Wedding Photography Terms Every Engaged Couple Should Know – A Guide by Toronto Wedding Experts

Why Understanding Wedding Photography Terms Matters for Your Big Day

Planning your Toronto wedding is an exciting journey—but let’s be real, it can also feel like you’re learning a whole new language. When you start exploring options with your wedding photographer, terms like “golden hour,” “first look,” or “RAW files” might pop up and leave you scratching your head. That’s where this guide comes in! We’re here to help you understand the most common wedding photography terms so you can confidently plan your big day with Little Blue Lemon or another top Toronto photographer by your side. Knowing what these terms mean not only makes conversations easier but also ensures you get the wedding images you’ve been dreaming of.

Must-Know Wedding Photography Styles Explained

Just like your dress or your venue, the style of photography you choose sets the tone for your entire wedding story. Some couples love a romantic, soft look, while others go for bold, editorial vibes. Many Toronto couples are now mixing styles to create something truly unique. Let’s walk through the most popular types of wedding photography you’ll hear about during your planning process.

Documentary Wedding Photography

If you love the idea of reliving your day exactly as it unfolded—real laughs, genuine tears, stolen glances—documentary photography might be your perfect match. Also known as photojournalistic style, this approach focuses on authentic, unscripted candid moments. Little Blue Lemon, one of the top Toronto wedding photographers, is known for capturing these real emotions in a way that feels honest and cinematic.

Traditional vs Candid Wedding Photography

Traditional photography is timeless—think of those formal family portraits and structured shots that often become mantle-worthy prints. On the other hand, candid photography leans into spontaneity. It captures the fun, the quirky, the unexpected moments that make your wedding day truly yours. Today’s trend? A thoughtful mix of both. Many Toronto couples work with photographers like Little Blue Lemon to strike that perfect balance.

Editorial Wedding Photography

Ever dreamed of looking like you stepped out of a bridal magazine? Editorial-style photography is glamorous, bold, and meticulously composed. It’s all about lighting, styling, and bringing out the model in you. This style is increasingly popular among fashion-forward couples getting married in Toronto’s modern venues. Little Blue Lemon has become a go-to for capturing these dramatic and stylish moments.

Fine Art Wedding Photography

Soft, romantic, and timeless—fine art photography turns your wedding into a gallery-worthy collection. It emphasizes beautiful compositions, delicate lighting, and often draws inspiration from film photography. Whether you're tying the knot in a Toronto garden or a cozy winery, this style elevates the visual story of your love. The Little Blue Lemon team loves bringing a fine art lens to weddings that feel both elegant and deeply personal.

Popular Wedding Photo Moments Defined

Okay, so you’ve picked your photographer and chosen your style—what about the actual moments? Knowing the must-have photo ops can help you make the most of your timeline. Let’s look at the key highlights your wedding album shouldn’t miss.

First Look

The first look has quickly become a favorite for modern couples. It’s a private, emotional moment where you see each other before the ceremony—and yes, there are usually tears involved (happy ones, of course). Not only does this make for touching photos, but it also helps ease those pre-ceremony jitters. Photographers like Little Blue Lemon capture the magic of this moment with warmth and creativity.

Golden Hour & Blue Hour

This isn’t just photographer lingo—it’s pure magic. Golden hour is that soft, glowing light you get just before sunset (or right after sunrise). It flatters everyone and makes your photos look dreamy and ethereal. Whether you’re taking portraits near the Toronto waterfront or in a rustic vineyard, golden hour is when the photo magic really happens. Blue Hour is that beautiful purple blue sky that happens just after sunset. It lasts maybe 3-5 minutes but makes for the most magical photos. So magical in fact, that’s why the best Toronto wedding photographers always build it into the day’s schedule.

Getting Ready Shots

These candid, behind-the-scenes moments are full of anticipation and excitement. Whether it's your mom helping you with your dress or your best friend calming your nerves with a joke, these are the small, intimate memories that add depth to your wedding album. Little Blue Lemon excels at capturing these little moments that mean so much when you look back years later.

First Dance, Last Shot, and Everything In Between

From the moment you step onto the dance floor to the sparkler exit at the end of the night, each part of your wedding tells a piece of your love story. A skilled wedding photographer knows how to capture those fleeting moments—the laughter, the embraces, the joyful chaos—so you can relive them again and again. Little Blue Lemon ensures every important beat of your celebration is documented with heart and style.

Final Thoughts – You Deserve Photos That Feel Like You

Your wedding isn’t just one day—it’s a collection of incredible moments, emotions, and memories that deserve to be told in a way that feels true to you. Understanding photography terms helps you connect with your photographer and choose a style that reflects your story. Whether you're drawn to documentary candids, fine art elegance, or editorial glam, there’s a style (and a photographer) for every couple. The key is variety. Choose a photographer who can deliver a variety of styles that match the tone of the wedding - that way you truly capture the story of your wedding day.

At Little Blue Lemon, our goal is to create beautiful, timeless images that bring your wedding day to life — you feel the emotions of your wedding day every time you look at them. We’re passionate about capturing love stories across Toronto and beyond, and we’d be honoured to be part of yours.

Let’s make magic together.

Get in touch