Most couples plan about an hour for their portrait session, and that is usually perfect for the core photos. This article is not about adding another big block of portraits. It is about all the extra, high impact photos we can build into the schedule you already have, without turning your wedding into a photoshoot.
Think of these ideas as “bonus photo moments.” Night photos on the street right outside your venue, a quick step onto a balcony for a sweeping view, slipping into the forest just beside your ceremony, or jumping into the rain for two minutes between speeches. We use off camera lighting, an eye for architecture, and years of experience in tricky venues so whatever your day gives you, we can turn it into something memorable and beautiful.
Your photos should fit your day, not the other way around.
Using what your venue already gives you
You do not have to plan your venue around photos. We start with the day you are already having, then look for ways to use the architecture, layout, and surroundings of that space as part of your story.
That might mean photographing you in the lobby of your hotel with reflections and leading lines, using staircases and corridors for more editorial moments, stepping onto a balcony or rooftop to show off the view, or turning a loading bay or parkade into something that feels like a movie still. With the right light and composition, even the “in between” spaces in a venue become some of the most striking images in your gallery.
If you want to see how we approach this, have a look at “Transforming Ordinary Venues into Extraordinary Photo Opportunities,” where we show how we use architecture, framing, and light in simpler spaces.
Most of these ideas fit in 5 to 15 minute windows that already exist in your day, such as just after the ceremony, during cocktail hour, between courses, or when the band takes a break.
1. Night photos right outside your venue
Night photos are one of our favourite ways to add something dramatic to your gallery without leaving the venue. Once it gets dark, we can step outside for a few minutes to create cinematic, movie style images using your venue’s entrance, the street, nearby alleys, or even the parking lot.
We bring our own off camera lighting and know how to balance it with city glow, streetlights, and whatever is already around, so even a simple doorway becomes a backdrop. If you are in a downtown or city location, we can also use car lights, neon signs, and reflections in glass to make everything feel more urban and intentional.
We usually do this when there is a natural pause, such as between courses or after the first dance, so you are gone for 5 to 10 minutes and then right back on the dance floor.
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2. Sunset mini sessions woven into your schedule
Sunset and golden hour are popular for a reason, but they do not have to take over your whole timeline. We look at your plan ahead of time and see where a 10 to 15 minute sunset mini session could make sense, based on the season and where the light will be.
If your venue has a courtyard, field, dock, balcony, or even just a quiet side street where we can see the sky, we can step out quickly during golden hour for soft, flattering light. Often, we will schedule the main portrait session earlier in the day, then use this time simply to layer in a few warm, romantic images to balance your more energetic reception photos.
For more on how we plan around light, check out:
3. Architecture and interiors as part of your story
We love using architecture as part of the storytelling. Whether you are getting married in a hotel, restaurant, historic building, or modern loft, there are usually interesting lines, shapes, and light to work with if you know where to look.
Inside, that might mean:
Using staircases, balconies, and mezzanines to show height and depth
Photographing in hallways and lobbies, using reflections, symmetry, or leading lines
Finding small pockets of light in bars, lounges, or even service corridors that create a more intimate, editorial feel
Outside, we might use the building’s facade, columns, overhangs, and even parking areas to create photos that feel like they belong to that specific place. This is where our architecture-inspired approach and lighting experience really come in, because we can make “ordinary” parts of the venue look like they belong in a magazine spread.
If you want to see more of this style, you can explore:
4. City streets and night lights for downtown weddings
If you have a downtown or city wedding, you already have a built-in backdrop just outside your venue doors. We use what the city has to offer to create photos that feel modern and very “Vancouver,” especially once the lights come on at night.
Because we are not driving anywhere, this works really well as a short, bonus photo window. We can step out right after the ceremony, during cocktail hour, or later in the evening to capture a few frames that lean more editorial and fashion forward. With our lighting, even a simple side street or loading bay can look intentional and dramatic.
For more urban inspiration, you can dive into:
5. Forest edges and nearby trails
You do not have to be getting married deep in the woods to have forest photos. Around Vancouver and the Fraser Valley, many venues are close to small forested areas, trails, or parks. If you are drawn to tall trees, ferns, and that moody, West Coast look, we can build in a quick walk to one of these spots.
It might be a 10 minute detour between the ceremony and reception, or a short step away from your venue’s garden or park area. We use the light between the trees, natural framing, and the textures of the forest to keep things intimate and cinematic without a big hike in formal clothes.
You can explore more forest inspiration in:
6. Mountain and C0oL view moments when they are already there
If your venue has views of mountains, water, or the city, we will absolutely make use of them. That might mean stepping onto a balcony, rooftop, dock, or a nearby lookout to capture the wider context of where you chose to get married.
We treat these as “view moments” rather than separate sessions. For example, we might bring you out onto a balcony for two minutes during sunset or step outside with you between courses for one quick, sweeping shot overlooking the valley, lake, or skyline. Our goal is to add that sense of place to your gallery without pulling you away from your guests for long stretches.
For more examples, check out:
7. Leaning into the rain for a few unforgettable frames
In Vancouver and the Fraser Valley, rain is something we always have to consider. Instead of trying to avoid it completely, we often suggest using it for a small part of your day, if you are up for it. With our lighting, backlit raindrops, reflections in puddles, and umbrellas can turn into some of the most memorable images from your wedding.
This does not mean spending an hour outside in a downpour. It might be as simple as:
Stepping just outside a doorway or under an overhang for a few frames
Walking into the rain together for two minutes while we backlight the scene
Using covered areas and glass walls to show the weather without getting soaked
We come prepared with gear, backups, and ideas for covered locations so you can decide, in the moment, how much you want to lean into it. You focus on each other; we take care of making it look incredible.
If you want to go deeper on rain planning and ideas, you can read:
Bonus: adventure or separate sessions when you want even more
Sometimes the best way to have everything you want is to split it up. Your wedding day can stay focused on the people, the ceremony, and the party, while a separate engagement, pre wedding, or day after session is where we chase the bigger adventures.
If your venue is in the city but you love mountains, lakes, or deeper forests, we can plan a dedicated session in those locations on a different day. Then your final gallery becomes a mix of your real wedding day and your shared adventures, without trying to fit everything into one timeline.
For more on how we plan those, take a look at:
How this style of photography feels on your day
How this style of photography feels on your day
Our style is a mix of candid photojournalism and dramatic, architecturally minded portraits, with a big focus on light. We are always watching what the day is giving us: the architecture of your venue, the weather, the time of day, how much energy you have in any moment, and where the best light is.
Most couples do not want their wedding to fully revolve around photos, and we agree. We would rather add small, thoughtful moments throughout the day that fit your schedule than pull you away for long stretches. The result is a gallery that feels like your story, with emotional, fun, and beautiful images that make the most of your location and conditions.
If you are planning a wedding or elopement and you like the idea of using your venue, surroundings, and weather for bonus, high impact photos on top of your portrait session, we would love to chat. Head straight to our contact page to tell us about your plans, and we would love to discuss the kind of vibes you are drawn to, whether that is city lights, forest paths, mountain views, night photos, or a mix.