Your Ultimate Toronto Wedding Photography Checklist

Planning a wedding in Toronto is an exciting journey, and capturing the magic of your big day is something you’ll cherish forever. As a Toronto-based wedding photographer, I know how important it is to ensure that no moment goes undocumented. To help you stay organized, I’ve put together the ultimate wedding photography checklist so you don’t miss any of those unforgettable moments on your special day.

Pre-Wedding Photos

  • Engagement Session: Capture the excitement of your engagement in some of Toronto’s iconic locations like Graffiti Alley, the Distillery District, or the Toronto Islands.
  • Pre-Wedding Prep: Set aside time for candid shots during the final stages of wedding planning, such as dress fittings, venue visits, or invitation prep.

Getting Ready

  • Bride’s Details:
    • Wedding dress, veil, shoes
    • Bouquet, accessories (jewelry, rings)
    • Candid shots of the bride and bridesmaids getting ready
  • Groom’s Details:
    • Suit, cufflinks, shoes
    • Boutonniere, tie or bowtie
    • Candid shots of the groom and groomsmen preparing
  • Bridal Portraits: Capture the bride in her dress before the ceremony.
  • Groom’s Portraits: Capture the groom looking dapper before the event.
  • First Look: If you’re planning a first look before the ceremony, this is a key emotional moment to capture.

Ceremony Must-Haves

  • Venue Exterior and Decor: Showcase the setting and its special touches.
  • Guests Arriving: Candid shots of friends and family as they arrive.
  • Groom Waiting at the Altar: Capture the anticipation on his face.
  • Bridal Entrance: A shot of the bride walking down the aisle with her escort.
  • The Vows and Rings: Close-ups of ring exchanges, hand-holding, and emotional reactions.
  • The First Kiss: The ultimate celebratory moment.
  • Recessional: Capture the couple walking down the aisle as newlyweds, and the joyful reactions of their guests.

Family and Group Portraits

  • Immediate Family: Ensure that both sides of the family get special attention.
  • Extended Family: Include grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.
  • Bridal Party: Fun, formal, and candid shots of bridesmaids and groomsmen.
  • Friends: Make time for group shots with close friends.

Couple Portraits

  • Iconic Toronto Backdrops: Plan a photo session at some of Toronto’s famous locations—whether it’s in front of the CN Tower, the waterfront skyline, or the lush greenery of High Park.
  • Candid Moments: Capture the couple’s natural chemistry and laughter during casual moments.
  • Golden Hour Photos: Plan some time during sunset for that soft, magical lighting.

Reception Details

  • Venue Setup: Take wide-angle shots of the reception venue before guests arrive.
  • Table Settings and Decor: Capture the intricate details that reflect your wedding’s theme—centerpieces, table numbers, and favors.
  • Guest Favors: Any unique items that reflect the couple’s personality or Toronto’s culture.
  • Cake and Dessert Table: Highlight the cake before the cake-cutting ceremony.

Reception Highlights

  • Grand Entrance: Capture the energy and excitement as the couple enters.
  • First Dance: The romance and intimacy of the first dance.
  • Toasts and Speeches: Emotional and candid moments from speeches given by family and friends.
  • Cake Cutting: A fun and memorable moment, especially if the couple shares a laugh or messy frosting incident.
  • Bouquet and Garter Toss: Traditional fun moments with candid reactions from guests.
  • Dancing: Candid and energetic shots of guests on the dance floor.
  • Special Traditions: If there are any cultural or religious traditions, make sure they’re captured in detail.

Night Shots

  • End of the Night Farewell: Capture the couple’s exit, whether it’s under sparklers, with a big send-off from friends and family, or a quiet moment together.
  • Night Portraits: Consider a few creative night-time shots in the city—Toronto’s skyline or street lights can create a magical backdrop.

Bonus: The Unexpected Moments

  • Guest Reactions: Candid shots of laughter, tears, and surprise are often the most emotional and memorable.
  • Details in Between: Sometimes, the quiet moments—like a couple stealing a glance at each other—can be the most cherished.

By following this checklist, you can ensure that no detail or moment goes unnoticed. As a wedding photographer in Toronto, my goal is to capture the essence of your love story, one frame at a time, while allowing you to relive the magic every time you look at your wedding photos.

If you’re still planning your big day, feel free to reach out for a personalized consultation—let’s make sure your Toronto wedding is beautifully documented from start to finish!