Question 1

Do​‍​‌‍​‍‌ I need a permit for engagement photos?

Accepted Answer

Most of the time, the answer is yes. If a professional photographer is involved and the session is well planned, engagement photo sessions may be treated as wedding photography in many cases. A permit is often necessary for engagement photos in popular Toronto parks, gardens, historic sites, and landmarks.

Question 2

Is a permit required for small wedding shoots?

Accepted Answer

That depends on the location rather than the number of people involved. A permit may be necessary even for a couple-only wedding shoot with a photographer if the venue requires it.

Basically, you can shoot on the street or sidewalk without a permit, but most parks, gardens, and historical places will require one. Simply having a small group is not the only factor for a permit ‍‌‍‍‌requirement.

Question 3

Can​‍​‌‍​‍‌ my photographer get the permit?

Accepted Answer

Certainly, many photographers do so as they often work at the same locations and are familiar with the procedure. However, some places require the couple’s name on the permit or may want to hear from both parties first.

At Verity Weddings, we are more than happy to secure photography permits for our couples.

Question 4

What happens if I take photos without a permit?

Accepted Answer

In case a permit is necessary and you do not have one, the security might request you to stop your photo session right away. In certain situations, you may be asked to exit the permit or pay a fine.

Question 5

Can permits be refunded if plans change?

Accepted Answer

Refund policies differ depending on the place. A few city parks and venues may allow cancellations with a partial refund if you cancel within a certain period. However, some do not provide refunds at all.

There may also be different rules for weather-related changes, rescheduling, or cancellations. Checking the refund policy of the venue before booking is a must. Also, if your plans are not certain, always ask about rescheduling ‍‌‍‍‌options.

Question 6

What should always be included in a bride’s emergency kit?

Accepted Answer

A bride’s emergency kit should include supplies for a quick apparel repair, first aid items, makeup and hair touch-ups, and comforting personal items. Think - the basics of makeup, fabric fixes, comfort offering products, and quick cleaning items. The must-have items in the kit are: plasters, blister patches, scissors, makeup powder, superglue, nail file, hair comb, hair spray, bobby pins or clips, safety pins, flat shoes, pocket tissues, and mints.

Question 7

Can the bride share one emergency kit with the bridal party?

Accepted Answer

There should be only one emergency kit that serves primarily for the bride. However, the kit could serve as an emergency source for the bridal party as well. It might be a good idea to add a few more plasters, an extra makeup powder, an extra bottle of water, and hair spray.

Question 8

Should the bridal emergency kit stay with the bride all day?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily, but essentially it is for emergencies, so it should be located quite closely. Often, the venue offers a room where the bag can be stored. The smallest items like mints, tampons, bobby pins, or stain remover pen, can be in the purses of the bridesmaids.

Question 9

Can a wedding planner provide an emergency kit?

Accepted Answer

It is not granted, but can definitely be arranged. The wedding planner should become your best friend during the duration of the wedding. It would definitely add cost to the wedding budget, so be prepared to spend some cash on such a service.

Question 10

How big should a bridal emergency kit be?

Accepted Answer

Even though the bridal emergency kit is full of tiny items, all in all, it may become heavy. The supplies should fill a maximum of a tote bag or two travel-size cosmetic bags.

Question 11

Should the emergency kit be different for indoor and outdoor weddings?

Accepted Answer

Yes, these are two different types of venues. The indoor venue is slightly easier to prepare for since it offers protection from the weather. The outdoor venue kit must include special weather protection for the hair, makeup, dress, and shoes.

Question 12

Do brides need an emergency kit for small weddings?

Accepted Answer

Let’s say there are 50 guests. That is a lot of people to hug, so smudges are expected. If the wedding is even smaller and more intimate, the emergency kit can be very basic, with only a few items that fit into a purse.

Question 13

Is a bridal emergency kit needed for courthouse weddings?

Accepted Answer

A courthouse wedding is often the smallest and quickest wedding; therefore, the bridal emergency kit is not necessary. Obviously, every bride wants to look their best, so a little lipstick, mints, Q-tips, pocket tissues, and powder are recommended to keep in her purse.

Question 14

What is the best time of day for engagement photos?

Accepted Answer

Generally, the perfect time for taking engagement pictures is during the golden hour, the hour leading up to sunset. The light is gentler, warmer, and more flattering which makes your pictures look natural and relaxed rather than stiff or heavily posed.

For most outdoor sessions in the GTA, we plan the timing so we’re shooting during the best light of the day. If your session is indoors or in a shaded or urban location, we’ll adjust the timing to suit the space and season.

Question 15

Do you help with posing during the shoot?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you don’t need to worry about posing at all.

We guide you through simple, natural movements during the session, such as walking together, holding hands, or interacting naturally with each other.

Question 16

Can engagement photos be used for wedding invitations?

Accepted Answer

Definitely! Engagement photos are a popular choice for save-the-date cards, wedding invitations, and even wedding websites.

On top of that, couples frequently use them into guest books, signage, or display them as framed prints at their wedding. If you have a particular idea for using the photos, please tell us, and we’ll keep that in mind when planning your session.

Question 17

What locations are popular for engagement photos in the GTA?

Accepted Answer

Popular spots for engagement photos in the GTA are High Park, Scarborough Bluffs, the Distillery District, Harbourfront, Port Credit, Main Street Unionville, and the University of Toronto campus.

Even so, the best spot is really the one that is meaningful for you. We can always suggest places depending on season, lighting and the mood you want to create natural, urban or even quiet and intimate.

Question 18

Can we reschedule if needed?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We understand that unexpected things can come up.

If you need to reschedule, just let us know as soon as possible. We’ll do our best to find a new date that works for you and still fits the season and style you’re hoping for.

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