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Spring is here, and wedding season is fast approaching! As a bride-to-be, we know the struggle of juggling multiple wedding decisions. Who has time to search for the perfect photography locations amidst all the planning chaos?

Breathe easy, lovely brides and couples! Mango Studios has got your back. We’ve taken the stress out of finding the ideal wedding photography spots in Toronto. With our carefully curated list, you can focus on what truly matters while we handle the rest.

Picture-Perfect Gems Unveiled

If you’re a nature-loving couple planning a spring or summer wedding, look no further! Prepare to be amazed by some of the most stunning gardens and parks in Toronto for your next wedding photography location. We’ve scoured the city for hidden parks and nature filled areas in Toronto that will make your wedding photos truly unforgettable. Bursting with vibrant flowers, captivating gardens, and stunning architecture, these spots are a dream come true for your nature-inspired creative session. Our guide has it all – and here are some of Mango Studios’ all time best Toronto wedding photography spots!

Top Toronto Wedding Photography Locations for Nature Lovers

GARDENS & PARKS

• Lakeshore Blvd. E. & Coxwell Ave.
• Features: Situated on Lake Ontario, features expansive beaches, a harbour, marina, and boardwalk cafe.

• 1575 Lake Shore Blvd W, Toronto, ON M6K 3C1
• Features: Perfect spot if your reception is happening at Palais Royale. Beautiful gardens right by the lake alongside a boardwalk. Sunny side Beach area is a stunning spot to take photos with the city in the background.

Casa Loma

• 1 Austin Terrace, Toronto.
• Features: A magical venue and castle that has stunning views of the city and architecture that will make any wedding photo look like a fairytale wedding!

Cherry Beach

• South end of Cherry St. Toronto.
• Permit: None required.
• Features: Situated on Lake Ontario (East end of Toronto), featuring sandy beaches, boats in the distance, and wooded areas with a paved path.

Evergreen Brickworks

• 550 Bayview Avenue, Toronto.
• Features: Nestled in Toronto’s lush ravines in a setting of awe-inspiring heritage buildings, Evergreen Brick Works is the ideal venue for a wedding creative. Beautiful nature surrounding the venue space, historical architecture that has an urban vintage look.

Guild Inn Gardens

• 201 Guildwood Pkwy.
• Features: Located west of Guild Inn, a waterfront park and woodland area awaits. With its mature forest, pleasant walking trails, and historic stone sculptures and arches, it’s no wonder this spot is a crowd favorite. However, note that a photography permit is necessary to capture its allure.

Graydon Hall Manor

• 185 Graydon Hall Dr, North York, ON M3A 3B1.
• Features: Step into Graydon Hall Manor, where unparalleled elegance, romance, and luxury blend seamlessly. This grand Georgian manor transports you to the glitter and glamour of the 1920s. Sip Champagne, savor hors d’oeuvres, and capture stunning moments on the stone terrace, surrounded by cascading fountains and formal gardens.

High Park

• Bloor and Parkside (west, just north of the QEW).
• Features: Stunning endless views of forests, ponds, and city landscapes. This spot is a perfect for couples who enjoy nature, and want their photos to look like they are outside of the city! Additionally, the spring and fall seasons here are especially beautiful.

Harbourfront, Toronto

• Queen’s Quay Blvd. West (between Spadina Avenue and Bathurst Street), Toronto
  No permit required for outdoors.
• Features: Lakeside views with ships in the background!

Humber Bay Park

• 100 Humber Bay Park Road East, Toronto, ON M8V 3X7
• Features: There are a variety of nature like mature trees, bridges and walking paths along the lake where you can see the most beautiful skyline.

James Gardens

• 121 Edenbridge Rd
• Features: Located in the Toronto district of Etobicoke, this four hectare park is very formal. The ponds here are fed by a spring and are crossed over by rustic bridges. The colourful flower gardens add to the beauty of the park.

Kortright Center

• 9550 Pine Valley Drive, Woodbridge
• With its magnificent trees, the Kortright Centre is a remarkable destination for photos. Nestled in a lush forest, the towering pines, vibrant maples, and graceful oaks create a magical ambiance.

Leslie Spit

• Near Tommy Thompson park.
• Features: A manmade 5-kilometre long urban wilderness, built by lakefilling, that juts into Lake Ontario close to downtown Toronto. Beautiful skyline views on the lake, great golden hour photo spot. Many couples bring a vintage car here to park on the side of the road for photos!

McMichael Canadian Art Collection

• 10365 Islington Avenue, Kleinburg
• Permit Required.
• Features: Beautiful forested area with white birch trees, and paved walking areas for photos in thee woods.

Music Garden

• 475 Queen’s Quay West.
• Features: Paved path with tall grasses, willow trees, boardwalk along the lake, and a peek of the Toronto city skyline in the background.

Philosophers Walk 

Queen’s Park

• An urban park in the Downtown area of Toronto. The park is the site of the Ontario Legislative Building, which houses the Legislative Assembly of Ontario.
• Beautiful in the spring time as there are cherry blossoms blooming at that time!

Royal Botanical Gardens

Spadina House

• Location: 285 Spadina Rd.
• Call for permit information.
• Features: Victorian mansion surrounded by restored victorian gardens. Beautiful flowers and elegant architecture.

St James Gardens

• Take a ferry to Toronto Island, away from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the lake views of the city, beaches, and parks filled with trees and quiet intimate spots.

The Arlington Estate

• 8934 Huntington Rd, Vaughan, ON L4H 4X1
• Features: Manicured event grounds and walking paths for on-site wedding photos. Private outdoor terrace that overlooks the pond and event grounds.

Overall, we hope these Toronto Wedding Photography Locations will help guide you and your partner to your perfect backdrop for your wedding photos! We can’t wait to see which locations you choose! 🙂

Additionally, here are some more blogposts that may help inspire you further:

Top Toronto Venue Ideas

Which of these Engagement Photo Locations Is Perfect For You? 

Permits and Fees for Toronto Parks

The post Our Top Toronto Wedding Photography Locations – Gardens and Parks appeared first on Toronto Wedding Photographers.

In 2020, two nurses, Alana and Darren, had a Covid wedding in their backyard. However, they always dreamt of having their Dream Destination wedding in St. Lucia, and two years later, their dream finally came true! With only 25 of their loved ones present with some family coming from Trinidad, they even made sure that our team felt welcomed and like part of the family during their magical week-long celebration at the Royalton Resort in Saint Lucia.

The Wedding Day

On the initial evening of their island getaway, the couple hosted a warm welcome gathering for their esteemed guests. The following day, everyone indulged in leisurely moments by the pool, unwinding and making arrangements for the momentous occasion of Alana and Darren’s wedding day. Meanwhile, our team explored around the resort to find the best locations for creative photos for the wedding day.

The Reception

Our team captured every moment of their big day, including a quick creative on Pigeon Island after the ceremony, surrounded by colourful architecture, and a walk on the beach during blue hour to capture some intimate moments. Creative sessions were a must during this Dream Destination wedding in St.Lucia! Alana’s grandparents shared their first dance during the reception after 67 years of marriage after not getting the chance to have their special moment on their big day years ago. It was such a sweet heartfelt moment to witness! Their lively reception was followed by an after-party where they danced the night away. Even our photographers joined in!

The Island Tour

The day after the wedding, the couple and their guests went on an island boat tour to enjoy the landscapes and beaches of St. Lucia. They went snorkelling, saw dolphins, went on a hike, and even took mud baths. Our team came along for every part of the adventure to capture all their fun moments on the island. We even captured drone shots of the island from above!

Did you LOVE this blog post? Here are other posts you might like:

Destination Wedding Guide

Alana and Darren’s Backyard Wedding

Insider Tips from a Destination Wedding Photographer

Alana and Darren’s St.Lucia Resort – For couples looking to plan a St.Lucia destination wedding!

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Elements to achieve Wedding Photography Motion Blur trend:

As a bride, if you love this style of imagery, you can play a significant role in incorporating motion blur photography into your wedding day.

1. WEAR A FLOWY WEDDING GOWN

One of the key elements that you can incorporate into your wedding to accomplish the trend of motion blur photography is a flowy, long dress. The flowy nature of the dress allows for a sense of movement and motion.  It creates an ideal subject for this photography technique. When you walk down the aisle, your dress will move with you.  As a result, it creates a blur effect in the background while highlighting your beauty and grace. A dress that is too stiff or structured may not achieve the desired effect. So, it is essential to choose a dress that has the right amount of flow and movement.

2. INCORPORATE A SOFT WEDDING VEIL

Another aspect to take into consideration is incorporating a soft wedding veil. A soft veil adds movement and flow to your look that translates beautifully in motion blur. As you move or turn your head, the veil will follow, when photographed this creates motion and results in a dynamic look. A long veil, preferably one that extends past the length of your dress, is ideal as it has more space for the veil to trail and flow.

3. CHOSE THE RIGHT FOOTWEAR

Your footwear choice can also impact the effect of motion blur photography. High heels and pointed shoes may restrict your movement, limiting the flow of your dress. Consider wearing a block heels or any kind of shoes that are comfortable enough for you to walk/run around and to help you move around freely. Shoes with ankle straps can also create movement and add interest to your wedding photos.

4. CHOOSE A GREAT LOCATION

Another element to consider is the location of the your creative. Outdoor locations with lots of space, are ideal for motion blur photography as they provide ample room for you to move and for the background to blur. Indoor locations can also work, but it is important to choose a location with enough space and natural light to achieve the desired effect.

Motion blur photography is a stunning technique that can create a sense of energy and movement in your wedding photos. I think it’s a trend that has been around for a long time and here to stay.  By incorporating a flowy, long dress, a soft wedding veil, comfortable shoes and and location, you can achieve this effect and create stunning, timeless photographs.

More Wedding Photos to check out with the use of this trend : Motion Blur

Noemie + Jason

Tania + Michael

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From the moment I saw a setup of this garden wedding in Caledon, Ontario I knew it was going to be an awe-inspiring celebration. Amanda and Hamza are both such beautiful people, and somehow that gets kicked up a notch when they are together.

Caledon’s Royal Ambassador was the perfect venue to host this romantic garden wedding, infused with intricate details and pastel hues. Delicate floral design by Rachel A. Clingen turned this already fairy-tale like venue into a true wonderland.

What stood out the most was a picture-perfect sweet table designed and arranged by Truffle Cake & Pastry. I was thinking a lot about what makes for a stunning dessert table, and I wrote down a few ideas.

Here are top 3 things to consider when creating a wedding sweet table:

1. Height

What really makes a sweet table unique is its height. This is a key element that makes it easy to photograph and turn it into a Pin-worthy masterpiece. Playing around with its depth will create visually interesting angles and bring out its main piece, such as this hand-crafted wedding cake by Nadia & Co.

2. Attention to Details

Amanda and Hamza’s garden wedding was full of gorgeous details, each of them beautifully displayed in a picture-perfect setting. Masterminds behind Truffle Cake & Pastry hand-painted each one of the French macarons and glazed donuts with gold flecks with their own hands. All of these details made for one sweet table to remember.

3. Decor Elements

The final piece to creating a stunning sweet table are its elements of decor. These small, but very important details will add finishing touches to your table and really fill out the scene in your wedding pictures. Everything from antique jewelry boxes, to Rachel A Clingen flowers, to Happily Ever After vintage furniture spoke to sophistication and romance, complemented the wedding’s garden theme.

Below are some of my favourite shots from this romantic garden wedding in Caledon. Amanda and Hamza, you were such amazing and beautiful hosts! I wish you both long years of happiness and joy!

As seen on WedLuxe

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Need some wedding planning tips? You’re in luck because today I will be sharing some insight on how to plan a perfectly unified wedding using Priscilla and George’s wedding at The Burroughes as inspiration. She is one of the most outwardly happy brides I have ever worked with and he is such a genuinely nice guy. George proposed to Priscilla while celebrating her birthday in Quebec City. He popped the question as he stood on one knee in the beautiful wine cellar of the quaint city restaurant. Her birthday was the next day. Sounds like a movie, right?

First, I fell in love with Priscilla’s contagious smile and her gorgeous Vera Wang dress. Then, I realized how darn beautiful the whole day was going to be when I saw their reception venue filled with beautiful details. I love it when my couples choose a theme for their weddings, and I think it’s important to consider having one on your special day.

So, Tip 1: Choosing a Theme

Most likely, your theme will be influenced by your wedding venue. Priscilla and George opted for an early 20th century loft that has its unique downtown chic and character. Given the setting, a Tea Party themed affair could seriously cramp our loft’s charm and give the venue a touch of romance. Some options were automatically sprang due to this.

Tip 2: Choosing Your Colours

If you have already settled on a theme, you will find that certain themes lend themselves to certain colors. Priscilla and George decided on a pastel palette which goes perfectly together with the Tea Party affair! Blushed pink and pastel floral magic by Sweet Woodruff turned their reception venue into an exquisite setting this wedding deserves, not to mention their awesome pastel cake crafted by Bobette & Belle.

Tip 3: Don’t Skip Even the Smallest Details

Details are so important. They will not only tie your whole day together, but will also make up for killer images in your wedding album! Fill the theme with elements and décor that will compliment your story like the glimmering gold key-tied place cards I saw at this wedding. Perfectly mismatched china meticulously hand picked by Melissa Andre added vintage charm to complement the Burroughes’ urban chic.

Yet, the finest feature of any wedding is bride and groom’s happy smiles. Both, Priscilla and George are so full of life and love. I felt as part of their family and loved sharing an occasional laugh with their guests. Below are some of my favourite photographs from the wedding. Priscilla and George, I wish you both nothing but the best. It was such a blast meeting you and your whole family!

Published on Style Me Pretty and Bridestory.

A word from Melissa Andre Planner extraordinaire: “… A perfect combination of downtown city chic and touches of vintage charm, this wedding was the perfect way to spend a sunny Saturday in June. Tables were set with nostalgic pieces of mismatched china and glimmering gold details. Contrasting shiny white finishes, an oversized 36 foot custom bar, glossy kartel chairs, and the rooftop cocktail party gave the event a really young and fresh feel. Guests dined on crispy crunch fish tacos, spanish inspired dishes, and traditional perogies. The menu was capped off with a delicately styled sweet table complete with mini cheesecakes, lavender scented cookies, and vanilla rose french macaron. The couple danced the night away with all of their friends and family to both live music and an amazing DJ.

The post Wedding Planning Tips From Mango Studios appeared first on Toronto Wedding Photographers.

We’ve seen the hilarity of the wedding photo booth first hand at many of the receptions we’ve had the pleasure of photographing. Here are just a few reasons why having this addition would make for killer moments to remember:

All Ages Fun

It’s truly mystifying seeing the most unlikely of people step in front of the backdrop and strike a pose. They’re not just fun for the young generation! They’re amazing entertainment for guests of all ages. You may think that your Great Aunt Bethany wouldn’t pop in for a round of photos, but trust us, she won’t need convincing to get in on the fun. Your guests, young and old will have a blast with our photo booth experience.

Keep Guests Mingling

Having a wedding photo booth is a great conversation starter for guests who may not know each other. We have 9 different backdrops to offer, each with it’s own personality and flare as well as a tickle-trunk of props that rivals Ms. Dress Up closet to give you and your guests plenty of fun to pose with. These will sure get the networking ball rolling.  The Mango wedding Photo booth offers different options for your photo booth fun. Each of them offer something different to get your guests in the mood for some serious entertainment. All of them provide guests with 3-hours of photo booth fun, your choice of backdrops and props, and an attendant to make sure nothing unexpected happens. Sounds about right? You can also print the images right on the spot, or get the image instantly sent to you via text or email, allowing you and your guests to download professionally edited images from the night’s shenanigans and instantly socially share.  Had too many cocktails and can’t remember where you put your photos, not to worry all of the photos are also instantly uploaded to a high resolution gallery where all guest can see ALL of the photos from the event. Boom!

Capture All Of Your Guests

The wedding photo booth is a great way to capture all of your guests on a professional camera during that special occasion without having to do those mundane portraits or table shots.  Its an interactive, creative and FUN way to guarantee each and everyone of your friends and family at your event are photographed.  The worst feeling is finding out that some of the most important guests on your day weren’t caught on camera. Well the photo booth solves this problem!

Great Looking Images

Instead of having your guests send you a collection of badly lit and composed iPhone photos of your event, the photo booth is a great way to get professional quality photos done with in-studio lighting set-up to guarantee your guests look their best. With a professional DSLR camera and careful set up, the flash goes off giving you a crisp, clean image at a high quality resolution.

Instant Sharing

Our two major packages, the Social and Print Bar booth are where the real fun happens. Each of these options offers something monumental to you and your guests. With the Social Booth your guests are given the power to share, like, and hashtag their love for your party in an instant. And by that we mean social media sharing. They can instantly upload their photos from the booth on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram for all their friends and followers to see. Because, we all know it’s pictures or it didn’t happen.

The list doesn’t end on this. We also offer some additional add-ons to all wedding photo booth packages. You have the option to add additional time, custom backdrops (there are no colour schemes we cannot match!), and various frames for your print bar photos. However, by far the best add-on we offer is the custom designed fine art photo book. You’ll have your photo booth photos compiled and beautifully arranged into a stunning album so you could have a tangible keepsake of the bond you have with the people you love.

We know that each event and party is unique. We offer custom quotes to match your needs and ensure you have the greatest fun. You’ll love seeing your friends and family let loose and get in the party mood.

To check out our photo booth in action visit our Photo Booth page or send us an email inquiry via our Contact Form.

The post Top 5 Reasons To Rent A Wedding Photo Booth appeared first on Toronto Wedding Photographers.

So many of our couples ask me if they should have a theme for their outdoor engagement photos. I always tell them that it’s such a special set of photos before the wedding. Tying in a theme can make it a really memorable set of images. In general, I like to think of them as a practice session for your creative portraits together on the wedding day. They help to make you comfortable and relaxed in front of the camera. They also give you a good excuse to indulge in dressing up and having some fun together! That’s why I love this Old Hollywood Inspired Engagement Session with Alicia and Phil. It ties in all my favourite parts of an engagement session – a great story, a beautiful theme, and amazing clothes. To help the rest of my couples make the most out of their outdoor engagement photos, I’ve come up with three tips to keep in mind when you’re planning.

1. Tell me YOUR story

Are you ready for some backstory on this amazing couple and their Old Hollywood inspired engagement session? Alicia and Phil have known each other for 8 years. They were introduced to one another by a friend who had hoped they’d all just become good friends. Little did they know their friendship would blossom year after year. After many many deep conversations together about friendships, spirituality, careers and life, they soon realized that they had fallen in love! We’re so happy they did! Knowing these details helped up get to know them quicker and made the whole experience really comfortable.

2. Incorporate your wedding theme

It’s easy to see how in-love this couple is from their Old Hollywood inspired outdoor engagement photos below. The love the classic Hollywood look and chose that for their wedding day. Naturally it was a good tie in to carry through the engagement session. When they have both sets of images in their wedding album, everything will flow super nicely.

The idea behind their choice in location stemmed from wanting a spot that was a little out of the ordinary.  Alicia and Phil both agreed that the perfect spot needed to hold some meaning for them. As a sentimental couple, they thought it best to say something about their relationship. Looking back years from now, they imagined reflecting on how far they’ve come together. A few days later, they were driving through their hometown of Caledon, they came upon these railroad tracks. The tracks would symbolize their new journey and the possibilities it brings with them. They finished off the vision with a sleek, black GTO.

3. Dress to Impress

The clothes you wear on your engagement session are so key. I always encourage couple’s to dress up. There’s nothing worse than regretting not putting your best foot forward when you’re having professional photos taken. Alicia and Phil’s clothing added an urban twist that will carry through on the wedding day. Accessories wise, I love Alicia’s white floral headpiece and Phil’s sharp fedora. The elegance and personal touches make these photos truly stunning.

A word from Alicia, the Bride, about her Old Hollywood Inspired Engagement Session:

“When it came to decide who would photograph this memory, there was no doubt in our mind that we would ask Mango Studios. Because I am an event planner, I have been following their work for some time now, and have always appreciated their natural efforts in capturing memories. On the day of the shoot, they were nothing short of what we expected. Our photographer, Tyler, had an amazing personality, and as we pre-warned him we were camera shy, he knew exactly what jokes to make to take us out of our comfort zone.”

I can’t wait for more Old Hollywood inspired fun with Alicia and Phil. Next up: their wedding at Toronto’s The Factory Lounge! xo

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It’s always a great feeling to see a beautiful wedding come together in the pages of Wedluxe and this time was no exception!  Have a look at the latest issue below.

The post Outdoor Wedding Venue featured in Wedluxe Winter / Spring 2016 appeared first on Toronto Wedding Photographers.

What do you need to consider when choosing a location for your engagement photos? You might want to think about what the location is going to say. You can say something about your relationship and what you like to do together or maybe pick a location that means something to you. In doing this, you’ll be sure to create images that are meaningful, timeless, and memorable. We promise you’ll look back on them as the years pass and be able to remember exactly how you looked and felt.

For Jennifer and David, they went with a desert engagement session because it held significant meaning. David grew up going to Palm Springs on vacation with his family. He remembered the beauty of the desert and just how fun and amazing it would be to shoot there. He knew the mountains, the desert landscape, and the stunning sunsets. So, with this in mind, he gave us the project of scoping out the perfect desert location for photos.

We set out to find different locations that would showcase the beauty of the desert, and give way to windswept and dream-like photos. Whether it was the base of a mountain, straight or winding dirt roads, or a friendly Californians front yard, this couple was game. Jennifer and David were so in love with the locations we brought them to.

Jennifer wore an open back, long sheath lace dress with a train that perfectly hugged her body. This dress against the sandy paths gives the impression of a soft desert goddess. She wanted her hair down so it would blow in the wind, further adding to the stunning windswept look of the shoot. David complimented her and wore a simple striped shirt and trousers. As they walked through the desert hand-in-hand, they couldn’t help but dance and have fun. We love how she later wore this dress during her wedding reception to tie the events together.

Jennifer’s second dress, if possible, was even cooler than the first! We love the way the soft mint green, lace and chiffon dress with metallic gold belt popped out of the background especially against the hot pink desert cactus flowers we found in the garden of a very friendly Californian’s backyard. (This couple was so obviously in love, complete strangers offered their property for the shoot!)

Their choice of a desert engagement session was so sweet for this couple. Together we accomplished a glamorous and whimsical engagement shoot that sums up their relationship. It was a way of tying together their lives; taking from his youth and bringing it together into their present and future. They’ll be able to bring more memories with them to Palm Springs as they embrace their marriage and grow their family together.

We can’t wait to share more from their gorgeous wedding at The Parker Hotel soon!

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