Oh my gosh, I can't even begin to describe how incredible this wedding was! As a wedding photographer, I've seen my fair share of beautiful celebrations, but this one was truly something special. It was like nothing I have ever experienced before - fun, easy, chic, and just overflowing with happiness and love.
From the moment I arrived at Harriet's Rooftop located at 1 Hotel Toronto, I knew that this was going to be a wedding to remember. The energy in the air was electric, and you could feel the excitement and anticipation building. And the views of the city from the rooftop were absolutely breathtaking! I had to pinch myself to make sure I wasn't dreaming.
The ceremony was an emotional rollercoaster, filled with so much joy, laughter, and real, raw emotions. You could just feel the love between the couple, and it was an honour to be able to capture every single moment of their special day. It was like every single person in the room was just overflowing with happiness, and I couldn't help but feel swept up in it all.
And the reception? Oh my goodness, it was like a dream come true. The lack of a formal sit-down dinner was such a brilliant idea, as it allowed everyone to really let their hair down and mingle. And the food stations - wow. They were absolutely out of this world! I was definitely tempted to sneak a few bites myself while capturing all of the beautiful, heartfelt moments of the night.
But what really made this wedding stand out was the incredible love and support that surrounded the happy couple. The speeches were some of the best I've ever heard, and the groom's best friend had everyone in stitches with his funny stories. It was like the whole room was just bursting with joy and happiness, and it felt like such an incredible privilege to be a part of it all.
In the end, this was a wedding that truly stood out in every way. It was candid, joyful, and full of real, raw emotions. The guests came from far and wide, and it felt like a big reunion of close friends and family. The love in the room was absolutely contagious, and I know that I'll treasure the memories of this amazing celebration forever. It was an honour to be able to capture all of it as their wedding photographer, and I feel so lucky to have been a part of such a beautiful and unforgettable day.
Your wedding day is one of the most important and exciting days of your life. It's a day you'll cherish forever, so it's important to make sure everything runs smoothly. One of the best ways to ensure your wedding day goes according to plan is to create a wedding day timeline. Here are some tips to help you create the perfect timeline for your special day.
Tip 1: Start your wedding timeline from scratch
Creating the perfect wedding day timeline may seem like a daunting task, but it can actually be a fun and exciting part of the wedding planning process. The key is to start from scratch and create a timeline that reflects your unique vision for your special day. Resist the temptation to simply copy someone else's timeline, as every wedding is different and deserves a customized approach.
To begin, set aside some time to sit down and visualize how you want your wedding day to unfold. Start by considering the ceremony start time, how long you want the ceremony to be, what time the reception will start, and any other events you want to include throughout the day. By having a clear idea of the flow of events, you can begin to build your timeline with confidence.
Tip 2: Start early and stay organized
The key to a successful wedding day timeline is to start early and stay organized. Give yourself plenty of time to plan your wedding day timeline so you're not rushing at the last minute. It's also important to start early when it comes to booking vendors. The earlier you book your vendors, the more likely you are to get the ones you want. Keep all of your information in one place, whether that's a physical planner or a digital one.
Tip 3: Add buffers and prepare for the unexpected
One of the most important aspects of creating a successful wedding day timeline is incorporating buffers into your schedule. As much as we try to plan for every detail, unexpected things can and do happen. Whether it's a minor delay or a major issue, it's important to have a little extra time built into your timeline to help you stay on track and avoid feeling rushed or stressed.
When creating your timeline, it's a good idea to add some extra time to each activity or event. If you think something will take 30 minutes, for example, consider adding an extra 15-20 minutes just in case. This will help ensure that you have enough time to enjoy each moment without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.
In addition to building in extra time, it's also a good idea to have a backup plan in case something unexpected happens. For example, if you're planning an outdoor ceremony, consider having a backup location in case of bad weather. Or, if a vendor is running late, have a plan in place to ensure that the timeline stays on track.
Tip 4: Prioritize your photography and videography
Your wedding day is a magical and fast-paced experience that you will want to remember for the rest of your life. That's why having a skilled photographer and videographer by your side is essential to capture all the special moments of your big day. When booking these vendors, it's important to ensure that you've booked them for enough hours to ensure that they capture every precious moment.
To ensure that your photographer and videographer are able to deliver the quality and quantity of work you desire, it is crucial to communicate with them before the wedding day. Make a list of all the photos and videos you'd like to have and share it with them beforehand. This will help them know what to prioritize and guarantee that you don't miss any essential moments.
Additionally, consider creating a photo schedule with your photographer that includes specific time slots for each photo session, such as bridal party photos, family portraits, and couple shots. This will ensure that everything stays on track and no important moments are missed.
Tip 5: Plan for downtime and self-care
Your wedding day is going to be busy, but it's important to plan for downtime and self-care. Schedule breaks throughout the day to give yourself a chance to relax and recharge. You may also want to consider hiring a wedding coordinator to help take care of the details so you can focus on enjoying your special day.
Tip 6: Communication is Key
Another important tip to consider when creating your wedding day timeline is to make sure you communicate the timeline with all of your vendors and wedding party. This will help ensure that everyone is on the same page and knows where they need to be and when. Providing your vendors and wedding party with a copy of the timeline ahead of time will give them time to ask any questions they may have and make any necessary adjustments to their own schedule. This will help everything run smoothly on your special day and allow you to relax and enjoy the moment.
SAMPLE WEDDING DAY TIMELINE:
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM – Groom getting ready
11:30 AM - 01:00 PM – Bride getting ready
01:15 PM - 01:30 PM – First Look
01:30 PM - 02:30 PM – Bride and groom photos
02:30 PM - 03:30 PM – Wedding party photos
03:30 PM - 04:30 PM – Family portraits
04:30 PM – Break! Ceremony decor photos
05:00 PM - 05:30 PM – Ceremony
05:30 PM - 06:30 PM – Cocktail hour
06:30 PM - 10:30 PM – Reception & party!
Remember, this is just a sample timeline. Your wedding day timeline will look different depending on what events you want to include and how long each event will take. The most important thing is to make sure you give yourself plenty of time to plan, stay organized, add buffers, prioritize your wedding photography and videography, and plan for downtime and self-care. With a little bit of planning and preparation, your wedding day timeline will be a success, and you'll be able to enjoy every moment of your special day.
It's important to keep in mind that your wedding day timeline is not set in stone. It's okay if things don't go exactly as planned. Remember, the most important thing is that you're getting married to the love of your life, and that's all that matters.
In conclusion, creating a wedding day timeline is an important part of planning your wedding. Starting from scratch, starting early, adding buffers, prioritizing your photography and videography, and planning for downtime and self-care are all essential steps to ensure your wedding day runs smoothly. By following these tips, you'll be able to create the perfect wedding day timeline and enjoy every moment of your special day.
As a wedding photographer, I’ve seen many different types of weddings throughout my career. But there’s something truly special about intimate elopements and micro-weddings. The focus is truly on the couple and their love for each other, and that’s what makes them so beautiful. That’s why I was thrilled to be a part of this New Year’s inspired editorial at One King West Hotel in Toronto.
The Inspiration Behind the Shoot
This editorial shoot was inspired by two things: the elegance of a traditional wedding and the excitement of New Year’s Eve. I wanted to create a celebration that combined these two elements in a way that felt sophisticated and fun. And what better place to do that than at One King West Hotel?
This historic hotel combines classic beaux-arts architecture with modern features, creating a stunning backdrop for any event. We knew that it would be the perfect setting for this editorial, with its grand staircase, elegant ballroom, and luxurious guest rooms.
The Fashion
Of course, any wedding editorial is only as good as its fashion. For this shoot, we created a look that was both classic and fashion-forward. The Narces Vienna gown was the perfect choice for our bride. The combination of organza and feathers created a stunning textural effect that was truly show-stopping. And when paired with a bold red lip and sleek bun, the look was the epitome of modern elegance.
The Location
One King West Hotel provided the perfect backdrop for this editorial shoot. The hotel’s grand staircase was the perfect place for our couple to make their entrance, with confetti raining down around them. And the ballroom, with its soaring ceilings and opulent chandeliers, provided the perfect setting for a New Year’s Eve celebration.
But perhaps the most memorable location for our shoot was the bathtub. Yes, you read that right - we created some truly unforgettable images of our bride lounging in a bathtub filled with confetti and champagne. It was a playful and unexpected moment that perfectly captured the spirit of the shoot.
The Details
No wedding celebration is complete without some fabulous details. For this shoot, we've put together a sense of luxury and sophistication while still keeping things fun and playful. The table was set with elegant gold-rimmed plates and crystal glasses, while the champagne tower added a touch of glamour to the events.
And let’s not forget the confetti! It was everywhere, from the grand staircase to the bathtub to the New Year’s Eve countdown. It added a playful touch to the photos and created some truly stunning images.
The Couple
Our real-life couple, Victoria and Vova, were the perfect match for this photoshoot. They brought a sense of love and intimacy to the photo shoot that was truly beautiful to witness. And they were game for anything, whether it was popping champagne or lounging in a bathtub filled with confetti!
The Takeaway
The key takeaway from this editorial shoot is that you don’t need a huge wedding to have a celebration that is both sophisticated and fun. Micro-weddings and elopements can be just as beautiful and memorable as larger events, as long as you focus on what really matters - the love between two people.
And of course, it doesn’t hurt to have a stunning location like One King West Hotel to provide the backdrop for your celebration. With its combination of classic and modern elements, it’s the perfect location for any couple looking for both elegant and fun celebrations.
As a wedding photographer, it was an honour to be a part of this New Year’s inspired editorial shoot at One King West Hotel. From the stunning fashion to the playful details to the beautiful love between our real-life couple, it was a commemoration that truly captured the spirit of what a wedding should be - a celebration of love.
