Finding the Best Montreal-Based Wedding Photographer: A Comprehensive Guide

Spoiler alert: It comes down to style and connection

 
Montreal Wedding Photographer-Domaine De Dunham
 
 

WORD OF MOUTH IS THE BEST MARKETING

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Picture this: Your friend goes to a restaurant, orders a steak, and it's absolutely amazing—the best they've ever had! Blown away by how delicious it is, your friend raves to you about this incredible meal, telling you that you should definitely try it.

Now, let's tweak the scenario a little bit. Same restaurant, same great steak. However, instead of hearing about it from your friend, you see a commercial advertising how great it is. Would you feel as motivated to try it as before? Probably not, and why's that? The truth is, the best marketing is positive word of mouth.

Of course, advertising is important, and we're in no way opposed to it. However, most of our business comes from positive word of mouth, and couples reading the testimonials of other couples.

The glowing reviews our clients leave after working with us are priceless. Our clients recognize our commitment to excellence, and it's for this reason that Mandy & Randy Weddings has become one of the most sought-after wedding photography studios in Montreal, and throughout the provinces of Quebec and Ontario.

Don't just take our word for it—see for yourself

 

CRAFTSMANSHIP

QUALITY OVER QUANTITY

 
Montreal Wedding Photographer-Domaine De Dunham
 
 

If you Google search 'Best Montreal Wedding Photographer,' you'll come across many photographers promising thousands of photos from your wedding day, along with free albums included in their packages. However, we prefer to stay focused on the actual quality of the work provided rather than the quantity of products delivered.

Would you rather have one or two amazing shots of your dad wiping a tear from his eye, or ten average shots? Would you prefer a free wedding album made from poor materials that will deteriorate and lose color over time, or would you rather have the option to print your wedding photos yourself and purchase a quality album handcrafted from premium materials separately from your package if you so choose?

We provide all of our couples with their full-resolution images. And unlike most studios, we carefully retouch all of our clients' photos to ensure they are beautiful and print-ready.

Mandy & Randy is a luxury brand. However, we understand the constraints of a budget, which is why we offer a lifetime guarantee for our clients' images. This allows our couples to come back and create their wedding album whenever they are ready, whether that's in 2, 3, or even 10 years after their wedding day.

And because your wedding photos are for meant to last for lifetime, find a photographer for generations to come. Someone whose work is timeless. Looking beyond photography trends will lead you to discover your true taste.

To view a full wedding album from a 2023 wedding, click here.

 

LAND ON A BUDGET

DON’T SPEND MORE THAN YOU NEED TO on hours you don’t need

 
 
 

There are various factors to consider when determining your budget, and once you've established it, there are numerous ways to allocate it towards the services you prioritize the most.

When setting your initial budget, it's essential to dive into research mode! Look up a few wedding photographers in your area who publicly disclose their rates on their websites. This will give you a ballpark figure and serve as a realistic starting point. Other significant factors to consider include your timeline and shot list expectations.

For instance, we offer a flexible hourly-based system where you only pay for the hours you need. If you're aiming to save costs but value capturing moments from the preparation and getting ready phase, you might opt to shorten the coverage during the reception.

Additionally, factors like adding a second photographer will impact the final quote. What's important is finding a photographer who won’t try to upsell you, but rather help you find a package that gives you what you need, and nothing you don’t.

 

WITHOUT CHANGE THERE IS NO INNOVATION

ARE THEY CREATIVE?

 
Don Henley from the Eagles

Don Henley of the Eagles

 
 

In our opinion, a great wedding photographer does not limit themselves to just wedding photography. In order to be a well-rounded artist, they should be continually expanding their skill set both creatively and technically.

While our passion lies in wedding photography, we also love to shoot family portraiture, commercial work, and concerts. This keeps us fresh and allows us to expand our creative abilities in different ways. We become better wedding photographers because we photograph more than just weddings.

To view our non-wedding portfolio, click here.

 

MANNERS DO NOT GO OUT OF STYLE

Are they polite and FUN TO BE AROUND

 
Bridesmaids getting ready before a wedding
 
 

Your photographer should be someone you enjoy spending time with. The fact of the matter is, the number of hours you spend with your photographer adds up quickly. Starting with the engagement session all the way through to the end of your wedding day and the preparation of your album, your photographer will be spending some of the most important hours of your life with you. For this reason, a photographer with a personality that matches yours is incredibly important. It's not enough to just like their pictures; you must get along as well.

 

TWO IS BETTER THAN ONE

DO THEY OFFER MORE THAN ONE PHOTOGRAPHER

 

Weddings unfold like captivating stories, with the main characters—the bride and groom—taking center stage. But just like a good book, there’s also intriguing subplots woven throughout. At Mandy & Randy, we understand the importance of capturing every moment of your special day.

In addition to the focal points, such as the bride walking down the aisle and the couple's first kiss, there are countless other precious moments happening simultaneously. From the tears of joy in a grandmother's eyes to the laughter shared between friends, these are the details that make your wedding unique and unforgettable.

While Randy does shoot almost all our weddings solo (he’s really good and being everywhere), we do offer a team of experienced photographers who work seamlessly together to ensure no moment goes unnoticed. With two lead photographers and a team of trained associates, we guarantee comprehensive coverage of your wedding day.

Whether you're exchanging vows in Ontario or celebrating in Quebec, our photographers are dedicated to capturing every emotion, every smile, and every tear.

 

Use the engagement photo session as a trial run

GET COMFORTABLE IN-FRONT OF THE CAMERA

 
Montreal engagement photographer
 
 

Having an initial shoot with a photographer offers the opportunity to meet in person, assess chemistry, and experience their style firsthand.

We highly value engagement sessions with our clients. For many couples, being in front of the camera can feel unfamiliar, so having a pre-wedding session allows time to adjust. It also enables us to understand how to best support you, identify your comfort levels, and establish a rapport that makes the wedding day feel more like spending time with a friend. Engagement sessions instill confidence—seeing the beautiful and lovely photos afterward reassures couples and alleviates any anxiety they may have about the wedding day images.


Understand rights to the photos

DO YOU OWN YOUR WEDDING PHOTOS?

Bride and groom walking through garden in the summer

Navigating the permissions and legal aspects of wedding photo rights can indeed be quite intricate, but fear not! With us, clarity is always our priority. Before you walk down the aisle, understanding these details ensures peace of mind for both you and us.

Typically, we hold the rights to the images, ensuring their protection while granting you and your family personal use privileges. This means you'll receive high-resolution files perfect for printing and sharing online, with no pesky restrictions attached. Feel free to showcase your cherished memories as you wish, knowing they are yours to treasure and share.

Moreover, as part of our standard contract agreement, we seek your consent to feature your imagery in our business portfolio. Your beautiful moments captured on camera become a testament to our craft and dedication, and we're honored to showcase them with your blessing.

But some photographers don’t work like this. They don’t give you all your photos, they don’t let you print your images, and they, well, it’s best to ask questions and know exactly what you’re getting.