The definitive guide to our favourite Canadian wedding photographers of the year from coast to coast.
We scoured our archives for the prettiest real wedding photos and narrowed the field based on reputation, attention to detail and the overall quality and creativity of the shots. Scroll through our top 25 list to find a photographer that perfectly suits your taste — we’ll fill you in on who they are, why we picked them, where you can see more of their work and how you can get in touch to make a booking.
Know any photographers that aren’t on our list but should be? Have them submit a real wedding to be instantly entered into the running for 2013.
Technology has made wedding planning even easier with online apps, tools and websites. But, it’s not just limited to the planning stage. Many couples are using technology to share their wedding moments as they happen with their guests and the online world. Devices like iPads, smart phones and digital cameras are also adding an interactive touch. We’ve compiled 10 of the neatest ways to add technology to your wedding:
1. Stream your wedding live
Skype is a great way to connect with people across the world for cheap. If a loved one can’t make it to the wedding, video call them or have them watch the proceedings online. Many destination-wedding venues also have streaming video capabilities, so you can broadcast your wedding online.
2. Planning apps and websites
Forget excel spreadsheets. There are hundreds of apps out there for download that will let you organize, plan and gather inspiration. From budget tools to music playlist creators to seating charts, you can keep all of your wedding info at your fingertips. One of our favourite online inspiration sites, pinterest.com, lets you “pin” ideas and add them to themed “boards.”
3. QR code invitations
Instead of waiting weeks for an R.S.V.P, let your guests respond instantly with a QR code invitation. QR codes–short for “quick response”–are barcodes that store data and can be read by cell phones. Having one on your invitation can instantly direct guests to your wedding website, maps, directions and even add the date to their calendar. Add a QR code to table number cards and let guests browse online photo albums or videos.
4. Posting your wedding in real time
Instead of turning off their phones during the proceedings, many couples are choosing to keep them on and sometimes use them during the wedding. Some couples have even changed their facebook statuses right at the altar. Others update throughout the day with Twitter or let guests update using a wedding day “hashtag.” A new trend in weddings is designating someone a “tweet of honour” who can post in real time throughout the day.
5. Using iPads
In Denver, Colorado, a bridesmaid couldn’t make it to her best friend’s wedding, so a groomsmen “carried” her down the aisle via an iPad. She got to be a part of the ceremony and even mingle with guests 1,600 miles away. Consider having a “social media” station set up with multiple devices, so guests can update and connect online or use an iPad to display photos or videos at your guest book table. One couple used iPads at the altar to read off their wedding vows.
6. Instant photos with Photobooths
The newest trend in photo booths is instant photos. Vancouver-based Flipbooks offers each guest a photo flipbook of their photo booth pictures, which are printed out in less than a minute. Many other photo booth services offer instant Polaroids or printouts as a keepsake for your guests.
7. Digital guest books
One digital service, Thrilled for You, lets you download a kiosk software program on your computer to let guests record personal wishes. You can also rent a video booth, similar to a photo booth, so guests can record personal messages. Some companies will even compile the raw videos into a montage DVD. Camerarenter.comsends you a box of digital cameras, then compiles all of the photos and videos onto a sharing website.
8. Digital frames
Digital frames are a neat way to display photos at your guestbook table. Companies like 3D Wedding.org can can even create a digital 3D album of your wedding.
Animals are becoming a popular addition to weddings, whether it’s as ring bearers, “flower pets” or even as part of the wedding party. Your wedding day is a chance to be surrounded by loved ones, so why not let your beloved furry friend be a part of the celebration? Include them during the ceremony, pictures or let them roam around throughout the day. Here are 10 easy ways to incorporate them into your photos.
Wedding videos have come a long way since shaky home movies with handycams. Today, wedding videographers (and cinematographers) can create feature film-quality videos that will capture the sights and sounds of your day. Plus, you can relive the moments and share them on DVD for years to come. To make sure you end up with a video you’ll want to treasure, here are six things that will make your wedding video memorable:
1. A good relationship with the videographer
Research videographers in your area and check out their samples. Meet with a few that you like and ask to see full-length samples—as opposed to short clips—and take note of the quality and editing. Brian Carpenter, cinematographer and owner of Love Madly in Binbrook, Ontario, says it’s essential to establish a connection with your videographer. “Knowing the person in advance and feeling comfortable around them really helps to feel more relaxed on the day and it enables the videographer a better opportunity to capture details and special moments,” he says.
2. Have a vision or style in mind
Super 8mm film is making a comeback and can add a vintage feel to your video. “Love story” films can delve deeper into your story with interviews from family and friends. Or, stick with a traditional cinematic approach of music, footage and photos; be as creative or traditional as you want, but communicate your vision with your videographer. “Make sure that you feel as though their “style” is in line with what you are looking for in your own wedding film,” says Carpenter. “Be very open and honest about what parts of your day are most important and what might be less significant to you.”
3. Know the type of video you want
There are many options to consider when thinking about your video, such as length, sound and type of footage. For example, do you prefer black-and-white, colour or high definition? Carpenter says same-day edits, where footage from the day is quickly edited together to show at the reception, have become increasingly popular. If you want to capture more wedding moments on film, consider a save-the-date, engagement or even a trash the dress film.
4. Know what you’re getting and negotiate a contract
Although video packages vary, most include ceremony and reception coverage, equipment, staff and DVD copies. Make sure you know how much footage will be shot, how long the video will take to edit and how far in advance you need to book. Ask questions and work out details beforehand, but most importantly, know what’s going to happen on the day. “It’s important for couples to keep their videographer informed of what is about to happen so they can make sure their position, lighting and lens choice are optimal for capturing the moment as it happens,” says Carpenter.
5. Professional equipment
Even if you’re not tech savvy, it’s important to know what equipment and technology your videographer will be using. Make sure they are recording with digital equipment–ideally broadcast quality (unless you’re going Super 8)–and have backup equipment available. “By watching a full length edit from the studio you will be able to tell if the equipment is producing quality work. Be leery of companies who say that the samples they are showing you were created from older equipment and that what they are using now is better–they should have updated samples of their very best work to share with you,” advises Carpenter.
6. The right soundtrack
Picking a soundtrack for your video isn’t just about selecting your favourite songs. The music can set the mood, emotion and story of your video. Carpenter says to think of the music as the “soundtrack to your wedding story”. “It’s a great idea to share your musical preferences and the genre you like best with your videographer, but be open minded as well to what they feel will really fit the creative flow and make your film the best it can be,” he says.
Engagement photos have come a long way, and for the better. More couples these days are using their own personal style to make every photo unique and different. Scenic backdrops and fun props are almost always expected when it comes to unique engagement images. So, when it’s your turn in front of the camera, how do you decide, where, what and how? Well, plain and simple, the images have to be you–especially the props you use. If you’re cute and quirky, then picking a whimsical item such as a balloon makes sense. However, if you’re a thrift shopper, you and your fiancé may want to veer towards more vintage-inspired ideas (an old camera is quite popular these days). Ultimately, your engagement images, and the trinkets you use, should be a true reflection of your style. Wondering what to incorporate and how to do it? Here are 13 spectacular engagement photos (which we handpicked specifically for you) that will blow your socks off and inspire you to be just as unique and different with your own engagement pics.
Celebrity wedding planner David Connolly from Rich Bride, Poor Bride has joined Weddingbells as a guest blogger answering all of your burning wedding-related questions. Need some help with the planning process? Have a question about etiquette, organization or budgeting? Post your question in the comment field below and we’ll forward it directly to David.
Here is this week’s reader question:
Q: “I am getting married in 18 months and I would like to “ban” cameras from the wedding and reception. I do NOT want photos of my wedding posted on Facebook without my consent and to be honest, I am paying a very large sum of money to a professional photographer so it should be ME that gets to share photos of my wedding, not other people. We are happy to provide professional photos to anyone who wishes to have them for their own personal use. How should I deal with this situation?” - Jen Gibson
Let me start off by saying, HAPPY NEW YEAR everyone. While 2010 was an amazing year for weddings, I can’t help but feel super-excited for all the 2011 celebrations to come–it’s going to be a spectacular year. With that being said, our most inspiring photographers list for 2010 was such a major hit that we decided to do it all over again. This time around, we bumped it up to 30 (there was so much talent to pick from), but we are definitely excited to unveil this amazing list to you. Enjoy!
If there is one thing that people keep telling me over and over it’s that I should not skimp on photography. And have you seen what people are doing these days? We’ve all seen the traditional wedding videos from the 80′s and 90′s but have you seen the full on motion pictures people are having created for themselves? Some of them are like music videos. What an incredible way to remember the big day. I want one! But, I just saw our budget board a train and it’s bound for broke central station. I’m sorry but all the assurance in the world from Uncle Jerry that his SLR with video capability will be fine, is not going to convince me.
These movies are edited so well, they are as unique as the couples they feature and they always leave me in tears. I need one! Now, all I need is to find the Scorsese of the family and call in a favour. I wonder if Sophia Coppola is looking for work these days?
