Wedding Day Tips from Photographers & Videographers: What Helps Us Help You
Planning a wedding is no small feat—and when the big day finally arrives, you want everything to run smoothly and feel magical. As photographers and videographers, we’ve been part of dozens of weddings across Barrie, Muskoka, Orillia, Collingwood, and beyond, and we’ve seen firsthand what makes the day easier, smoother, and way more enjoyable for everyone involved.
So we thought we’d flip the script: here are a bunch of tips directly from your photo and video team—things you can do to help us capture your day beautifully, stress-free, and without missing the moments that matter.
🎥 What Helps Your Photographer & Videographer
📋 1. Have a Family Photo List Ready
Formal portraits go way faster when we have a clear list of must-have family groupings. Think: "Bride + Mom + Dad," "Couple + Groom’s grandparents," etc. Designate a friend or sibling who knows most of the family to help wrangle folks—trust us, it speeds things up big time.
🎁 2. Gather the Details in One Spot
Before we arrive, pop all the little details—rings, invitations, shoes, jewelry, perfume, tie, cufflinks—into one box or area. That way we can get those beautiful flat lays and close-up shots without interrupting hair and makeup or hunting things down.
🕐 3. Build in Buffer Time
Weddings rarely run perfectly on time. If your ceremony’s at 3:00 PM, plan for us to be done family photos by 2:30. Buffer time = more flexibility and fewer stress faces in your photos.
👀 4. Be Open to a First Look
Not everyone wants one, and that’s totally okay. But a first look can calm nerves, give you more time for portraits, and help avoid a rushed post-ceremony timeline. Plus, it’s often one of the most emotional moments of the day.
☀️ 5. Trust Us With the Light
We’re always chasing the best light—especially that soft golden glow just before sunset. If we pull you out for 10 minutes during dinner or cocktail hour, it’s because we saw that light and know it’ll be worth it.
🛑 6. Unplugged Ceremonies for the Win
Phones and iPads ruin angles. Ask guests to stay present and let us do the documenting. You’ll get way better ceremony photos—and your guests will remember more, too.
📍 7. Tell Us About Special Moments Ahead of Time
If you’re wearing your grandmother’s locket, or if there’s going to be a surprise dance or special guest—fill us in! We want to be in the right place at the right time to catch it all.
💍 Bonus Tips for Couples: Make the Most of Your Day
Okay, now that we’ve shared some insider tips that help us do our job, here are a few extra gems that are just for you:
🥂 1. Take 10–15 Minutes Alone Together
At some point—after the ceremony, during cocktail hour, or just before the party starts—step away from everyone. Go for a short walk, soak it in, breathe. This quiet time is often one of the best parts of the day (and gives us some of the most intimate shots).
🤝 2. Work With, Not Against, the Timeline
We get it—things get busy. But when your planner, photographer, and videographer help shape the timeline, you’ll flow from moment to moment without stress. We'll make sure there's enough time for everything and leave space for spontaneous fun.
🧘 3. Let Go of Perfection
Things will go a little off-script—maybe a speech goes long or the ring bearer throws a tantrum. Laugh it off. Embrace the imperfect. That’s where the real memories live.
🗣️ 4. Speak Your Mind
If you're nervous, need a break, or want a few minutes to regroup, just say so. We’re not just there to document the day—we’re there to support you.
📸 5. Be Present, Be You
The best photos and video moments come when you're truly in the moment. Forget about the camera, don’t worry about posing—we’ll guide you gently when needed, but mostly, we’re there to catch your day as it unfolds naturally.
Getting Married in Barrie, Orillia, Muskoka, or Beyond?
We’re Passion It Pictures and Film—a creative duo offering wedding photography and videography across Barrie, Muskoka, Midland, Orillia, Collingwood, and wherever your love story takes you. We specialize in natural, emotional storytelling and relaxed wedding days.
Whether you're planning an elegant vineyard wedding in Innisfil, a cozy fall celebration in Horseshoe Valley, or a rustic barn bash in Tiny Township, we’re here to help you remember it all.
Ready to connect? Reach out today and let’s chat about your big day.
Contact Us
Capturing Love in Simcoe County: A Wedding Photographer & Videographer’s Perspective
Simcoe County is a hidden gem for wedding celebrations. From the rolling greens of golf course venues to the breathtaking beaches of Tiny, I’ve had the privilege of capturing love stories in some of the most picturesque locations. As a wedding photographer and videographer, I know firsthand how the right setting can make all the difference in preserving those once-in-a-lifetime moments.
Why Simcoe County is a Dream Wedding Destination
Simcoe County offers a variety of venues that cater to different wedding styles. Whether couples dream of a classic golf course wedding, a rustic barn setting, or a serene beachfront ceremony, this region has it all. The natural beauty and changing seasons also provide endless creative opportunities for photography and videography.
There are SO many places to have a wedding in Simcoe County, each with its own charm and unique atmosphere. No matter where you choose to say "I do," I would love to be honored to be a part of it!
Some of My Favorite Wedding Venues in Simcoe County
Midland Golf & Country Club (Midland, Ontario)
Midland Golf & Country Club in Midland, Ontario, offers a picturesque setting for weddings, combining classic charm with modern amenities. Couples can exchange vows amidst the lush greenery of the golf course, providing a serene and elegant backdrop for ceremonies. The clubhouse, built in 1919, exudes a welcoming atmosphere and features an updated lounge and bar, accommodating up to 80 guests for intimate receptions. For larger gatherings, the venue offers a 4,000-square-foot pavilion tent nestled among century-old oak trees, capable of hosting up to 220 guests. The beautiful deck overlooking the course is perfect for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, enhancing the overall experience. On-site ceremonies are welcome, allowing couples to say their vows surrounded by the sweeping views of the spectacular country club. The combination of natural beauty and well-appointed facilities makes Midland Golf & Country Club a memorable choice for couples seeking a blend of elegance and tranquility on their special day.
Website: https://midlandgolfcc.com/
Brooklea Golf Club (Midland, Ontario)
Brooklea Golf & Country Club in Midland, Ontario, offers a stunning and versatile setting for weddings. The venue boasts beautiful outdoor spaces for ceremonies, with lush green lawns and sweeping views of the golf course, creating a romantic and picturesque backdrop. The elegant indoor banquet hall, with large windows overlooking the fairways, provides a bright and welcoming atmosphere for receptions, whether you're hosting an intimate gathering or a grand celebration. Brooklea’s experienced staff ensures every detail is taken care of, from catering to décor, providing couples with a seamless experience. With its combination of natural beauty, excellent service, and prime location, Brooklea is an ideal venue for couples looking to make their wedding day truly memorable.
Website: https://www.brookleagolf.com/
Barrie Country Club (Barrie, Ontario)
Barrie Country Club, located just outside the city, provides an elegant and tranquil setting for couples looking to celebrate their wedding in style. With its beautiful outdoor ceremony space, surrounded by mature trees and lush greens, the club offers a serene backdrop for exchanging vows. The venue's charming clubhouse features a spacious and bright reception hall with panoramic views of the golf course, perfect for an intimate yet grand celebration. Barrie Country Club’s experienced team works closely with couples to ensure every detail is tailored to their vision, from customizable menu options to décor choices. Whether you're planning an outdoor ceremony or an elegant indoor reception, Barrie Country Club offers a picturesque and sophisticated environment to create lasting memories on your special day.
Website: https://www.barriecountryclub.com/
Cardinal Golf Club (Newmarket/Vaughan, Ontario)
Cardinal Golf Club, located just outside Vaughan, Ontario, offers a stunning and versatile setting for your wedding day. The picturesque venue features a beautiful outdoor ceremony space surrounded by rolling greens and mature trees, providing a serene and romantic atmosphere. The spacious indoor banquet hall boasts large windows that frame views of the lush golf course, creating a warm and inviting space for your reception. Cardinal Golf Club’s experienced staff is dedicated to ensuring every detail of your wedding is perfect, from personalized catering to event planning, making your day stress-free and unforgettable. Whether you’re looking for an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, Cardinal Golf Club offers a beautiful and elegant backdrop for your special day.
Website: https://cardinalgolfclub.com/
Northbrook Farm Weddings (Orillia, Ontario)
Northbrook Farm Weddings, located in the scenic countryside of Ontario, offers a rustic and charming venue for couples looking to celebrate their special day. Surrounded by acres of beautiful farmland, the venue features a stunning outdoor ceremony space, with lush greenery and a peaceful atmosphere that creates the perfect backdrop for saying “I do.” The rustic barn, with its exposed wood beams and vintage décor, provides an elegant yet relaxed setting for your reception. Northbrook Farm’s team is dedicated to bringing your vision to life, with customizable catering options, event planning, and a welcoming atmosphere that makes you and your guests feel right at home. Whether you’re dreaming of a rustic barn wedding or a more traditional outdoor affair, Northbrook Farm Weddings offers a breathtaking and memorable experience for your big day.
Website: https://northbrookfarmweddings.ca/
Beachfront Weddings in Tiny (Tiny, Ontario)
A beachfront wedding in Tiny, Ontario, offers a picturesque and serene setting for couples dreaming of a romantic celebration by the water. With its stunning views of Georgian Bay, soft sandy shores, and gentle waves, Tiny’s beaches provide a tranquil and beautiful backdrop for your ceremony. Whether you choose a secluded spot for an intimate gathering or a larger beach area for a bigger celebration, the natural beauty of the location creates a relaxed yet elegant atmosphere. The waterfront setting is perfect for capturing breathtaking photos of your special day, with sunsets over the bay adding a touch of magic to your evening reception. Tiny’s beaches offer a unique, unforgettable venue that combines the beauty of nature with the joy of your wedding celebration.
The Heights of Horseshoe (Horseshoe Valley, Ontario)
The Heights of Horseshoe, located just outside Barrie, Ontario, offers a stunning and versatile venue for couples looking to celebrate their wedding in a beautiful, elevated setting. Surrounded by rolling hills and breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, this venue provides a picturesque backdrop for both outdoor ceremonies and indoor receptions. The spacious, modern banquet hall is designed with large windows that allow natural light to flood the space, creating a bright and welcoming atmosphere for your reception. The Heights of Horseshoe’s experienced team works closely with couples to ensure every detail is tailored to their vision, from custom catering options to seamless event coordination. Whether you’re dreaming of an elegant indoor celebration or an outdoor ceremony with panoramic views, The Heights of Horseshoe offers an unforgettable setting for your special day.
Website: https://theheights.ski/
The Importance of Hiring a Wedding Photographer & Videographer
Your wedding day will pass in the blink of an eye, but photos and videos will let you relive those memories for a lifetime. Having both a photographer and videographer ensures that no special moment is missed, from the big “I do” to the small, heartfelt glances between loved ones.
As someone who offers both services, I love capturing a mix of cinematic video footage and timeless photos that truly reflect the emotions of the day. Whether it’s the intimate exchange of vows or the energetic dance floor moments, I strive to tell your love story in a way that’s authentic and personal.
Final Thoughts
Simcoe County is filled with incredible wedding venues, each with its own unique charm. Whether you’re planning a grand celebration or an intimate elopement, finding the right photographer and videographer to capture your day is just as important as picking the perfect venue.
If you’re getting married in Simcoe County and want a team that understands the beauty of these local venues, I’d love to chat! Let’s create something unforgettable together.
Interested in learning more about my wedding photography and videography services? Contact me today!
Capture Every Moment: Why Hybrid Packages Are the Ultimate Choice for Your Wedding
Why Our New Hybrid Wedding Packages Are the Perfect Choice for Your Big Day
Weddings are all about celebrating your love story, and I truly believe your photos and video should tell that story in the most personal and stress-free way possible. That's why I’m really excited to introduce my new hybrid wedding packages—they’re the perfect mix of photography and videography, giving you the best of both worlds without the hassle of hiring two different teams.
You’re probably wondering, "What’s hybrid shooting?" Well, let me break it down for you!
What is Hybrid Wedding Shooting?
In a nutshell, hybrid shooting means we’re capturing your wedding day in both photos and video at the same time. Instead of having a separate photographer and videographer running around, it’s just me (and my second shooter, of course) bouncing between shooting photos and video throughout the day. We work together seamlessly, so you’re getting both stunning shots and beautiful video without any extra people or confusion.
To make sure we capture all the important moments, we also set up a few stationary cameras in key places—like during the ceremony and speeches—so nothing gets missed. That means you’ll have video coverage from multiple angles, all while keeping things simple with just a small, efficient team.
Why Hybrid Packages Are So Awesome
1. More Coverage, Less Hassle
One of the biggest perks of going with a hybrid package is that you’re getting both photography and videography without the stress of juggling multiple vendors. In a typical setup, you’d hire both a photographer and a videographer, which means coordinating two different teams, dealing with extra contracts, and making sure everyone’s on the same page. With a hybrid package, you only need to worry about one team. I’ve got you covered with both the photos and the video, and we work together to make sure everything goes smoothly from start to finish.
2. Fewer Vendors = Less Stress
The fewer people you have to manage on your wedding day, the easier it is to just enjoy the day. With my hybrid packages, you get both the photos and video you want, but without the hassle of managing multiple people and timelines. It’s a much smoother experience for you, and I promise you’ll notice the difference when everything flows so naturally.
3. Great Value for Your Money
Instead of paying for both a photographer and videographer separately, our hybrid packages combine both into one awesome package. That means you get the best of both worlds—the stunning photos that freeze your best moments in time and the video that lets you relive all the emotions and details of the day. And you’re getting it all at a great price! Whether you choose the 5-hour, 8-hour, or 10-hour hybrid package, you’re getting full coverage without breaking the bank.
4. Capturing More Moments
With hybrid shooting, we’re not only capturing the big moments but also all the little details in both photos and video. The best part? We don’t have to split our attention between two different teams—we’re all working as one team, so everything flows together perfectly. Whether it’s a candid laugh or an emotional first look, I’m capturing it in both photos and video, giving you two beautiful formats to relive your day.
5. Smooth Workflow, Less Disruption
One of the things I love about hybrid shooting is that I can seamlessly switch between photography and videography without disrupting the flow of your day. For example, during the first dance, I might grab some photos while my second shooter films the moment, then switch places to capture the next perfect shot. This smooth flow means less interruption in your celebration and more natural moments that we can capture for you.
Why Hybrid is a Great Fit for Your Wedding
If you want your wedding to feel effortless and cohesive, hybrid shooting is the way to go. It gives you everything you need to relive your big day: gorgeous photos that capture timeless moments and beautiful videos that brings the emotions and excitement of the day back to life.
Here’s why hybrid packages are such a great fit:
One Team, One Vision: One team handling both photography and videography makes everything more seamless and stress-free for you.
Fewer Vendors = Less Disruption: With just me and my second shooter, you won’t have to deal with multiple people crowding your space.
Comprehensive Coverage: We’re capturing every important moment in both photos and video, giving you a richer, more complete story of your wedding day.
Top-Quality Work: Both your photos and video will be handled by experienced professionals who know how to bring out the best in every moment.
Let’s Make Your Wedding Unforgettable
At Passion It Pictures and Film, my goal is to help you preserve your most cherished memories in the most seamless and enjoyable way possible. My hybrid wedding packages give you the best of both worlds, with all the coverage you need in one easy, efficient package.
If you’re ready to talk about your wedding and how I can help capture your day, or if you just want to chat more about hybrid shooting, don’t hesitate to reach out! I’d love to help make your wedding day as smooth and memorable as possible.
What do you think? Is hybrid shooting the perfect option for your big day? Leave me a comment or message, and I’d be happy to answer any questions you have!
A Photographer’s Insight: Weddings at Barrie Country Club
A Photographer’s Insight: Weddings at Barrie Country Club
Barrie Country Club is a stunning wedding venue that effortlessly combines elegance with natural beauty. Located in Barrie, Ontario, it offers a picturesque setting for both outdoor ceremonies and indoor receptions, making it a versatile choice for couples planning their special day. I’ve had the pleasure of capturing two weddings here—once as a videographer a few years ago and again this past summer as a photographer. Each experience left me deeply impressed by the venue's charm and the seamless service provided by its team.
Why Choose Barrie Country Club for Your Wedding?
Scenic Outdoor Ceremonies
The outdoor ceremony space at Barrie Country Club is breathtaking. Surrounded by lush greenery and meticulously maintained gardens, it creates a serene atmosphere for exchanging vows. The stunning backdrop of the golf course and Little Lake enhances the romantic setting, offering fantastic photo opportunities.Elegant Indoor Ceremonies & Receptions
Receptions are typically hosted in the Trillium Room, featuring expansive windows with stunning views of the golf course and access to a private terrace. This elegant space can comfortably seat up to 150 guests for dinner, creating an intimate yet refined setting for special celebrations. Additionally, the room can be converted into an indoor ceremony space if needed.Exceptional Staff and Services
The staff and event coordinators at the Barrie Country Club are known for their professionalism and attentiveness. Reviews highlight their helpfulness in ensuring every detail is perfect, from coordinating the ceremony to managing the receptionAll-Inclusive Packages
To simplify wedding planning, the venue offers comprehensive packages. These include everything from linens and Chiavari chairs to catering options featuring exquisite multi-course meals or buffets. Couples also have the flexibility to bring in outside vendors for personal touches.
My Personal Experience
The wedding we photographed this summer for Cassidy and Chancellor was a flawless celebration of love. The outdoor ceremony under sunny skies, framed by the vibrant greenery, was magical. Indoors, the elegant décor and warm ambiance set the stage for a lively and heartfelt reception. The Barrie Country Club staff ensured everything ran smoothly, and their attention to detail made the day even more memorable.
As a photographer, we appreciated how the venue’s natural beauty and well-designed spaces provided endless creative opportunities. The wraparound verandah, in particular, offered a unique vantage point for candid moments.
Reviews From Other Couples
Couples who have tied the knot at Barrie Country Club consistently praise the venue for its stunning scenery, delicious cuisine, and accommodating staff. Many mention how stress-free their planning process was, thanks to the dedicated event team.
Final Thoughts
Barrie Country Club is an exceptional choice for couples seeking an elegant wedding venue with outdoor and indoor versatility. Its combination of natural beauty, top-tier service, and customizable packages make it a standout option in the Barrie area. Whether you’re planning a grand celebration or an intimate gathering, this venue provides a breathtaking setting to create lifelong memories.
For more details on Barrie Country Club’s wedding offerings, you can visit their official site or contact their team directly. https://www.barriecountryclub.com/
