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The morning of your wedding can be a mix of emotions &mdash; excitement, nervousness, you name it. But stress shouldn&rsquo;t be one of them. This is the day you&rsquo;ve been waiting for, and you get to spend the morning surrounded by your closest friends and family before you say &ldquo;I do.&rdquo; It&rsquo;s time to toast your new chapter and enjoy a few special hours together before the celebrations really get underway.&nbsp;
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Here are some Calgary wedding photographer tips for brides to have a stress-free wedding morning.
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Get Organized Ahead of Time
Your wedding-morning prep for your Calgary wedding will go much more smoothly if you get organized ahead of time. Most brides aren&rsquo;t at home the night before their wedding, so you&rsquo;ll want to make a checklist to ensure you have everything you need for the big day. You&rsquo;ll need your gown, shoes, and veil (if you&rsquo;re wearing one), but don&rsquo;t forget your jewellery, undergarments, wardrobe tape, vows, or a bag with essential supplies you may need the day of (tissues, mints, tampons, sewing kit, super glue, deodorant, and so on).&nbsp;
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If you need to steam your gown or veil, do so the night before if possible. This saves tons of time on the wedding morning. Your hair and makeup team will also thank you, as steam can ruin expertly coiffed curls and meticulously applied makeup.
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I&rsquo;ve seen many couples furiously copying vows from their phones to their vow book on the morning of the wedding, and I would advise against this. Take a few minutes in the days leading up to the wedding to write your vows in your vow book and save yourself stress on the day &mdash; or risk forgetting to do it all together.
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Avoid Rushing
Work with your wedding planner, coordinator, or photographer to craft a timeline that leaves breathing room. Time has a way of flying by on a wedding day (trust me on this&nbsp;&mdash;&nbsp;I was even late to my own wedding), and everything takes just a little bit longer when you&rsquo;re trying to get multiple people out the door. Before making your timeline, consult with your hair and makeup team to get an accurate idea of how long each person will take, and then tell anyone getting beauty services exactly what time they need to be in the chair &mdash; it&rsquo;s also helpful to let them know what time they need to be dressed (especially the person helping you into your gown) and en route to the ceremony. You&rsquo;ll need to factor in additional time if you want intricate flat lay photographs of your wedding details or any first looks with bridesmaids or family members.
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Make a Details Box or Bag
Speaking of detail flat lays, these take a lot longer than you think! Most photographers need a minimum of half an hour and upwards of an hour (depending on the amount of details and variations needed). Talk about this with your photographer when you design your timeline, and if you want to skip these shots (or any others for that matter, let them know).&nbsp;
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If you have special details you&rsquo;d like photographed, gather everything into a box or bag before your photographer arrives. Then we can take it all over to a quiet spot and do our thing without bugging you to find items. Some common detail items include rings and ring boxes, jewellery, invitation suites, veils, shoes, heirlooms, and bouquets (just let us know where this is and we&rsquo;ll grab it).

Choose Your Getting-Ready Location Carefully
If there isn&rsquo;t a getting-ready suite on-site at your venue, choose a location that&rsquo;s got plenty of natural light and space for everyone (and all of their getting-ready items). Lots of window light makes for beautiful photos, and it&rsquo;s important to have a place to stash bags so things don&rsquo;t look cluttered. It&rsquo;s also helpful to choose a spot that&rsquo;s close to your ceremony venue to avoid any traffic delays. Bonus points if it&rsquo;s also close to your partner&rsquo;s getting-ready location so your photographer doesn&rsquo;t have to travel far in-between.
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Don&rsquo;t Forget to Eat and Hydrate
Seriously. The mimosas are usually flowing, you&rsquo;re having a great time with your people, and it&rsquo;s easy to forget to eat or drink water. You likely won&rsquo;t eat again until dinner, unless you pack some snacks for the limo, so you need to eat a good breakfast &mdash; or lunch, depending on your ceremony time &mdash; before everything gets underway. Make sure your wedding party eats too.
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And go easy on the mimosas. Save the partying for the reception and drink plenty of water while you get ready. Don&rsquo;t forget to visit the washroom before you put on your dress either!&nbsp;
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Do a Practice Run Before the wedding morning, do a practice run getting in and out of your dress with the person who will be helping you into it. Some gowns are an easy zip, but others are much more complicated&nbsp;&mdash; especially if there are lots of buttons. Photographers have plenty of experience doing up different dresses and can jump in if needed, but you also need us to capture moments during this time. Make sure someone in your wedding party (or a friend / family member) knows how to fasten your bustle too.
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Communicate, Communicate, Communicate
Your wedding party and family are there for you on your wedding morning, so let them know how they can help. It can be stressful having everyone asking you what you want / need constantly, so talk to them beforehand and delegate tasks accordingly. It&rsquo;s also important to let them know what you don&rsquo;t want that morning and how they can help reduce stress. Ensure everyone is clear on the getting-ready location address, the parking situation, the wedding timeline, and what they need to bring with them.
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I&rsquo;ve been involved in wedding-morning prep as a photographer, bridesmaid, and as a bride, and I&rsquo;m always happy to help my clients plan their day so they can enjoy it to the fullest. I&rsquo;ve included links to a couple of other helpful blog posts below, and please <a href="https://www.meaghanbaxterphotography.com/#contact-section">reach out</a> if you&rsquo;re looking for a Calgary wedding photographer.
 
Check out these blog posts for more:
<a href="https://www.meaghanbaxterphotography.com/blog/wedding-planning-tips">Ten Planning Tips from a Calgary Wedding Photographer and Recent Bride</a>
<a href="https://www.meaghanbaxterphotography.com/blog/what-i-pack-for-every-wedding-besides-my-gear">What I Pack for Every Wedding (Besides My Gear)</a>

How to Have a Stress-Free Wedding Morning

I met Faith and Max on a chilly winter day in Fish Creek Provincial Park for their winter maternity photo session. Fish Creek is an incredible location to shoot at. It's a huge park within the city of Calgary, and there are numerous entry points that offer tons of variety for photo sessions. I've shot engagement, portrait, family, and maternity sessions there, and it's always beautiful in any season. The best time to come is at golden hour, which is quite early during the winter months. This is the hour right before sunset, and photographers love it because of the warm, soft light it offers.
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I met Faith and Max at one of my 2024 weddings. Faith was a bridesmaid, and it was great to spend some more time with these two in a more relaxed setting. We had more time to get to know each other and chat than we did on the wedding day, and our session was a lot of fun despite the cold. They're welcoming their new addition to the family this month, and I can't wait to do their newborn session too.
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Maternity photos aren't for everyone, but if you decide to do a session I recommend booking it when you're around 30 weeks pregnant. Babies have their own timeline, and pushing the session closer to your due date runs the risk of baby coming early and not being able to do it. Many folks often find they start getting quite uncomfortable later in their pregnancy, and most are generally feeling fairly good around 30 weeks. I know this was true for my own pregnancy!
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Here are some tips for outdoor winter maternity photos.
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~ Wear layers. This will not only keep you warm, but we can get more variety in your outfit without having to do a full change, especially if there isn't somewhere to do that easily.
~ Wear sturdy shoes with good grip. Safety is so important during any session, but we don't want any falls. Wear proper shoes to avoid any slips.
~ Plan for golden hour. During the height of winter this is as early as 3:30 pm.
~ Bring hand and foot warmers. Nothing is worse than frozen toes during a photo session, and these heat packs can help keep you toasty.
~ Bring props that can also keep you warm. It can be cute to incorporate blankets and things like hot chocolate into your winter photos, and they'll also help warm you up.
~ Don't push yourself. If you're getting too cold, let your photographer know that you need to take a break. Chances are we're just as cold! It's also completely fine to reschedule your session if temperatures dip too low &mdash; think -15C or colder.
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Interested in booking a Calgary maternity session? <a href="https://www.meaghanbaxterphotography.com/package/portraitmaternitysessions">Click here</a> for more information.
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Faith & Max | Winter Calgary Maternity Photo Session

Gillian and Coleman are planning what is sure to be a beautiful and memorable New Year's Eve wedding in Panorama. Ahead of the wedding, we arranged their engagement session &mdash; which is included in all of my wedding packages. This isn't just a photo shoot; it's an opportunity for us to bond, to understand each other, and for the couple to feel at ease in front of the camera. Hearing love stories and capturing moment for couples truly never gets old.
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For this session, Gillian and Coleman brought along two very special guests &mdash; their adorable young son and their playful fur baby. Amidst the laughter and candid moments, I took some heartwarming family photos.
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Wedding photography isn't just about the wedding day itself. It's a journey that begins much earlier., from our initial meeting to recommending vendors, and creating your timeline. I'm there every step of the way, offering guidance and answering any queries. It's essential to understand yout vision for their big day and determine how I can capture all the important moments. I'll help you feel comfortable and natural in front of the camera, too. One of the greatest compliments I often receive is how at ease couples feel with me and that it feels like we've known each other for a long time.
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On your wedding day, I'll be there not just as your photographer, but as someone who's there for you. Need to fix a tie or fluff a dress? I&rsquo;m there. An emergency kit is always on hand for unexpected mishaps, and I'm there to help make your day memorable.
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Gillian & Coleman's Calgary Family & Engagement Session

I love watching families grow. I've known the Sides for a long time, and I've been capturing milestones for them since 2018. They welcomed their son, Smith, into the family in October 2023 and he's the coolest little guy around &mdash; how could he not be with these two as his parents? My daughter, Isla, was born in-between Smith and their daughter, Evie, and it's been great to experience parenthood together as well as see our kids start to develop friendships with each other.
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Smith's birthday is October 28, so it was fitting to do a Halloween-style cake smash for him. We combined the cake smash with a family session at SNAP Foto Studio on Stephen Avenue in Calgary. It's a fun space in an old heritage building, and there are numerous rental options to suit different types of sessions. Their rates are very affordable too!
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It's always difficult to predict how a family session will go. It all depends on how the kids are feeling &mdash; to be frank, they don't care that you're trying to do a photo session or that these photos are important. They want what they want, and they aren't always going to cooperate. I try to help parents manage their expectations going into the session and focus on getting candid moments that capture the stage of life they're in. It can be easier said than done to let go and try to enjoy the moment, especially if kids aren't behaving how we'd like them to, but it's not worth stressing out either. I understand this even more now that I've been on the other side of the camera for my own family sessions.
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Of course, we'll always try to get a photo of everyone looking at the camera, but don't be hard on yourself if the photos aren't like ones you see on Pinterest. Every family is unique, and these photos will always be special no matter how they turn out. When I sent Avery the selects gallery, she wrote back to me saying she'd laughed out loud as she went through the photos and she loved how they showed the chaos that comes with having two kids under three. I agree with her!

First Birthday Family Session and Cake Smash

Nicole and Peter were referred to me by a past wedding couple, which is always a huge compliment! They're planning their wedding for September 2025 in Calgary, and we met for their engagement session in Kananaskis Country. It was a gorgeous fall evening at golden hour, and the autumn colours were on full display.
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I always want to hear each couple's engagement story &mdash; I'm a bit of a hopeless romantic &mdash; and Nicole and Peter's story is one of the most unique I've heard so far. Penguins are Nicole's favourite animal, and they happen to mate for life. They also present their potential mate with a specially chosen pebble. Peter, self-described as a "nerdy biology teacher" was well aware of all of this and wanted to incorporate it into his proposal to Nicole. He popped the question while they were on a hike in France, presenting Nicole with a beautiful pebble. She knew immediately why he'd done it and of course she said yes! Nicole brought the pebble to their engagement session, and we made sure to incorporate it into a few of their photos.
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Their story goes to show that there really are no rules anymore. It's all about doing things that feel right to you as a couple and are a meaningful part of your story.
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Congratulations, Nicole and Peter!
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Nicole & Peter | Fall Kananaskis Country Engagement Session

When you work in the wedding industry, you start to connect with other vendors and look forward to working with them. I've been lucky to meet some amazing ones so far, and I'm looking forward to working with more in the future. Calgary and the surrounding area is full of talented wedding vendors, so this is by no means an exhaustive list. These are just a few of my favourite vendors that I've worked with and would happily recommend to couples.
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<h4>Venues</h4>
Choosing a wedding venue is one of the biggest decisions in the planning process &mdash; and often the first vendor booked once couples confirm their date. The venues below accommodate a variety of event sizes and budgets.
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The Commons People often refer to the Ramsay Design Centre in Inglewood as <a href="https://thecommonscalgary.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Commons</a>, which houses The Parlour and Hemingway Room (where I had my wedding). But The Commons actually offers a multitude of venues under one name, including Park by Sidewalk Citizen, Theatre Grand and now Contemporary Calgary. The team is fantastic to work with too!
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The Brownstone (plus Venue 308 and Studios at Vic Park)
This space in downtown Calgary is beautiful in its own right, but it can easily be transformed to suit each couple's wedding aesthetic. <a href="https://www.thebrownstoneyyc.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Brownstone</a> also has a groom's room and a bridal suite for getting ready, so that can save finding separate spaces. The team behind the venue also owns <a href="https://www.venue308.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Venue 308</a> and <a href="https://www.studiosatvicparkyyc.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Studios at Vic Park</a>, which is just around the corner. Studios at Vic Park is a smaller space that can be rented out for more intimate gatherings or even an indoor portrait location for your wedding photos.
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The Gathered This family-run <a href="https://thegathered.ca" target="_blank" rel="noopener">garden venue</a> is located about 40 minutes from downtown Calgary. It's a gorgeous outdoor space that has a scenic ceremony spot, a cute cottage to get ready in, and a clear reception tent (complete with hanging chandeliers) that's one of my favourites to shoot in because the light only gets prettier as the evening goes on. The venue has also teamed up with Ashley from <a href="https://www.fiorefineevents.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Fiore Fine Events</a> to offer wedding coordination as an included service in their wedding packages. The farm-to-table food is also some of the best I've had at any wedding.
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River Cafe The <a href="https://www.river-cafe.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">River Cafe</a> is found on Prince's Island Park in downtown Calgary, but it doesn't feel like you're in the middle of a city. The restaurant itself it perfect for more intimate weddings, and the surrounding area makes for gorgeous photo settings (especially around sunset). The food is incredible, too &mdash; there's a reason the River Cafe has been named one of Canada's 100 Best Restaurants.
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Azuridge Once a <a href="https://www.azuridgehotel.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">private estate</a>, this venue is nestled in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies. It's gorgeous and feels like a getaway without venturing too far from the city. You can stay on-site in one of the luxe rooms, and every space feels photo-worthy. The team is known for their hospitality and the food is top-notch.
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52 North The venue is closer to Red Deer than Calgary, but it still makes the list. It's ideal if you're searching for an <a href="https://52northvenue.ca" target="_blank" rel="noopener">all-in-one venue</a> that has indoor and outdoor spaces. You'll find two getting-ready spaces that have been impeccably decorated, an outdoor ceremony space and a large, industrial-style indoor venue that can be used for ceremonies and receptions. The indoor space feels contemporary and can be decorated to fit your style.

The photo above was captured at The Gathered, and the day was planned by Fiore Fine Events.
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Videographers I highly recommend hiring a videographer to capture your wedding. Photos are a must-have keepsake of the day, but video captures it in another way &mdash; especially if you get to listen to your vows, ceremony and speeches again. Those moments go by so quickly, and it's nice to revisit them with your partner (especially on anniversaries).
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Kord &amp; Co Films I had the pleasure of working with<a href="https://kordandco.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Emory</a> for the first time this year, and I hope we get to do more weddings together. Her personality is exactly what's needed on a wedding day, and she does beautiful work.
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RD3 Films I've worked with <a href="https://www.rd3productions.com/weddings" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ryan</a> numerous times and his easygoing personality makes him a great team member during a wedding day. He puts clients at ease and creates beautiful videos to capture their wedding day.
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Wedding Planners
These vendors are often the unsung heroes of the day. They have even longer days than photographers do, and they are key in executing your vision and making sure you can enjoy your wedding without stress. Opt for a full planning service if budget allows, or enlist the help of a day-of coordinator.
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Lottie Weddings <a href="https://lottieweddings.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Charlotte</a> is a gem. She's a pro who creates weddings that are memorable for all the right reasons. She's incredibly organized, has impeccable attention to detail and goes above and beyond. 
Locke Wedding Co. I worked with <a href="https://www.lockeweddings.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Locke Wedding Co</a>. for day-of coordination at our wedding, and I'm so glad I did. I was determined to DIY the whole thing but quickly realized I was in over my head and didn't want to have my mom and bridesmaids working during the wedding. I was paired with Stacey for day-of coordination, who did an incredible job. She connected with us about a month out to do a vendor hand-over, review timelines and make sure we had everything organized.
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Glenna Mann <a href="https://www.instagram.com/glenna_riversedgedevon_/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Glenna's</a> attention to detail is amazing. She's always on top of things and executes incredible days for her couples &mdash; who you can tell she genuinely cares about.
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Lynn Fletcher Weddings <a href="https://lynnfletcherweddings.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">This team</a> is incredibly professional and beautifully executes the couple's vision &mdash; all while keeping the day running smoothly.

Officiant Cole Hofstra performing a ceremony at Silvertip resort in Canmore.
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Officiants Your officiant is an incredibly important part of your wedding day, but couples don't always put the same thought into who they book as they do for other vendors. It's important to find someone who has plenty of experience, but also someone you connect with personally.
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Married by Cole <a href="https://www.instagram.com/marriedbycole/">Cole Hofstra</a> is one of my favourite officiants, hands down. He used to be a wedding photographer, so he knows how to make things look good on top of delivering an incredible ceremony &mdash; like moving aside for the first kiss and making sure you're centered in your decor. He always gets to know each couple he works with an tailor a ceremony to them, adding plenty of personal touches (and laughs) throughout.
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Makeup Artists
Professional makeup is key on your wedding day. Experienced artists know how to make products last in all kinds of conditions and create a look that enhances your natural beauty &mdash; plus look amazing in photos.
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Smudge &amp; Smoulder <a href="https://smudgeandsmoulder.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Avery</a> is my go-to artist in Calgary, and we love working together. We've collaborated on all kinds of shoots, and she's a pro at executing a wide range of looks &mdash; whether it's ethereal, edgy, glam and everything in-between. She's a truly inclusive artist and also one of the few I know of who offers men's grooming services, so the guys can get a bit of pampering on the big day too. I can't recommend her enough.
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Nicole Saxton <a href="https://www.nicolesaxton.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Nicole</a> has a wealth of experience working with brides and photographers. You'll often find her on sets for large-scale commercial productions (in addition to weddings), so she knows her stuff. I always love when I see her name on the vendor list because I know clients are in good hands.
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Amber Prepchuk
<a href="https://ambervictoriaprepchuk.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Amber</a> is based in Edmonton, but she's always up to travel (and I recommend her to brides in both cities). I love working with Amber, and she's another one of my go-to artists. She has nearly 20 years of experience and is incredibly knowledgeable about techniques, products, and working with every client's unique features. She also has a ton of experience working with photographers, so she knows how to create makeup looks that not only look incredible in-person but also on camera. Amber's energy is also incredible and she makes every bride feel confident.
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Florists
Florals can be a large expense at a wedding, but they&rsquo;re worth it! Sometimes I wish we&rsquo;d done more florals at ours, but we decided to focus on other aspects of the day and keep them fairly minimal. Look for a designer with plenty of experience and knowledge of the best flowers for the season &mdash; they also know how to make flowers last.
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Flower Aura by Natasha <a href="https://www.floweraurabynatasha.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Natasha's</a> creations are stunning. Her designs are classic yet contemporary, and she uses top-quality products. She works to capture each client's unique vision, and she's worked at many of the top venues in town. I feel like I can always spot her work even before I know she's done it!
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Creative Edge Flowers <a href="https://www.creativeedgeflowers.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rhonda</a> has been creating gorgeous wedding florals for 25 years, so she knows her stuff &mdash; whether it's creating the perfect bouquet, arch arrangement, flowers to add flair to your wedding cake or centrepieces. Her work is exceptional.

A tablescape created by the team at Chair Flair.
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Decor Rentals
Decor catalogues can be overwhelming! There are so many options, and the cost can add up quickly. The companies below offer plenty of options at a variety of price points, so you&rsquo;ll be able to find what you need to execute your vision.
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Chair Flair <a href="https://www.chairflair.ca" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shannon</a>, the company owner, also works with The Commons, which is a great combination. Chair Flair offers an extensive array of decor, from chairs to linens to dishware and plenty in-between.
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Modern Rentals
You&rsquo;ll find <a href="https://modernrentals.ca" target="_blank" rel="noopener">everything you need</a> here, whether your wedding aesthetic is classic, trendy or anything in-between.
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Wedding Cake 
I've seen some gorgeous cakes at weddings, but I don't often get to try them. The recommendations below are vendors whose creations I've been lucky enough to sample, so I know they taste just as good as they look.
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Black Dog Bakery The cakes from <a href="https://www.blackdogbakery.ca" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Black Dog</a> are absolutely delicious. The cake I tried was Early Grey flavour, and I've been tempted to order it for myself.
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Whippt Kitchen
Anything I've had from <a href="https://whipptkitchen.ca" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Whippt</a> has been so, so good &mdash; even their gluten-free products, which can be difficult to execute well.
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DJs I strongly recommend hiring a DJ over a DIY approach to music. They're pros who know how to read a crowd and keep the party going. 
Pez Productions <a href="https://www.pezproductions.ca" target="_blank" rel="noopener">This crew</a> knows how to create an unforgettable party. I've never seen a dance floor empty at a Pez wedding. Sounds Unlimited This was the <a href="https://soundsunlimited.ca" target="_blank" rel="noopener">DJ company</a> we hired for our wedding, and they did a fantastic job keeping the energy up and playing a mix of music went down well with our guests.

Calgary & Area Wedding Vendors You Need to Work With

Meaghan shot our engagement and wedding photos this year and we couldn’t be happier with our pictures! As a couple, we don’t love being in front of the camera but Meaghan made us feel comfortable and captured the essence of ‘Us’ in our photos.Meaghan has a fun, easygoing, professional energy. Her communication skills are exceptional, she has a great artistic eye, and we had our sneak-a-peek photos from the big day the following week

Andrea & Sandy

We spent HOURS looking for a photographer before someone recommended Meaghan to us and we could not be happier with how our wedding photos turned out! Meaghan went above and beyond to make sure that everything was perfect and that no photo opportunity was missed. She was wonderful and easy to work with and we never felt uncomfortable (even though it was both of our first times in front of a camera!). The photos are everything we hoped they would be - simple, elegant, and authentic. Meaghan didn’t miss a single moment and was an expert at catching casual and candid moments. We have the most amazing album of photos thanks to all of her hard work.

Thank you SO much for everything, Meaghan. You really helped make our wedding the best day ever,

Tanis & Emerson

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Finding your wedding vendor team can be a daunting task. This is the first time most couples are planning a wedding, and it's important to have the right people there for you when you tie the knot. Here are some answers to common questions about wedding photography.
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There are so many wedding photographers in my area. How do I choose one? Research, research and more research. Don't just look at price. Choose a photographer whose style and personality you resonate with &mdash; you'll be spending plenty of time with us on the wedding day! Think about the style you'd like. Are you drawn to dark and moody images or more light and airy (or even something in-between). Narrow down your list and do a call with each photographer to get a feel for their personality, approach to wedding photography, and ask plenty of questions. Check out <a style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" href="https://meaghanbaxterphotography.com/blog/questions-wedding-photographer" target="_blank" rel="noopener">this blog</a> for a starting point.
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And always look at full galleries from photographers you're interested in. This will show how they capture all parts of the day and how their style looks in different lighting conditions.
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What's the difference between documentary wedding photography, editorial wedding photography and lifestyle wedding photography?
These are just three common styles, but here's a quick breakdown.
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Documentary (sometimes called photojournalistic wedding photography) focuses on candid moments. It's not posed and these photographers take a more hands-off approach to the day. Editorial wedding photography tend to be more technical and place more emphasis on lighting (often artificial) and posing. It's a very hands-on style that's similar to what you see in wedding magazines.
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Lifestyle photography lands somewhere in-between documentary and editorial (this is what I'd classify myself as). It blends capturing candid moments with some direction and posing during moments like family photos and couples' portraits.
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The images below are an example of this. The one on the left was a candid photo shot during their first look, while the one on the right was directed. I only told them to face each other, get close and put their arms around one another. 
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How do I decide how much time to book?
Couples often need to book their photographer long before their wedding timeline is solidified. My best advice would be to book at least eight hours if you want to cover the majority of your day and you're following a more traditional timeline. Ten hours is even better, if budget allows. If you end up needing more time, talk to your photographer about adding hours.
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Do I have to do an engagement session? No, but it's helpful! Many photographers (myself included), offter a complimentary engagement session in their wedding packages. It's a great way to get comfortable in front of the camera and spend some time together before the big day. If a couple is from out of town and can't use their engagement session, I offer a post-wedding session instead.
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Will my photographer recreate Pinterest photos for me? You can send us inspiration, but most photographers will not recreate photos for you. Your wedding photos should be unique to you and feel authentic. It's also very difficult to recreate photos that were shot in completely different conditions than we're working with on a wedding day &mdash; especially if the photo is from a candid moment.
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Do I have to schedule time for a first look? 
You do not. If doing a first look feels right to you and your partner, that's great! It's also ok if you'd like to see each other for the first time when you walk down the aisle &mdash; and no, it's not old fashioned. Your day should reflect what's important to you, not something you see on social media.
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Do all wedding photographers use presets to edit their images? Many do, but this doesn't mean we make one click and the job is done. We spend a ton of time refining presets, whether they were purchased from a third party or self-created, to make colours look their best, remove distractions, retouch skin in portraits, the list goes on. Presets are often just used as the base we build upon.
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How do I make sure my photographer understands my vision for the day?
Communication is key, plus choosing a photographer who you connect with. Wedding photographers often send questionnaires, and it's important to fill yours out thoroughly. Tell your photographer what's a priority for you, any must-have shots, what you envision and how they can help you make that happen. We're here for you!
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I'm always happy to chat all things weddings with my couples. <a style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" href="https://meaghanbaxterphotography.com/#contact-section" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reach out</a> if you're interested in working together and let's chat!

Answers to Common Questions About Wedding Photography

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Portraits & Branding

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Couples & Engagements

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Weddings

Timeless photography for all of life's moments

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Write in first person using this following sample text to match in style: I've become familiar with nearly every photography genre throughout my career, but what I love most is capturing authentic moments and memories. Wedding days are filled with precious memories and I want to capture them all for you.
Wedding photography is one of the biggest investments you'll make during the planning process, and my time with you doesn't start on the big day. I strive to get to know each couple I work with—from our initial meeting, to guiding you through crafting your wedding timeline, and answering any questions during the planning process (like finding awesome vendors and locations). I want to understand your vision for your wedding day and how I can capture it in the best way. We won't do any corny poses, I promise. Instead, I'll guide you and get you feeling comfortable in front of the camera in no time. One of the best compliments I receive from couples is how comfortable they feel with me and that it often feels like we’ve known each other for a long time.
On your wedding day, I'm there for you! I'll fluff your train, fix your tie, you name it. I've also got an emergency stash of supplies in case you need to blot a stain, wipe happy tears, or just freshen up.