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The Journal

Stories & Guides Toronto wedding photography journal

Tips, location guides, and behind-the-scenes from my sessions.

Groom lifting the bride's blusher veil, nose to nose as sun rays fall through the trees at Guild Park & Gardens, by AD Photography
Photo Location

Sunset Wedding Photos at Guild Park & Gardens, Scarborough

Sunset wedding photos at Guild Park & Gardens: what the last hour of light does to the ruins, when to start, sunset times by month, and estate gardens with the same feel.

Richie on one knee proposing to Aimee on the stone terrace steps at Alexander Muir Memorial Gardens in Toronto, by AD Photography
Photo Location

Alexander Muir Memorial Gardens: A Toronto Proposal Photo Guide

Planning a proposal at Alexander Muir Memorial Gardens in North Toronto? The terrace, the best corners, permits, parking and timing, from a real October proposal.

Abdullah and Nadia hold hands on the Toronto Music Garden lawn with the CN Tower behind them after eloping in Toronto, by AD Photography
Elopement

How to Elope in Toronto: Licence, Officiant, Where, and Cost

How to elope in Toronto, step by step: the $180 licence, finding an officiant, every place you can legally marry, what it costs, and real Toronto elopements.

Maninder and Parneet walking hand in hand past the giant stone columns of the Parkwood Estate colonnade, by AD Photography
Photo Location

Parkwood Estate Engagement Photos: An Oshawa Location Guide

Parkwood Estate engagement photos in Oshawa: the photo pass, prices, hours, parking and the garden spots, from a real pre-wedding session I shot in September.

Parneet looking up at Maninder at sunrise on Lake Ontario, dark shoreline trees and warm sky behind, by AD Photography
Pre-Wedding

Sunrise Engagement Photos in Toronto: Why I Shoot at First Light

Sunrise engagement photos in Toronto, built around a real Lake Ontario beach session: what first light does to a photo and what the early start asks of you.

University of Toronto headshot of a young woman with long dark hair, smiling with her arms crossed in a black blazer and white top under the stone columns of the Convocation Hall portico, by AD Photography
Headshots

University of Toronto Headshots for Students

University of Toronto headshots from $151.25, shown at Convocation Hall and University College. A short headshot session on campus needs no permit.

A bride to be twirls in a teal lehenga on the snowy lakeside path at RC Harris during a January engagement session in Toronto, by AD Photography
Pre-Wedding

Winter Engagement Photos in Toronto: Where to Shoot and What to Wear

Winter engagement photos in Toronto, from a January session in the snow at RC Harris to U of T's stone arches. Where I shoot, the light, and staying warm.

Harsh and Payal laughing with seven friends dressed in blush and cream on a Toronto Islands pier, the lake and a distant sailboat behind them, by AD Photography
Permits

Toronto Park Photo Permit: How to Book It, Step by Step

How to book a Toronto park photo permit: make a City account with both your names, call 416-396-7378, press 2, and pay by card. The full walkthrough.

Josie and Nelson smiling forehead to forehead in front of a wall of blush hydrangeas at Guild Park & Gardens, by AD Photography
Real Wedding

A Guild Park & Gardens Wedding in Scarborough: Josie + Nelson

Josie and Nelson married at Guild Park & Gardens in Scarborough, among rescued stone columns and candlelight. A real Toronto wedding in photo and film.

Donald kissing Ashley as she kneels into him beside the fountain at Château des Charmes winery seconds after she said yes, by AD Photography
Photo Location

Château des Charmes Proposal Photography: A Surprise Winery Proposal in Niagara on the Lake

A surprise proposal at Château des Charmes winery in Niagara on the Lake, plus a photographer's guide to the fountain, the vines and the lavender door.

A bright private venue in Maple set up for a 20th anniversary party, long tables of desserts and appetizers under two brass chandeliers, photographed by AD Photography
Celebrations

Affordable Photographer in Toronto: What $100 Per Hour Actually Gets You

An honest look at hiring an affordable photographer in Toronto. My hourly event rate is $100 per hour with 40 edited photos per hour, and this is exactly what it covers, what it does not, and when a package is the smarter buy.

A smiling man in a black suit standing outside a modern Toronto building with his hands in his pockets, by AD Photography
Headshots

Are Professional Headshots Worth It? An Honest Answer

An honest answer from a Toronto photographer. What a professional headshot actually does for you, what the numbers really say, and packages from $151.25.

A professional headshot taken outside Albion Public Library in Toronto, floor to ceiling glass behind the subject and timber beams overhead, by AD Photography
Headshots

Student Headshots in Toronto: A Session at Albion Library

Student headshots in Toronto from $151.25. A real session at Albion Public Library, minutes from Humber North, plus on location sessions at any GTA campus.

A couple on the Toronto Island ferry deck with the CN Tower and downtown skyline behind them, by AD Photography
Venue Guide

Toronto Islands Wedding Photos: Permits, Ferries and the Best Spots

A wedding or photo shoot on the Toronto Islands? My guide to the permit you actually need, the ferry timing that ruins days, and where to shoot.

A man on one knee proposing under the iron pavilion at the Toronto Music Garden with the CN Tower rising behind them, by AD Photography
Photo Location

Toronto Music Garden Proposal Photography: A Skyline Spot Downtown

A proposal at the Toronto Music Garden? My guide to the skyline views, the best corners, timing, permits, and how a hidden proposal shoot works.

A couple kissing perfectly still as a Toronto streetcar blurs past behind them, by AD Photography
Wedding Film

Shooting a Wes Anderson Style Wedding Film on the SIRUI 40mm Anamorphic

A Toronto Islands wedding film shot on the SIRUI 40mm 1.33x anamorphic. Why anamorphic for a wedding, and the Wes Anderson techniques behind the edit.

Karen glancing back over her shoulder in backlight on a tree lined path at the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens, by AD Photography
Real Wedding

A Botanical Gardens Wedding in Niagara Falls: Karen + Micheal

Karen and Micheal married on a garden path at the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens, signed with a feather quill, and ended the day above the gorge.

Karen and Micheal in warm sun flare in front of the Botanical Gardens greenhouse in Niagara Falls, by AD Photography
Venue Guide

Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens Wedding Photos: A Niagara Falls Location Guide

Wedding or engagement photos at the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens? My guide to the permit rules, parking, the best gardens, and the best months to come.

A couple in wedding attire walk hand in hand across Nathan Phillips Square, the sandstone facade and clock tower of Toronto's Old City Hall rising behind them, by AD Photography
Venue Guide

Getting Married at Old City Hall Toronto: Booking and Cost

Toronto's Old City Hall, the 1899 sandstone courthouse, now hosts civil wedding ceremonies. How booking, cost, and photos work, from a downtown photographer.

Saksham carries Swati along the waterline beneath the white cliffs of the Scarborough Bluffs, by AD Photography
Photo Location

Scarborough Bluffs Pre-Wedding Photos: A Toronto Beach Guide

Planning pre-wedding photos at the Scarborough Bluffs? A photographer's guide to Bluffer's Park beach: the cliffs, the light, parking, and a real session.

Aera Toronto wedding venue interior on the 38th floor of CIBC Square, floor-to-ceiling skyline windows and cloud-painted ceiling, by AD Photography
Venue Guide

Aera Toronto Wedding Guide: A Photographer's Look

Considering Aera Toronto for your wedding? A photographer's look inside the 38th-floor venue, best photo spots, light, and what couples should plan for.

The interior of St. Patrick's Catholic Parish in Hamilton, painted starry vault and gilded altar, light through the rose window, by AD Photography
Wedding

Catholic Church Wedding Photography: What to Expect

A Catholic church wedding has its own rhythm and rules. A photographer's honest guide to flash, timing, the Mass, and how a church ceremony photographs.

A couple in front of the Italianate columned facade of Dundurn Castle in Hamilton, parkland and bare-limbed trees around them, by AD Photography
Venue Guide

Dundurn Castle Wedding Photos: A Hamilton Location Guide

Planning wedding or engagement photos at Dundurn Castle in Hamilton? A photographer's guide to the Italianate estate: best spots, light, and what to confirm.

An outdoor wedding ceremony on the deck at The Glenerin Inn, Mississauga, under a canopy of tall maples in September light, by AD Photography
Venue Guide

The Glenerin Inn Wedding Guide, Mississauga

Considering The Glenerin Inn for your wedding? A photographer's look inside the stone estate in Mississauga: the ceremony deck, the domed room, and best light.

A backyard wedding at a Toronto family home, cedar fence strung with warm bulbs and a gazebo ceremony canopy at golden hour, by AD Photography
Real Wedding

Backyard Wedding in Toronto: A Photographer's Real-Day Guide

Planning an intimate backyard wedding in Toronto? A real summer day at a family home, plus what to know about tents, noise, neighbours, and timing.

An estate wedding ceremony under old maples at The Glenerin Inn near Toronto, soft September light, by AD Photography
Pricing

Toronto Wedding Photographer Cost 2027: Packages and Rates

What a Toronto wedding photographer costs for a 2027 wedding. My full package prices with hours and photo counts, real GTA rate ranges, and what changes the price.

A couple in front of the Art Deco limestone towers of the RC Harris Water Treatment Plant on the Toronto lakeshore, by AD Photography
Photo Location

RC Harris Engagement Photos: A Toronto Location Guide

Planning engagement or pre-wedding photos at RC Harris? A photographer's guide to Toronto's Art Deco waterworks: best spots, light, seasons, and access.

A couple on Nathan Phillips Square after their Toronto City Hall wedding, the curved towers of New City Hall rising behind them, by AD Photography
Venue Guide

Toronto City Hall Wedding: Cost, Chambers, Booking, Photos

How to get married at Toronto City Hall: the $180 licence, every Toronto wedding chamber compared, how to book, and where to take portraits right after.

A couple under the Gothic stone arches of Knox College at the University of Toronto in autumn light, by AD Photography
Photo Location

University of Toronto Engagement Photos: A Location Guide

Planning engagement photos at the University of Toronto? A photographer's guide to Knox College, UC, and King's College Circle, the best light, and seasons.

Adamson Estate's 1919 stone manor and lakefront grounds in Mississauga, late afternoon golden light, by AD Photography
Venue Guide

Adamson Estate Wedding Photography Guide, Mississauga

Planning a wedding or engagement shoot at Adamson Estate? Inside the lakefront Mississauga venue: best photo spots, light timing, what couples should know.

Grace and Giovanni's wedding toast at Aera Toronto, long Italian dinner table glowing under candlelight on the 38th floor of CIBC Square, by AD Photography
Real Wedding

An Italian Night, 38 Floors Up: A Real Wedding at Aera Toronto

Grace and Giovanni's Italian wedding at Aera Toronto, 38 floors above downtown. Why this skyline venue works for intimate, cinematic Toronto weddings.

Sunrise over Lake Ontario at Adamson Estate, Mississauga heritage mansion grounds glowing in first light, by AD Photography
Locations

5 Best Sunrise Photo Shoot Locations Along Lake Ontario

Where to chase first light around the GTA. Five east-facing Lake Ontario spots from Scarborough Bluffs to Paletta Mansion that we love for sunrise sessions.

Roxanne and Justin embrace on the church steps of St. Patrick's Catholic Parish in Hamilton while family clap and cheer around them, featured by AD Photography
Real Wedding

From St. Patrick's to Dundurn Castle: A Real Hamilton Wedding

Roxanne and Justin's Hamilton wedding, from St. Patrick's on King Street East to the grounds of Dundurn Castle. The venues, the light, and the day.

Ayushi and Parth pre-wedding shoot at a Toronto location, wide cinematic landscape by AD Photography
Locations

6 Best Pre-Wedding Photography Locations in Toronto

Planning a pre wedding or engagement shoot in Toronto? My 6 tried and tested locations, with tips on timing, parking, and what to expect.

Alex and Aziz pre-wedding styling landscape frame by AD Photography, coordinated outfits in Toronto
Tips

What to Wear to Your Pre-Wedding Photo Shoot

Not sure what to wear for your engagement or pre-wedding session? Here's our practical guide to choosing outfits that photograph beautifully.

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