes to walking in high heels.

Plan to bring heel stoppers if your wedding photography will be happening in a golf course, field, forest, or any other grassy area. They help to stay balanced and not sink into the grass while taking photographs.

TIP: Buy in bulk! Your bridal party, friends, and family members who will be in your pictures will thank you.

8. Let go and have fun! 

Nothing sounds less fun than scheduling fun, we know! But it works! Don’t forget to let go and have fun. It’s your wedding day!! You’re supposed to have fun, enjoy yourself, and above all else, GET MARRIED! As long as that happens, you have done your job correctly 😉

Happy planning! 

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As you start planning your wedding you may wonder what wedding photography costs, and why certain vendors charge what they do. When it comes to wedding photography, the value of your wedding photographer has to do with so much more than just an online gallery of finished photos from your wedding. Wedding photography is its own genre characterized by process, aesthetics, and style. While there’s nothing wrong with cutting corners on some wedding elements, your wedding photography is something worth investing in. When you’re searching for the right photographer for your wedding, keep these thoughts in mind on why wedding photography is worth your investment and how to hire a photographer and an experience that is everything that you dreamed of:

1. Experience with your photographer before, during and after the wedding

If there’s one person you’ll spend most of your time with on your wedding, it would be your wedding photographer! From early morning preparations to a late night sparklers exit, your wedding photographer is going to be there for you to hold your bouquet, wrangle your family for portraits, be an attentive shoulder to lean on – all while taking stunning wedding images as the day and beautiful moments unfold.

However, your experience with the wedding photographer starts long before the Big Day comes. From the moment you step into their studio for a wedding photography consultation, you should feel an instant connection. Do you click? Can you picture yourself grabbing a drink with your wedding photographer and planning to see your favorite band next month? If yes, that’s a good sign!

Here at Mango Studios, we make a great effort to get to know you. We sit down for your initial consultation with our favorite cocktail in hands and we talk about you and your vision – What do you like about each other? How did you fall in love? What movies can you binge watch on Netflix? and What inspires you for the future? We listen and take it all in to offer you our vision of your wedding photos – what photo locations you might like, what approach to your wedding photos we recommend, and what ideas we have for your future wedding album. As the wedding day ends and your photos are ready, we will invite your whole family for a big reveal presentation, where everyone can relive your happiest moments. From there, we will be able to offer you the best way to display your wedding photos, whether it’s a custom framed piece or a 40-page fine art album.

2. Trusting their creative process

Trusting your wedding photographer goes beyond knowing they’ll show up on time or deliver your final wedding photos in 6-8 weeks. It’s about trusting them with their creative direction and process. You should feel confident that they will not only take the must-have pictures of your bridesmaids or the cake but most importantly capture what’s unique about your relationship in the most authentic and beautiful way.

While wedding planning might be something new to you, your wedding photographer does it every weekend and knows a thing or two about weddings. They can be your advocates throughout the whole process, from pointing out photo locations to suggesting the most photogenic hotels to get ready in, they know exactly what photographs best. Lean on them when it comes to making decisions about structuring your wedding timeline, they can also recommend the best time of the day to take your wedding pictures. You don’t want to feel over it by the time it comes to your wedding portraits – trust me, neither do we, as it doesn’t make for great wedding photos! Trusting your photographer’s experience and advice only makes the day go more smoothly and stress-free.

With over 12 years experience in wedding photography, we’ve had the pleasure to photograph the most breathtaking weddings out there. However, when you look at those portfolio-worthy images, keep in mind that we were able to create them because of our couple’s undivided trust and confidence that we will do an outstanding job. Our experience helps us to find the best way to tell our couple’s story through images while staying true to who they are. The deep connection that we build with our couples allows us to capture intimate moments throughout your wedding day because YOU let us see that moment unfold. It all begins with the connection, trust and mutual vision that we share with our couples.

3. Your photos last long after your wedding day

What a wedding photographer does for you is really twofold: there’s the experience they create leading up to and on your wedding day and then there’s the breathtaking photographs they deliver when it’s all said and done. With the exception of a few iPhone photographs your friends and family take during the day – your wedding photographer’s images are all that you have to remember your wedding day by. No matter how much you spend on flowers, food or fabulous reception chairs, the one thing you get to keep is your photos.

And remember, while many of your wedding vendors had time to prepare for your wedding and source all the needed material, your wedding photographers do their job on the go! All we have is two people dressed up and looking their best and the fleeting moments of happiness, joy, and warmth. Even with a rapid timeline and thrill of the day, we are going to create some art right on the spot. We have only ONE chance and it’s enough for us to create images that tap into the WHY of your relationship – the quirks that made you fall for each other, a beautiful married life that is about to begin and the tenderness you feel toward each other. This is ultimately why investing in someone whose work you believe in and who you’d totally see yourself hanging out with in real life is worth it!

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You may find that other photographers may lay their camera down at some point, but we won’t. This means we are attuned to the emotions and the flow of what’s happening all day. There is a story to tell in every waking moment of a wedding, and we’re always sure to capture it.

Some of our couples ask us how they can help us deliver a truly genuine, beautiful and emotional coverage of your wedding day. These are always the tips and tricks we give:

1. Be in the moment
2. Move, don’t pose
3. It’s all about trusting and letting go. 

And honestly, these are words to live by! Having a truly trusting and close relationship with your photographer will lead you to look and feel your best. Instead of second-guessing yourself or trying to control the shots on the day of, you will instead be able to let it all go and be in the moment. There is truly no better recipe for beautiful photographs than a relaxed, confident and happy couple.

Kristin and Keller’s wedding gallery is the perfect example of what we at Mango Studios believe makes great candid wedding photography. 

Throughout their day, Kristen and Kelleher were the embodiment of “being in the moment”. These two enjoyed their wedding to the fullest no matter what little hiccups happened along the way. Their calm, cool, and carefree attitude were what made their candid wedding photography possible.

As creatives, we love when our couples give us room to experiment and express our creativity. This is what we live for and what keeps us inspired. We always make sure to take all the must-have photos and fulfil our couple’s dream shots. But, we also really appreciate having an open space and dialogue where we can collaborate with our couples, be spontaneous, and create something truly unique. 

Kristen and Kelleher met back in 2010 when she was completing her undergrad at UofT and he was studying for the New York bar exam. These two smarties were introduced by mutual friends and, so the story goes, it was love at first sight. Due to Kelleher just accepting a Masters of Law offer in London (like we said, smarties!), Kristen and Kell had a long-distance relationship that kept going as they both jumped from school to school, placement to placement, and city to city.

This did not deter their love at all. After years of long distance, the two finally were able to spend enough time together to get engaged. They were meant to be, no matter the miles apart!

When they both finally ended up back together in Toronto, Kristen and Kelleher were thrilled to begin wedding planning. With dreams of their special day finally coming to fruition after almost a decade of dreaming, we were ecstatic that they chose us to help document the solidification of their love for one another.

Together they envisioned a day that would be filled with love, excitement and happiness that they could share with their family and friend. They wanted to feel as “in the moment” as possible, and they definitely got that! We loved every minute of photographing their genuine, candid moments. Especially the moments where they danced the night away with all their nearest and dearest.

Kristen and Kelleher’s lives have always been full of unexpected adventure and excitement. Their wedding was no different, and we couldn’t have asked for a better example of the beauty that candid wedding photography can be. We hope the rest of your life together is just as thrilling and meaningful as the moments that brought you to where you are today. We are so excited for you two!

Planning: Tanya at Rebecca Chan Weddings & Events
Florist: Quince Flowers
Wedding Dress: Lea Ann Belter Bridal
Beauty: Dawna Boot Makeup

The post Real Talk: Candid Wedding Photography & Why We Love It appeared first on Toronto Wedding Photographers.

Winter wedding photos. Does anybody talk about them? While winter may not be the most popular time to get married, however, our experience at Mango Studios might prove that winter weddings are actually becoming a thing! We have been blessed to photograph some of the most magical winter weddings out there, showing this time of year produces breathtaking images.

Having said that, it feels like there is still some skepticism when it comes to winter wedding photos. As much as you may love the season, it’s only natural that you might be worried about the weather and the cold. It’s not easy to look cute and happy in love when it’s -20C degrees outside and you’re shivering from the wind chill. However, I am still convinced if executed correctly, the cold weather and snow can add magic and character to your wedding photos. Just like when I encouraged you to snap photos with the best fall foliage, delicate spring cherry blooms or pose in the summer sunshine, I’m here to tell you that snowy wedding photos are pretty much the best!

With snow in the forecast, let’s focus on the romance, coziness and soft white snowflakes that make your photos magical and unique. I thought it would be great to share some ideas and tips on how to make the most out of your winter wedding photos.

Here are some of my tips on taking the winter wedding photos that are all style and no stress:

1. Embrace the Season

Think of all the creative possibilities that winter weddings bring. Whether you wake up on the big day to six feet of snow or see some flurries as you enter your venue, there’s a magical component to all those sparkling white flakes. When it comes to spectacular wedding photos, snow virtually guarantees an awe-inspiring natural backdrop. If it’s snowing, make sure to go outside as part of your photo session. Don’t fight the weather and let the season’s magic fill your photos with that extra touch of bliss.

2. Choose a Picturesque Location

As always, think about locations and choosing the most picturesque spots your priority. If there’s a snow-covered park on your way from ceremony venue to the wedding reception, stop by to take some breathtaking images. Having an indoor plan is a good idea, but don’t be compelled to stick with only indoor photo options, as you only have one opportunity to take wintry photos. Feel free to pick your photographer’s brain on the best wedding photo locations in the city. They will surely have some great ideas!

3. Invest in Picture-Perfect Winter Accessories

How about bringing a pair of cute winter boots to wear during your pictures? Your dress is likely to cover the boots and you will be able to walk from one location to another without ruining your shoes. Also, think about bringing some elegant jackets or faux fur wraps. When I see my winter brides wearing stylish wraps I’m in wedding photographer’s heaven!  I not only love the look, I’m happy because my bride will be able to stay outside comfortably.

4. Keep Your Eye on the Clock

While winter daylight lends itself to soft and magical light, the days are much shorter. I always recommend scheduling your winter wedding photos in the morning when there is plenty of beautiful glowing sunlight. Don’t worry about harsh light this time of year, as winter’s overcast clouds act as a giant softbox making it possible to shoot anywhere you want.

5. Think About Your Gorgeous Winter Photos!

I understand that a chilly wedding photo session isn’t everyone’s idea of a fun pre-wedding activity. But why pick a winter wedding date if you don’t want to take advantage of the unique attributes of the season? Your wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime event and you want to make it as memorable as you possibly can. When you’re feeling reluctant to go outside to snap a few shots, think about how gorgeous your wedding photos will look! With the snow-covered ground and the snowflakes floating in the air, you have a perfect chance to grab a few breathtaking images. While you might have a few uncomfortable or chilly minutes, they’re well worth it to capture all the beauty your wedding season has to offer.

The post 5 Tips For Getting the Most Out of Your Winter Wedding Photos appeared first on Toronto Wedding Photographers.

With its increasing popularity, you’d have no idea that the First Look is a newer wedding tradition! Some of us still love the glee and surprise of the couple seeing each other when walking down the aisle and that’s fine! But having a First Look definitely can bring some ease, structure, and intimacy to your day. No wonder more and more people are hopping on the tradition and opting in. Of course, the important question is will a First Look be the best choice for your wedding day? We’ve done the dirty work for you and laid out the pros.

#Emotions

This is a tricky one! Your wedding is an emotional day to begin with, but think about seeing your partner all dressed up and ready to marry you. Waterworks are sure to ensue.

This is one of the main reasons couples are choosing to do a First Look. Anxiety and nervousness are a normal part of a wedding day. At its core, the First Look is an attempt to take a little bit of that away. You’ll see your partner all jazzed up before the ceremony. Then during the ceremony, the goal is that you’ll already be prepared to see them. Problem solved!

On the other hand, some people love the surprise factor! If you want that big rush of emotions when you walk down the aisle to see your boo, a First Look might not be your thing.

If you’re anything like me, you may cry either way. You and your partner know yourselves and your emotions best. Choose to have a First Look or not based on that!

Let’s Get Intimate

A First Look is a great way to add a moment of intimacy to a bustling wedding day. If you’re having a lot of guests, you’re bound to be around a lot of people from the beginning to end. In steps the First Look. The First Look usually takes place in a secluded area and is a sweet moment between just you and your future spouse (plus a photographer!). A First Look allows you to step away from the crowd and have a peaceful moment together.

A cute add on you can do is exchange personal vows or gifts with your beloved! A First Look can be totally personalized to what you want. The options for your intimate moment together are endless!

Timing is Everything

Wedding days are a flurry of activity. Once you wake up it’s 0 to 100 real quick. And if you’re like us, everything will be scheduled down to the minute. A First Look can take anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour and a half. Ask yourself these questions before scheduling in a First Look:

• Where will we do it?
• How will we get there and back?
• How long will it take to get to and from the location?
• If outdoors, where will we do it if it rains?
• Are we taking photographs of the First Look?
• Will the First Look turn into couple portraits?

All of your answers impact how long your First Look will take. If you’re on a time crunch, it might not be the most realistic decision for your day. If it’s important to you, you can definitely make room for it in your schedule. If you’re thinking about a First Look, MANGO can help you decide all the timing elements. Then we’ll help work it into your wedding day photography schedule!

First Looks can add to the amount of time you’ll need your wedding photographer on your day. If you’re budgeting time and money for your wedding photography, keep this in mind.

Pics or it Didn’t Happen

The number one reason to have a first look! We may be a little biased, but we know what we’re talking about. As mentioned above, a First Look is the perfect time to get your couple portraits in. Planning on crying your makeup off at your ceremony? Get your closeups done at your First Look before the major waterworks happen! Having a First Look just gives you one more opportunity to get swoon-worthy pictures with your boo. If you weren’t planning on having your photographer present at your First Look, we highly recommend! No parts of your day should go un-photographed.

I can easily say that First Look pictures are some of my absolute favourites in a wedding gallery. There’s something super special about the bursting intimacy and passion of a First Look. It’s also super awesome to get the looks on your faces captured within the same picture.

All in all, the First Look is a feasible option for most weddings. Based on your tastes, time, and emotions, you can make your day exactly the way you want it to be. Whether or not that includes a First Look is totally up to you. We can’t wait to help you capture every moment!

The post Will You Say “I Do” to a First Look? appeared first on Toronto Wedding Photographers.

Hello to the newly engaged couples reading this! It’s time to get that wedding planning underway. At this point, you’re probably wondering about wedding photography cost. The saying goes: first comes love, then comes marriage. But it’s really more like: first comes love then comes engagement, then comes a budget, setting a date and location, finding vendors…. Then a few months to a few years later comes marriage. One of the most important items to check off your list while planning for the big day is finding your wedding photographer. First, you’ll find a photographer with a style, approach, and vibe that you dig. Then, your next question will be about price. Though it’s different for every wedding and every photographer, we can give you some insight into what impacts your final wedding photography cost. Let’s go! 

Why and How The Photographer You Choose Impacts Your Wedding Photography Cost

If there’s one thing from your wedding that will hold its value, it’s the photography. If you’re unsure about the cost of wedding photography, just think about it like this. You’re not just paying someone to take pictures that document your wedding day. You’re investing in capturing portraits and moments that will be oohed and awed at by generations to come. We’re creating heirlooms with you. Wedding photography truly is an investment. Especially when you hire an experienced and talented photographer like the ones at MANGO.  

When hiring a photographer from Mango Studios, you’re getting the best team of boss babes in the business. Plus, you’re also getting peace of mind. As your wedding photographers and new best friends, we’ll ease you through every step of the way to your big day. We’re also dedicated to making sure your photos reflect who you are as a couple. Plus, effortlessly show the vibe and story of your wedding. To be honest, we’re not just another wedding vendor. When you’re investing with us for your photographs, we’re investing in our relationship with you. This is how we’re able to tell your unique story in photos, and why our photography has an elevated level of personal intimacy.

Key Factors that Influence the Cost of Your Wedding Photography

However, that’s just the big picture stuff. There are so many other details about your wedding that define the final cost of your package.

1. Wedding Date

These days, it seems like Wedding season is year-round, right? But the most popular days for weddings are still Saturdays from May to September. Having your wedding on a Saturday in high season can up your wedding photography cost. Consider having your wedding during the off-season, on a Sunday, or on a weekday. If you’re not worried about traditions, why not try a weekday in the off-season? Your traditional relatives probably won’t mind, we promise. Plus, the special pricing that comes with Friday and Winter weddings is worth it. 

2. Location 

Location, location, location! Having a destination wedding? You may need to pay for your photographer’s travel and boarding expenses. Even being far from the closest big city can add to your final cost. Most wedding photographers charge a fee for weddings a certain distance from their home base. Fees for photography at some locations can add to your price too. Don’t forget about photography permits and licensing. This is a big one if you’re planning on getting shots in a government or commercially owned property. 

3. Day-of Details

Think about your day and what your expectations are when making your budget. Depending on what you want for coverage, you may need more than one photographer. More photographers are an additional cost but are really worth it if you have a lot of guests or a large venue. You don’t want any moments left uncaptured! Plus, the more hours of photography you want, the more expensive your package will be. Early morning getting ready shots to a night-time sparkler send-off can easily be 10+ hours. Average packages at 8 hours and grow in time and price from there.

4. Photography Add-Ons 

If you’re like me, you love a good add-on. Fries with that? Yes please, how could I forget! You especially don’t want to forget your wedding photography add-ons when calculating the cost of your wedding photography. Some of the items that will add to your final quote are: 

• Adding professional prints and physical albums to your package. These will be the photographs your grandbabies will lust over for years to come! This can be prints for framing, bound books, collages etc.  
• If you book a photo booth. This can be a total crowd pleaser! Camera, photographer, background, and props all included in the additional price.
• An engagement session. This one is a must! For more info on why an engagement session is crucial, check out our blog post about it here: https://mangostudios.com/why-hiring-an-engagement-photographer-is-worth-the-hype/

3 Tips For Picking The Right Wedding Photographer in Toronto

The number one factor for the cost of your wedding photography will be which photographer you choose! Here are our quick tips to help you find “the one”. 

1. Personality: Do you jive and vibe together? Could you be best friends with this person? Go out to drink or eat with them? You’ll be spending 8+ hours with your photographer on one of the most important days of your lives. Pick one that you love, not just on paper, but in person too!  
2. Full Body Of Work and Style: Look for full galleries of their previous work. You want to make sure their style of shooting matches what you want. It’s not enough to go off of just one picture or an Instagram profile! Think about the different styles out there, and look for some good combos. What you usually want is a mix of editorial and photojournalistic. Look out for a good spread of effortlessly posed portraits and emotional, candid in-between moments.  
3. Cross-Industry Skills: During your searching, look to see what other industries/mediums photographers work in. At MANGO, our photographers come from various photography backgrounds. They’re also active and respected members of the local artistic scene. Make sure your photographer is well rounded and has unique artistic expertise to bring to the table. 

Wedding Photography Cost Calculator

To make the wedding photography cost a lil’ easier for you, we created a Wedding Photographer Package estimator. It’s not an official quote, but it’ll give you a ballpark of what your package could end up costing. Feel free to play around with the options to find the combination that’ll hit your budget sweet spot. https://photographycalculator.com

To give you a ballpark, wedding photography costs in Toronto can range anywhere from $3,000 to $8,000. You might be thinking: wow that’s a big range. And it is! All of the details discussed above will decide what your package will cost. We have to stress though that cheaper does not always mean better. In fact, it’s usually the opposite! As mentioned before, your wedding photography is an investment. You get what you put in. At MANGO we love working with couples to create individual packages based on the details, wants, and needs of your day. 

If you’re interested in getting a professional, personalized MANGO quote for your wedding photography cost, drop us an email here. We can’t wait to work with you!

The post How Much Does Wedding Photography Cost? appeared first on Toronto Wedding Photographers.

If you’re reading this, odds are… you’re engaged! So, first things first: congrats! Welcome to one of the most exciting seasons of your life! But now that you’re betrothed… what happens next? As a seasoned wedding photographer, I’ve got some tidbits of advice to ease you into the world of wedding planning. 

1. Secure Your Date and Venue First

Though this step may seem obvious and simple, it’s also super important! Picking your date and venue will impact every other decision you make for your wedding. You’ll want to make these decisions as early as you can. Some venues book years in advance and certain days of the year (hello long-weekend Saturdays!) are super popular.

Having your date and venue set makes planning much smoother. Some venues even have lists of preferred vendors which make starting to plan easier! As wedding photographers, we love being brought into a wedding that already has a set date and venue. It helps us to be able to start brainstorming ideas for your photography right away based on season, location, architecture, and more.

TIP: Be flexible on your date/season. It could help you snag your dream venue and maybe even save you money!

2. Define Your Wedding Style 

This should be at the starting point of your wedding planning. Deciding on a theme/mood/vibe will help you be able to narrow down possible vendors much quicker. If you want an ethereal outdoor boho wedding, you’ll know to start looking for forest venues. If you know modern steampunk is more your style, you can find decor vendors that specialize in that.

One of the best things about your wedding style is that it can be totally unique to you. It’s a way to set the tone for the day, and for your marriage. As a wedding photographer, it also helps us start to plan out how we are going to capture your day. The earlier you figure this one out, the better! It’ll help everything else fall into perfect colour-coordinated place.

TIP: Check out some of our Real Weddings on the blog for inspiration!

3. Reminder: It’s YOUR day!

With planning a wedding comes many different opinions from every corner of your life – both useful and sometimes not so useful. Something that you need to remember while planning is that it’s your wedding. Early on in your wedding planning is when you’ll start to get advice from everyone and their mother.  You don’t have to take or ask for everyone’s opinions. You do you!

This is something we live by.  As wedding photographers, we thrive off of collaboration. From years of experience, we know what works and doesn’t. But, our couples’ ideas and opinions always come first. This is your wedding – it should scream you! Try to go about all your wedding planning with that in mind. Know what you want, and go for it! Be as funky or as classic as you want. We know that the best weddings are the ones that ruffle a few feathers.

TIP: Be selective with whom you share your wedding details.  This will help keep your mind clear and dodge any unsolicited opinions!

4. Find Your Photographer (aka your new BFF) 

The best question to ask yourself when shopping around for wedding photographers is as follows. Can you see yourself hanging out with them and hitting your favourite bars? If your answer is yes, you’ve found the one! Okay so maybe choosing a wedding photographer isn’t exactly the same as finding your forever life partner. But we like to think it’s pretty close!

Our advice for finding a photographer is to meet in person with a few different options! Even if you’re set on a certain photography collective (like Mango Studios!), shop around within it. Take a look at the galleries of the different photographers, meet with them, and see who you vibe with. You’ll be spending a lot of time together before and on your wedding day. You want someone you’re comfortable with.

TIP: Have a list of questions prepared when meeting with photographers. You can check out our list of questions here.

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5. Don’t Second Guess Having an Engagement Session 

Yep, you heard us! Engagement pictures are a total must. The coolest thing about engagement pictures is that they bring every piece of your early wedding planning together. These pictures will represent the same style and vibe at your wedding. You can use them on your Save The Dates, letting people know when and where your wedding will be. Engagement pictures are a hard thing to get unwanted opinions on, so you know they will be 100% you.

They also are the best way to bond with your wedding photographer. Whether you’re hiking up an escarpment together or sharing secret lunch spots in Queen West, the time spent together will prepare you for the all-day event of your wedding. It also helps us to be able to get your style down in anticipation of creating your wedding gallery.

6. Don’t Forget to Take a Breather 

Inhale. Exhale. Repeat. You’re engaged! You’re getting married! Don’t forget to soak that all in with your partner. And remember, wedding planning isn’t everything! You still need to take time for yourself, your job, and your relationships. Have you checked on your dog lately? It’s totally okay to step away from the Pinterest board. Those chalkboard signs and signature cocktail ideas will still be there when you come back.

We know that it can be a lot to deal with when you’re just starting to plan. We hope this starter list helped give you a little clarity and a foundation to start your planning on. And if you’re looking for a wedding photographer, you know where to find us 😉

The post Wedding Photographer Tips for The Newly Engaged appeared first on Toronto Wedding Photographers.