Check out the photoshoot we did for Sarah and Phillip below.

Enjoy!

The post The best engagament session wardrobe idea appeared first on Toronto Wedding Photographers.

Hola! It’s that time of the year again and I’m hitting you up with a fresh list of the most amazing Toronto photography locations for engagement pics.

Our previous two posts on the same subject were and still are MEGA popular. You probably already have seen them, but if you haven’t check out Part 1 and Part 2 before reading.

All done? Great!

As wedding and engagement photographers, we have made finding new photogenic spots our job, so I thought it’d be nice to add some of our team’s new favorite locations to the list.

Here are another Top 10 Awesome Toronto Photography Locations to take engagement pictures, Part 3:

Bluffer’s Park Beach

Spacious, intimate and oh-so-photogenic, Bluffer’s Park Beach beach has been our favorite engagement photo location alternative to the picturesque Scarborough Bluffs. Why? In addition to being simply beautiful, it earned major points for not being so crowded. Bring a cute beach blanket, a pair of sunglasses and your best summer outfit – you’re on for one of the best engagement shoot experiences out there!

Features: Acres of sand and crisp blue water
Permit: Nope!
Best Time of Day to Avoid the Crowds: Avoid weekends as it might be full of sunbathers

Spadina House

Listen up, Spadina House is a gem when it comes to Toronto photography locations. The historic building acts as a romantic background transporting your engagement photos to a beautiful countryside. No one will believe that your engagement photos were taken in the heart of Toronto. The mansion features a photogenic garden, plenty of charming ivy-covered walls and even a small vineyard! Should I say more?

Features: All of the above plus Victorian-era architecture
Permit: All yours with a permit
Best Time of Day to Avoid the Crowds: Early afternoon is the best time to shoot here

Polson Pier

In our humble opinion, Polson Pier is an underrated engagement photo location. In the meantime, this sweet spot offers one of the best views of Toronto skyline I’ve ever seen! The calm blue waters lend for a romantic and relaxed feel, while the endless row of sky-high skyscrapers gives your photos a modern and polished look. All in all, it would be a great engagement shoot spot for a modern couple who is looking to add a bit of old-school romance to their prenup-pics.

Features: A charming wooden deck and astonishing views of the city
Permit: No!
Best Time of Day to Avoid the Crowds: The golden hour has proven to be the best time to shoot here.  

Your Workplace!

Ok, I know it’s a bit vague, but why not take your engagement pictures inside a building where you work! Whether it’s an industrial looking start-up space or a sleek business center, it could look pretty awesome and super unique. I can think of many cool spots off the top of my head: TD Court, Imperial Bank of Canada, Toronto General Hospital. There are many other office buildings in downtown Toronto that feature surprisingly photogenic interiors. Do not discard your workplace as a potential photography location and just let your imagination run wild.

Features: Familiar location and surprisingly photogenic spots you weren’t aware of!
Permit: No
Best Time of Day to Avoid the Crowds: On the weekends or after business hours

Guild Park and Gardens

Guild Park and Gardens has been the hot new spot for engagement and wedding photography ever since the Guild Inn Estates opened its doors in 2017. There are a number of reasons why so many couples opt for this location. With its Greek-like structures, pretty gardens, blooming flowers and an adjacent wild forest, it makes for one of the most unique and versatile Toronto photography locations out there. 

Features: Greek structures that transform you into the fairytale land
Permit: Yes
Best Time of Day to Avoid the Crowds: Late weekday afternoons seem to be the optimal time to shoot there.

Dark Horse Espresso Bar

A lot has been said about cozy coffee shop engagement sessions and they will always have a special place in my photographer heart. However, the Front St. location of the famous Dark Horse chain takes your coffee shop pics to the whole new level. On top of being super cute, it features the stylish interior design, cool furniture, and floor to ceiling windows that let the abundance of natural light in. I also love its marble tabletops and cute sofa pillows, making your engagement photos feel light, cozy and intimate.

Features: White elegant walls, photogenic furniture and good coffee of course!
Permit: No
Best Time of Day to Avoid the Crowds: Early mornings tend to be the best time

St. James Park

St. James Park is as elegant and romantic as it can get. Featuring lush leafy trees, stunning Gothic architecture, beautiful flower gardens with a wonderful fountain in the middle of it, this park has been attracting couples looking for a quiet photogenic place to take their engagement pics. With its walking proximity to the infamous Flatiron Building and the St. Lawrence Market makes for a pleasant hour stroll with your engagement photographer.

Features: Tall leafy trees, a photogenic fountain and lots of flowers
Permit: No
Best Time of Day to Avoid the Crowds: Early afternoons during weekdays

University of Toronto Campus

Ever wanted to take romantic pictures in Europe without leaving Toronto? The University of Toronto is arguably one of the most popular engagement photo locations in the city for that reason! With its stunning Gothic architecture, the beautiful campus has a romantic vibe that transports you to a charming European village without ever leaving the city. I also love how it’s so endlessly photogenic, no matter how many times our photographers shoot there, it never ever gets old.

Features: Stunning architecture, cobblestone walkways, beautiful gardens and romance all around
Permit: Yes!
Best Time of Day to Avoid the Crowds: Early evenings on weekdays

Kortright Centre For Conservation

What’s green, romantic, wide and pretty? That’s right – Kortright Centre for Conservation! Once you get a permit to shoot at this beautiful location, you instantly get access to acres of spectacular forests, vast fields, and the Insta-famous pine trees area! Celebrate your love in the splendor of nature and make sure to book your Kortright Centre engagement session in advance, as it quickly fills out in the summer. I love that this location is pretty versatile. Minimalist and modern or rustic and romantic – it can appear either way depending on how you dress!

Features: Wild forest, lush trees, rolling fields, and a whole ton of beautiful
Permit: Yes!
Best Time of Day to Avoid the Crowds: Early afternoons on weekdays

Humber River

Humber River doesn’t get as much attention as it deserves. Nestled amongst the forest and serene river, is a perfect engagement shoot location for anyone looking to stray off the beaten path. Removed from the lively picnic areas it provides for much-welcomed privacy while allowing you to be at one of the most scenic natural areas in the city. There’s a small boat rental shop located next to the Old Mill Station and I would recommend using their services to take your “glamping” (glamour camping) photos to the next level. 

Features: Calm river, untamed forest, plenty of wild birds and a lot of romance
Permit: Nope
Best Time of Day to Avoid the Crowds: Early evenings on weekdays

The post Views: Top 10 Awesome Toronto Photography Locations Part 3 appeared first on Toronto Wedding Photographers.

The best photography locations to take engagement pictures in Toronto usually include all-star, swoon-worthy landmarks, like U of T or Distillery District. It’s not that these spots don’t lend themselves to great engagement photography; on the contrary, I love coming back to these iconic locations as they make for some of the best engagement pictures.

My photographer’s heart always leads me to new and exciting places that I think make for some pretty awesome, Instagram-worthy snaps. I was casually strolling around my neighbourhood the other day when I saw this one spot with heavenly afternoon light. Guess what? I brought my couple there the next day as I knew engagement pictures taken there would turn out to be super unique! As a wedding photographer, I’m always on the lookout for awe-inspiring engagement photo locations. Below are my top 10 best (not so common) photography sites in the GTA. Check them out:

1. Evergreen Brick Works

Stealthiness might not be a good option with this location because you will need to get a photo permit for your engagement photos to shoot here. Once you do, you will have access to one of the most breathtaking cityscape views. From the industrial brick walls to lush greenery, Evergreen Brick Works’ vast grounds make for a variety of pretty awesome backgrounds. You can spend an entire afternoon wandering its property and have some fun taking pictures along the way!

Features: Rustic brick walls, industrial settings, a bit of the woodlands and one heck of a view.
Permit: Yes.
Best Time of Day to Avoid the Crowds: Once you get a permit, it’s all yours. Sundays can be also busy because of the farmers’ market. 

2. Lakeshore Boulevard

Now this is not your typical view of Lakeshore Boulevard. This spot is perfect for all kinds of adventurous souls who do not want another cookie-cutter engagement photoshoot. This spot just below the bustling highway provides a superb scene for some really cool engagement photos. It’s daring, minimalistic and modern. Need we say more?

Features: Towering highway columns that seem to be made for #TinyPeopleInBigPlaces pics.
Permit: Nope.
Best Time of Day to Avoid the Crowds: Late afternoon to catch that golden hour.

3. Cherry Beach

Yes, almost every couple takes their engagement photos on a beach. But not every couple takes their engagement photos on this beach. See where I’m going? It’s rustic, romantic, spacious and pretty. Another good reason? This place is dog-friendly, which instantly adds 1000 points in my book of pretty photography locations.

Features: Old safeguard house, rocky lakeshore and plenty of seagulls.
Permit: Nope.
Best Time of Day to Avoid the Crowds: Weeknights are your best bet.

4. Ashbridges Bay

Nothing says “romance” like a bunch of teenagers photo bombing your engagement photos, right? Well, if you look beyond the low riding jeans, you’ll find a sun-kissed spot that is mega unique and uber photogenic. Put on your well-worn Converse and ripped jeans, it’s time to take some engagement photos that are guaranteed to help you achieve that 100+ likes goal on Instagram.

Features: Graffiti walls, a photogenic skatepark, and maybe a couple of friendly skateboarders.
Permit: Permit? Never heard of it.
Best Time of Day to Avoid the Crowds: Before 6PM on a weekday while those young Tony Hawks are still in school.

5. Puente de Luz

This is the official name of that popular yellow bridge at Concord Cityplace, the $8 million bridge designed by a Chilean artist, Francisco Gazitua. A perfect choice for someone looking for something unique that is right in the centre of the city. Conveniently located by the beloved King West area, this bridge has won the hearts of many Instagrammers and couples alike. 

Features: Sleek lines and an awesome view of the CN Tower
Permit: No.
Best Time of Day to Avoid the Crowds: Weekdays between 4PM – 6PM

6. Port Lands

If you happen to have access to a yacht, this place is ideal. It’s not very far from the city’s bustling core and has an amazing view of the CN Tower. Take photos facing the lake for some nautical prenuptial snapshots and enjoy the sunset while sipping a glass of fruity, white wine. It goes without saying, this spot is also pretty cool for some of us who do not happen to own a yacht of our own – you can still enjoy its pretty views and proximity to water.

Features: A row of snow-white yachts, photogenic wooden decks and the occasional sailor.
Permit: No.
Best Time of Day to Avoid the Crowds: Weekdays are the safest bet

7. Top of Scarborough Bluffs

Views galore! This spot offers some fantastic panoramas of the city from across the water. Couples with a skilled photographer/part-time rock climber, would surely want to go right to the edge of the cliff to take some literally breathtaking frames. If you’re not afraid of heights, I would definitely add this place to my list of all-time favourite, GTA photography sites.

Features: Cliffs, tall grass, towering trees, and some kick-ass views.
Permit: No, but check for closure updates as it’s one of the most beloved spots of movie makers.
Best Time of Day to Avoid the Crowds: Weeknights are preferred.

8. A Local Fire Station

Talk about unique locations! A couple of shots with a real fire truck are adorably cute. These trucks give your photos a much-welcomed pop of colour while serving as a pretty cool backdrop for some city-inspired engagement snaps. With its huge fire trucks reminiscent of childhood car toys, somehow I have a feeling that your fiance is going to love it.

Features: Big fire trucks and even helmets as props if you happen to have a firefighter friend.
Permit: No, but even better if you happen to have that aforementioned firefighter friend to give you an all access pass.
Best Time of Day to Avoid the Crowds: Weekdays before 5PM

9. East Queen East

This spot is one of my all-time favourite photography sites. It’s elegant, classy, minimalist and spacious. You can enjoy some pretty dramatic light if you go there at sunset and take photos atop the hill. Best part? It looks equally as amazing in winter as it is in summer.

Features: Pretty, green doors, lots of stairs, turn of the century architecture and proximity to the lake.
Permit: No.
Best Time of Day to Avoid the Crowds: Weeknights are the best.

10. Woodbridge

Woodbridge is not top of the mind when it comes to best engagement photo locations. Surprising? Maybe. Pretty? Heck yeah. Woodbridge is home to some of the GTA’s prettiest parks and conservation areas. They are usually not as crowded as let’s say, High Park, thus providing for some much cherished privacy. Drive there to take photos at golden hour and you’ll end up with some of the most stunning engagement photos to kick start your family photo album.

Features: Parks, forests and woodlands.
Permit: Some parks require a permit.
Best Time of Day to Avoid the Crowds: Avoid weekends as they might be closed for weddings.

Loved this post? Check out Top 10 Toronto Photography Locations Part 1.

The post Top 10 AMAZING Photography Locations to Take Engagement Pictures in the GTA Part 2 appeared first on Toronto Wedding Photographers.

Take your beach engagement photos to the next level! Everyone likes taking beach engagement photos in the summer but there are only a select few who can totally rock their engagement session wearing warm boots and a Canada Goose jacket. There’s something magnificent about a frozen beach with the snow covering a vast area of land and the lake standing motionless under thin ice. If you want something different for your engagement shoot, then a winter beach session is guaranteed to leave your friends in awe!

Tips: Make sure to wear your hiking boots as the snow tends to get pretty deep. You can also bring a warm blanket and hot tea in your travel mug to keep warm between the takes. Choose an extra snowy day for extra drama!

2. Winter Wonderland in the countryside

Personally, I love driving up north during winter. This is where you can experience the true winter wonderland and experience the beauty of a sunny winter day in all its glory. Bonus points? The countryside looks super romantic in engagement photos! If you describe yourself as an adventurous couple who loves outdoors, this type of winter engagement photos could be right up your alley!

Tips: Enjoy the day in the countryside and take your engagement pictures at sunset to capitalize on that magical golden light.

3. Home alone

Your home. Your perfect place away from the world. There’s nothing like sleeping in and taking the day slow while sipping a hot cup of herbal tea with your favorite book in your hand. At home engagement photos look very cute and cozy, especially during the cold winter months. Snuggle up on your comfy bed and spend your engagement session just hanging with your loved one. No need to rush, it’s just the two of you in the entire world.

Tips: I like it when my couples come up with some sort of activity for their at-home engagement photos. You can play your favorite LPs or cook a simple meal like pancakes or scrambled eggs! Having an activity will yield natural, effortless photographs.  

4. Backyard fun

Didn’t have a chance to shovel the snow in your backyard? Perfect! Personally, I love backyard engagement photos because they offer the best of two worlds. They feel as cozy as at-home engagement pics while bringing in some natural elements to your photos. Who doesn’t love the snow? You can build a snowman or even have a snowball fight. It will add a majorly playful vibe to your pictures.

Tips: Don’t know what to do in front of the camera? Let your love keep you warm! Give your partner a nice hug and kiss each other’s hands to warm them up. It will make for some really romantic and natural-looking photos!  

5. Dress to impress

Channel your inner Frozen and dress up for your winter shoot! Long velvet dresses and neat tuxedos look perfect in winter engagement photos and leave everyone heart-eyed. Your pictures will look like you just stepped straight out of a fairytale!

Tips: If you’re wearing heels and you’re planning on taking your winter engagement photos out in nature, don’t forget to bring heel stoppers. It will help your photoshoot go smoothly and you won’t be sinking into the ground!

The post 5 Ideas and Tips for Winter Engagement Photos appeared first on Toronto Wedding Photographers.

It’s that time of the year again! As wedding season approaches, more and more couples are looking for unique Toronto photography locations for their engagement photos. I went around the studio and asked our photographers to pick their top spots. It wasn’t hard since Toronto offers so many different and beautiful locations to shoot in. Whether you’re into a more industrial vibe or love the historic venues, there is something for everyone.

We made knowing this city’s every corner a part of our profession, so who to better advise you on some pretty awesome photography locations than the team who spends so much time looking for them? If you’re looking to take your engagement photos, or just looking for spots to snap a few Instagram pics, here are our Top 10 Views From The Six:

1. Front St.

If you’re looking for something with more of an architectural oomph, The Esplanade is definitely the way to go. With gorgeous buildings that look nothing like most of Toronto, this area provides plenty of photographic opportunities and is often overlooked. Enjoy a sun-kissed stroll among historic buildings and stop by the Fairmont Royal York for a cup of coffee if you fancy.

Features: Classy vibe, beautiful architecture, geometric lines
Permit: None
Best Time of Day to Avoid the Crowds: Avoid pre and post work hours

2. Osgoode Hall

Osgoode Hall is a tried and true option as far as engagement photos are concerned. The Victorian architecture makes for the perfect backdrop and the gardens get excellent sun exposure during the day, so you can skip the studio lights. Biggest bonus? It’s completely permit free!

Features: Two gorgeous buildings, beautiful garden, lots of columns and stairs
Permit: None
Best Time of Day to Avoid the Crowds: Avoid Saturdays as it can be busy with brides

3. Scarborough Bluffs

Let’s face it, waterfront engagement photos are nothing new. Luckily, Toronto has some options that won’t have your pics looking like beach stills from a Shania Twain video. Skip Ashbridge’s Bay in favour of Scarborough Bluffs Park.

Features: The water, the lake, the beautiful landscape – need we say more?
Permit: None
Best Time of Day to Avoid the Crowds: Weekdays

4. High Park

High Park offers endless photo opportunities on its expansive grounds. Take advantage of the of fauna and flora for some nature-infused images. If you go the right time of year and don’t mind a 6am wake up call, you may be able to get some shots under the coveted cherry blossom trees!

Features: Lots of trees, a pond, cherry blossoms if you’re lucky
Permit: Officially permission may be required
Best Time of Day to Avoid the Crowds: Weekdays

5. Church St & Wellington St

Taking your engagement pictures at this area is definitely a good idea if you’re looking for something classy, but new. Church & Wellington is a ridiculously pretty area with many great backdrops to snap photos against. With St. James Park and Lawrence Market just around the corner, you can turn your engagement photoshoot into a delightful picnic right in the heart of the city.

Features: That “Flat Iron” building, classy vibe and Toronto cityscape in the background
Permit: No
Best Time of Day to Avoid the Crowds: Avoid pre and post-work hours

6. King West

What says Toronto more than King West? Many of our couples have posed in front of various street art murals which can be found in tucked away corners, and embellished archways in the Spadina and King area – and for a good reason. These pictures are what the heart of The Six is made of.

Features: All the trendy places, graffiti art and delicious ice cream spots
Permit: No
Best Time of Day to Avoid the Crowds: Avoid pre and post work hours

7. Underpass Park

If you don’t want to take the traditional route, skip Yorkville and opt for some funky pictures at Underpass Park. You and your beloved are sure to stand out against the predominantly concrete backdrop. It’s a great option for someone who’s looking to get things more jazzed up thanks to its colourful graffiti pillars. Proceed at your own risk! You may be challenged to a street basketball game.

Features: “Cool kids” vibe, tons of graffiti, skate park and teenagers playing basketball
Permit: No
Best Time of Day to Avoid the Crowds: Avoid after school hours

8. Liberty Village

This former quarry is the ideal place to snap photos with your loved one. The brick laden-backdrop will have you and your fiancé taking centre stage. Sharp lines and dramatic angles will definitely gather 100+ likes on your Instagram feed.

Features: All brick buildings, industrial vibe and independent coffee shops
Permit: Might be required
Best Time of Day to Avoid the Crowds: Weekdays

9. The Berkeley Bicycle Club

This spot is ideal for someone who wants to take the classic photo route. Brass chandeliers and wood carved columns add romance, while the interior looks unique enough not to be confused with Casa Loma. The building has several floors which can be all yours for a day!

Features: Brass chandeliers, wooden staircase, large windows
Permit: Comes with a rental fee
Best Time of Day to Avoid the Crowds: All yours with the rental fee

10. Old Mill Hotel

Old Mill Hotel is a hidden gem. You can still take pictures outside amongst the cozy garden with ivy-covered walls. You can also stay indoors if the weather is not playing in your favour. Additional bonus? It has beautiful windows, and I am a sucker for those moody silhouette photographs.

Features: Old world vibe, beautiful garden, ivy-covered walls
Permit: Free during off-season period
Best Time of Day to Avoid the Crowds: All yours with your reservation

The post Views From The Six: Top 10 Toronto Photography Locations Part 1 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.

|

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.

Melissa and Justin let us know right away that they were not fans of engagement shoots. But, we knew what they actually meant is that they hadn’t ever seen any engagement pictures on the whole Internet that they liked. This presented us with the awesome opportunity to show them just how versatile we are here at MANGO, and how cool and unique engagement sessions can be.

What’s different with MANGO engagement photographers is that we alter our shooting style to varying degrees for each of our couples. We stick to our tried and try basics of professional photography and style and tweak different elements to match the style of our couples. No couple is the same as any other, and your engagement photographer should be able to showcase that!

This couple wanted something different. Challenge accepted!

One of the first things we decided to do to set this gallery apart was to shoot it entirely on a 28mm lens. Call us crazy, but sometimes not mixing it up is the best way to mix it up. Choosing a lens or lenses to shoot on is one of the building blocks for creating the style of your gallery that will be completely unique to each couple. If you’re into bright and airy, romantic photos, we’ll shoot your engagement that way. Plus, we’ll make sure your wedding matches as well! If modern, cool and urban is more your jam, we’ll take the necessary steps to make sure your photos accurately represent that. We’re dedicated to making sure that these photos are all about you. With that includes capturing your true personality, tastes and little quirks. We want our photos to be authentic to who you are and how you want to be presented.

This is one of our favourite aspects of having an engagement photographer. Not only does an engagement session let you and your engagement photographer connect, get to know each other, and get comfortable before the wedding. It also acts as an opportunity for us to learn and showcase your personal style.

Melissa and Justin are a perfect representation of this. They’re a modern, hip couple who likes to live to the beat of their own drums. Though they originally didn’t want engagement photographs, they really warmed up to the idea when we assured them that their gallery would be as personal and unique as possible. When we found out that they live in a renovated Victorian gem, we knew we had to shoot there with them! There really is no place like home, especially when it comes to engagement photography. It was a privilege to be let into their comfort zone and capture them at home (which is gorgeous, by the way). These two are also absolutely obsessed with their french bulldog. And how could you not be? Adding your beloved pets into your pictures is a way to instantly customize your engagement shoot, and it makes everyone involved so cheerful!

Thanks, Melissa and Justin, for putting us up for the rewarding challenge of getting you into a shoot and letting us be your engagement photographer. We’re ecstatic that you put your trust in us, and we’re obsessed with the results. We had so much fun with you guys during your engagement pictures, and an equal amount of fun photographing your recent wedding at MOCA. We wish you three (can’t forget your puppy!) all the best in your future together. Much love!

The post Why Hiring an Engagement Photographer is worth the hype appeared first on Toronto Wedding Photographers.

Not only was the engagement shoot captured on farm property belonging to Andrea’s brother, but it also featured the sweetest four-legged beauty. Dogs, people in love, and crisp country air… If you can think of anything better, let me know. I’ll just be over here rolling in some grass taking pictures of couples and their dogs.

As I’m currently planning for my own engagement shoot in the next coming weeks, I’ve been combing through galleries looking for inspiration in every moment, movement, and feeling of the photographs.

Inspiration can be hard to come by sometimes, trust me, I’m well aware! As artists, this is something we are always constantly looking and yearning for, even subconsciously.

We also have to be very conscious of our couples as well, because they might not be as easily inspired or imaginative right out of the gate.

I find this bump in the road seems to surface most when it comes to posing. Posing can be really challenging. I mean, we are not all Naomi Campbells here. It might feel akward to be in front of a camera and become vulnarable. How do you look effortless and natural while posing? That is a fine art, my friends, and I think we may have cracked the code. Our dear Alessia and Andrea’s farm-fresh engagement shoot is easy proof of that.

I’m that girl that used to come to a photographer with a Pinterest page full of poses and pictures of EXACTLY the kind of pictures I wanted to be taken. From the windblown hair to the angle of a hand, I had it in my head what my pictures just had to look like.

It’s totally great to have ideas in your mind, but planning out a shoot from start to finish from pose to pose is not the way.

Here are some quick tips for posing/not posing/ and making your engagement shoot calm, cool, and collected.

Don’t be afraid of your clothes/props/furry friends 

Utilize these elements to your advantage! Got a flowy dress? Let’s play around with it! Alessia had the perfect breezy dress for this shoot. We were able to use it as a prop to give her hands something to do, but it still looked natural and fun as it blew in the wind. 

Don’t look at the camera

Okay maybe you can look at the camera, but only when we suggest you do! The best engagement shoot pictures come from those candid, in-between moments. Nothing’s candid about staring the lens down the barrel. Instead, keep your eyes on your partner. Find your future in those irises, and hold onto that feeling. Your facial expressions and head movements will come naturally from there. You may also cry, sorry not sorry about that! You said you wanted good pictures, right? 

Alessia and Andrea’s engagement shoot showcases the best of both worlds when it comes to looking/not looking at the camera. Their goofy, passionate moments are captured perfectly when they’re embracing and looking at each other. Then, the stunning portraits and “looking-back” images of Alessia act as photographs that capture beauty and that Pinterest-perfect pose you’ve always dreamed of, just with a fresh new take.

After their engagement shoot and bridal shower, we’re over the moon excited to be capturing Alessia and Andrea’s wedding day at Evergreen Brickworks in September. No need to worry about posing for their wedding day, we know that they’re total pros.

The post Inside a Supremely Romantic and Dreamy Engagement Shoot appeared first on Toronto Wedding Photographers.

When you have a couple as soft and sweet as Michelle and Michael, you need a Queen West engagement shoot to match.

We are super excited to be able to welcome Michelle and Michael into our Mango Studios family! Their gentle and endearing spirits match perfectly and made it so easy to capture the essence of their relationship. Their personalities aren’t where the similarities end with these two; they both also love to paint! When we found this out, we knew that it would just have to be a part of their Queen West engagement session. These two are such special humans, and we really wanted to showcase that in their final engagement gallery.

There’s no right or wrong way to capture a couple’s love in celebration of their engagement. BUT, there are definitely some tried and true tips and tricks to make your engagement session one that will stand out and stand the test of time. What’s better than a timeless engagement shoot? I’m sure if my parents read this list 30 years ago, they’d re-think the perms and wood-panelled basement they had in theirs.

Here at Mango Studios, we make sure that all engagement shoots are as unique and fun as the couple that stars in them. To make sure these vibes are apparent both in front of and behind the camera, we like to keep these loose “rules” in mind when shooting:

RULES OF ENGAGEMENT (sessions)

1. LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

This golden rule doesn’t only apply to house hunting. Location is always super important when shooting engagement pictures! You have to think in advance: these pictures will be ALL over social media, in picture frames for years to come, and even on Save The Date cards!

You can’t make the mistake of choosing a location just because it’s a pretty or popular backdrop. Landscapes and trendy spots will miss the mark if they don’t mean anything to your couple. Always converse with your couple thoroughly beforehand (a Mango MUST), and figure out a place that both looks amazing, but also has a deeper meaning to the couple.

In this instance, we knew that Michelle and Michael have impeccable style. They ooze urban cool, and we felt cooler just by hanging out with them. When we discovered together that they were interested in a Queen West engagement session, we immediately knew that Queen and Ossington was the spot for them. Not too trendy or empty, this sweet little part of town is like an exact embodiment of Michelle and Michael’s personalities.

When it came to the painting part of the shoot, we went with lots of contrast. The white, industrial walls of the loft made the perfect backdrop for these two and their painting, without distracting or taking any attention away from their artistic and romantic sparks! We’re obsessed with the end product!

2. DRESS TO IMPRESS

Michelle and Michael are all about casual cool – and we didn’t want to take that away from them! Whoever said jeans weren’t appropriate for an engagement shoot was SO wrong. I’m sure they would change their mind after seeing Michell and Michael’s Queen West engagement session. Having a few outfit options is a great way to compliment your different locations within a shoot, and helps to break up the photos. You don’t want anything to become too redundant in your final gallery.

Couples and photographers should always be conscious of the colours and patterns within a shoot. These elements of the outfits worn during the session should be complementary, not only to each other but to your locations as well!

I love how Michael’s bold jacket stands out against the soft, organic nature of Queen West, and Michelle’s long trench coat adds simple, elegant lines to compliment everything within the frame.

3. AUTHENTICITY IS YOUR SECRET WEAPON

Bad news guys… looks like our parents were actually right! Being yourself is the best you you can be! And the same goes when you’re in front of a camera.

As Mango photographers, we always strive to capture authentic moments and give you photos that are an accurate representation of your bond. We love showcasing every relationship in all its beauty, messiness and honesty. Because that’s what makes a relationship, well, a relationship!

If you’re not being authentic to yourself and your partner, you’ll definitely be able to tell on camera. This is why we chose to have Michelle and Michael paint together for half of their engagement session. They were able to really open up in front of the camera while doing an activity they’re very comfortable with. And it added so much personality and personalization to their shoot. This is 100% the way to get the best engagement photos possible.

Thank you so much to Michelle and Michael for letting us shoot your Queen West engagement session. And another thank you for being the perfect masterclass for making an engagement shoot as beautiful and easy-breezy as possible. Can’t wait to see how you use your effortlessly cool personalities and style at your wedding. See you there!

The post A Queen West Engagement Session That Sets Standards High appeared first on Toronto Wedding Photographers.

Let me start by saying that I love winter engagement photos. There’s something utterly romantic about cozying up at home with your bae during those cold winter months. This is exactly what we wanted to do with Roxy and Daniel and shoot their engagement photos indoors. We imagined taking plenty of sweet and cozy pictures in their ever-so-stylish loft, interchanging between their minimalist bedroom and a colourful living room. However, we couldn’t resist peeking outside just for a few photos when it started snowing during their engagement session, and I’m so glad we did.

Winter is such a romantic season. The days are filled with the holiday cheer, the nights are filled with cozy fireside chats, and the cold months are ideal for snuggling up with your partner in the comfort of your own home. Add falling snowflakes into the mix – and without sounding overly cheesy – the world truly becomes a winter wonderland 😉

Winter is also a slower season for us, your wedding photographers, and that is why we are filled with recharged energy needed to stay inspired. Winter is also a great season to reconnect with our couples and go over their future wedding plans. I always recommend my couples to schedule their engagement shoots in winter as it gives us plenty of time to get ready for your creative session, edit the photos and have them ready to print by the time your Big Day arrives.

Where should I start describing Roxy and Daniel? They are easily one of the most easy-going and relaxed couples out there. We have already shot their gorgeous Royal Ontario Museum wedding this year, and looking back at their engagement photos make me miss them so much! Daniel is such an all around nice guy, while Roxy’s warm smile makes me light up overtime I look at their photos.

The two are really into music and arts, and capturing those artful elements of their home was so important to me. I also loved how laid back and chill the two were on the day of the shoot. I noticed that it started snowing outside on the morning of their engagement shoot, and when I texted them that it would cool to grab a few snowy pictures, they were all in. It turned out, these snowy pics became my all time favourite winter engagement photos!

So here is a lesson. If you and your partner are enchanted with the wintertime, consider taking your engagement photos in the snow. While it might require some extra preparation (warm clothes, planning your shoot around the light, and avoiding major snowstorms), the end result will be absolutely worth it.

The post These Winter Engagement Photos Will Make You Excited For Snow appeared first on Toronto Wedding Photographers.