1. Tell the story of your wedding day from the beginning…
I love photographing full-day weddings, where I can be with the couple and their families for the entire celebration, capturing the full story of the day. As, an Alberta wedding photographer, I encourage most of my couples to book a 12-hour package (my most popular), and here are 3 reasons why.
On the day of the wedding, I prefer to start when the couple is getting ready and to shoot well into the reception. This way, when looking back on your photos, you’ll be reminded of the moments unfolding in between the more “formal” agenda. And when you hire a wedding photographer in Alberta, you ensure your memories last throughout every part of the day.
By the time the bride and groom are getting into their get-ups for their big day, my work is already well underway. I love being there to capture intimate moments before the ceremony. The morning is also a great time to capture detail shots of jewellery, invites, and any other details that make the day unique. And most of all, it’s those touching and joyful interactions you’ll have with those who are there with you on the morning of that we will capture.
Teja and her mom’s excitement are contagious! Her Alberta wedding at the River’s Edge as a full day event and deserved complete coverage.
I LOVE detail shots like this one of the back of Teresa’s dress
In the morning, you may want to do a first look with your parents or bridesmaids. That is something us Alberta wedding photographers are experienced at documenting.
Or read a letter from your spouse-to-be. In Alberta, wedding photographers know how to make these moments truly memorable.
Or pop some champagne. This is just one of the fun events your Alberta wedding photographer can help you remember forever.
I loved being able to capture the real moment of Ben & Alwin taking the train to their ceremony in downtown Toronto.
2. Reception photos that rock!
One thing we do a little bit differently with our full-day packages is to stay later into the reception. It’s a considerable part of your event. It doesn’t feel right to leave after the formal agenda id done (the speeches, first dance and cake cutting, for example). That’s when guests really start to get into celebration mode. We’ve captured so many great photos after guests get up out of their chairs, once the reception really gets into celebration mode. Over the years, our newlyweds have mentioned how much they value those candid photos. The interactions between family members who may not have seen each other for years, someone’s wild moves on the dance floor, cheers-ing with the friend group. Moments you may not be privy to, but we’ll get to live through your gallery. As an Alberta wedding photographer, I know these candid moments make all the difference.
I am so glad we were there to capture Mallory & Brian’s reception at The Royal Glenora Club.
While some photographers might finish shooting when the formal reception program is complete, I prefer to stay well into the night. Some of the best photos come after guests start to loosen up and participate in the reception. We can get some great candid shots of guests dancing, laughing, interacting, and celebrating with you!
3. More time to get all the photos you want!
I always recommend that couples create a timeline for their wedding day, but also allow for spontaneity and just a bit of wiggle room for the unexpected. With full-day wedding coverage, we will have more time for all the photos you want to take, including candids, portraits, family photos, reception coverage, and everything in between. Having your wedding photographer around for the whole day means not only that you will have more time to capture everything that is important to you, but also that there will be more breathing room in how the day unfolds, allowing you to really enjoy it! It will feel like a blur, trust me! By choosing an Alberta wedding photographer, you gain flexibility and coverage for every meaningful moment.
Like stopping at a local pub during this fun wedding! That’s the kind of spontaneous experience Alberta wedding photographers love to capture.
Natascia & Daniel’s wedding ceremony was in Banff and their reception in Calgary. Even taking into account the drive the couple wanted photos at an abandoned gas station along the route. It’s infamous for its thickly graffiti walls and post-apocalyptic vibe. We had loads of fun shooting inside!
Like these images with the Bride’s beloved horse during her wedding in wainwright. A talented Alberta wedding photographer can help make these moments unforgettable.
A story of spontaneity
A good rule of thumb, something you learn as an Alberta wedding photographer, is that the weather will throw you a curveball even in August. Mallory and Brian’s wedding ceremony was boiling hot; guests were sweating in the hot sun, but by the time we arrived at the lovely river valley spot I had picked for photos, the clouds were darkening the once-too-sunny blue sky. It started raining, so we ducked with the wedding party under a bridge, took more photos, and it started raining so hard that buckets were sliding off the bridge onto us. Everyone, including everyone in the river valley, ran for their cars. The escape route was a traffic jam, and these brave newlyweds, umbrellas in hand, walked across the bridge over to their reception. It was, in the end, a fun and spontaneous moment, because we had wiggle room, it worked out.
Cultural traditions
Some weddings will also involve traditional or cultural events. For example, a tea ceremony or Chooda may take place before a marriage ceremony and is an important part of the day to capture as it highlights important family members. Having enough time in your photography timeline is so important. From my experience, these aren’t the moments you want to rush, but to savour. As your Alberta wedding photographer, I ensure these traditions are documented with great care.
Marcus & Rosalyn during the Filipino veil (belo) ceremony.
We can even sneak out during the reception to get a gorgeous golden hour, sunset or even night shot.
I always encourage my couples to book full-day coverage with me as their wedding photographer. In fact, my most popular packages all include 12 hours. Of course, there are exceptions to that. Some couples will only need partial-day coverage for elopements or intimate weddings that may not follow traditional timelines. I’ve found each celebration is one of a kind, and we can discuss what works best for your unique day. Trust the experience of an Alberta wedding photographer for custom coverage!
