Why you shouldn’t be afraid to sit (or sprawl!) in your wedding attire:
Wondering if you can really sit in your wedding dress? The answer is yes — and you should. In this post, we explore why sitting, lounging and embracing real moments in your wedding attire leads to more authentic, emotional, and visually stunning photos you’ll treasure forever.
When you imagine your wedding portraits, you probably picture standing tall, best posture, perfect poses and keeping your dress (or suit) in pristine condition all day long. I get it - it’s white dress and that’s daunting! While those classic, elegant shots have their place and will certainly be on our checklist, let me tell you a little secret. Some of the most memorable and striking wedding photos come when you throw the rulebook out the window.
Here’s why you shouldn’t be afraid to take a seat - literally - in your wedding attire:
Real Moments > Perfect Poses
The beauty of sitting or lying down is that it invites authenticity. You’re not going to be stiff or ‘overly’ posed - you’re relaxed. That shift in energy can come through the lens in a big way. Whether you’re leaning into your partner on some stone steps or cuddling up on a lawn with your bridesmaids, it’s real, raw and romantic! Not to mention that if you’re bringing your furry friend along for the day, getting down to their level is really going to let the moment shine! And honestly, if you’ve ever done or seen a family session by me, you probably didn’t think twice when I asked you to sit — because that’s where the magic happens. Snuggles, giggles, real connection. Same thing goes here.
Textures and Settings Shine
Stone steps, grassy meadows, vintages rugs, even cozy couches can add so much dimension to your photos. The contrast between your elegant attire and earthy, natural textures creates a visual interest and often makes your portraits feel like a page from a magazine editorial without even trying.
Let the Day Breathe
Your wedding day isn’t just about the big, formal moments — it’s about everything in between. The quiet pauses. The soft glances. The deep breaths before the next big moment. Sitting down — whether it’s on a stone wall, in the grass, or tucked into your partner’s side — invites those in-between moments to unfold naturally. And often, that pause lets you see your surroundings more. The little details of your venue that might have rushed past you otherwise. It’s a chance to slow down and be fully present — and that presence translates beautifully in your photos.
Your Attire is Meant to Be Worn
I know you’ve invested a lot into your wedding outfits and for a great reason! But don’t let the fear of a little grass or dust keep you from fully living out the day in it. Most dirt won’t even show up in photos. But the photos you’ll get from embracing the moment? They last forever. Besides - that’s why dry cleaners exist! I tell my client’s all the time that if your dress didn’t get dirty at all, then you didn’t do the day right!
We eloped in Ireland on a cliff and spent a portion of time taking photos on the beach too. If I had been worried about the wet stones, seaweed or ocean spray I would have never gotten the most incredible photos that I have on display (in every place I can get away with displaying them!) today. Okay no, these aren’t sitting down, but the same idea applies!
Shout out to our photographer Kayla Yestal for these incredible shots!
So go ahead - take a seat. Let your dress fan out, lay your head in your partners lap, maybe even kick those shoes off. The photos are not just beautiful - they’re you. And that’s what weddings and photos should be about.
Our Honeymoon on 35mm Film
Over on my Instagram yesterday I asked if anyone would be interested in seeing more of our honeymoon travels. So today I’m sharing highlights from our incredible trip, shot on 35mm film!
There's something truly magical about film photography in general, but travel on film especially has that perfectly encapsulated romance and nostalgia….
Honeymoon Memories on 35mm Film
Over on my Instagram yesterday I asked if anyone would be interested in seeing more of our honeymoon travels. So today I’m sharing highlights from our incredible trip, shot on 35mm film!
There's something truly magical about film photography in general, but travel on film especially has that perfectly encapsulated romance and nostalgia. All these images were shot on Kodak Gold 200 and the lab I used was Canadian Film Lab.
As for our travels - we started in Ireland and made our way around the country via car rental. Our week in Ireland seemed to fly by, with each day bringing us to a new breath taking location.
When we left Ireland, it was for Turkey. We landed in Istanbul where we boarded our cruise shop after two nights of exploring and EATING. From there, it was on to Kusadasi (Ephesus). We had no idea what to expect but certainly were not disappointed. Some of the most beautiful ports were saw were in Turkey and it’s certainly a location we plan to go back to.
When we left Turkey, we headed to the number one bucket list place - Egypt. My husband and I had actually talked about traveling to Egypt one of the first times we ever hung out. He told me it had been his dream to go since he was a kid and I had joked that he better take me with him one day. Well…. We made it! We saw Ciaro and Alexandria, but I’m going to leave you with just the best of my film shots from the Pyramids. And one cheeky iPhone photo because, I mean, come on. It speaks for itself as to why I had to include it!!!
Our cruise stopped in Cyprus after Egypt, but I don’t have any film to share with you from there.
We next went back to Turkey, porting in Alanya. Now this is a place we would love to go back to! The port was incredible from start to finish, top to bottom. Or rather, bottom to top, as we spent the morning hiking up from the port to the top of the town’s old Medieval fort!
Okay, that’s all I’m going to share for today! There’s definitely more to come, so keep an eye out for future posts <3
Toronto Summer Engagement Session by Madison Rose Photography
Madison Rose Photography had the pleasure of capturing the love story of the sweetest couple (and their sweet puppy!) on the picturesque Toronto shores of Scarborough Bluffs.
As the sun dipped below the bluffs, casting a warm golden glow, B and H danced barefoot in the sand and popped champagne, celebrating their love.
As they strolled hand in hand along the water's edge, leaving footprints in the soft sand, their engagement photos became a testament to the beautiful journey they are embarking upon together.
Mom + Me Sessions - Toronto Newborn Photographer
… I think it is so important for moms to have these opportunities as well, as we moms know all too well that we’re more often behind the camera than in front of it …
Capturing memories with your children while they are young is a priceless treasure that will forever warm your heart. I think it is so important for moms to have these opportunities as well, as we moms know all too well that we’re more often behind the camera than in front of it.
I’m so lucky to have the incredible privilege of freezing fleeting moments in time - preserving the innocence, joy and curiosity that define the early years and turning memories into timeless keepsakes.
Spring Mini Sessions in Grimsby - Grimsby Family Photographer
Madison Rose Rose Photography hosted our annual May Spring Mini Sessions in Grimsby this year!
As the weather starts to warm up and flowers begin to bloom, family photography becomes a popular choice for capturing memories that will last forever. Spring is the perfect season to capture your loved ones outside, surrounded by nature's beauty.
At Madison Rose Photography, we specialize in creating a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere for all of our clients. We will guide you through the process from wardrobe to posing, to ensure we capture the moments and essence of your family.
Mini Sessions are hosted in Spring, Autumn and Winter! Don't miss out on the opportunity to commemorate this Fall or Winter season with stunning family photography. Be sure to sign up to our email mailing list to be the first to hear!
End of Summer Engagement Session - Toronto Wedding Photographer
I absolutely adored shooting C + B’s engagement session in late September - it was the perfect way to wrap up the ‘official’ end of summer. They were so on board with all my wild ideas …
I absolutely adored shooting C + B’s engagement session in late September - it was the perfect way to wrap up the ‘official’ end of summer. They were so on board with all my wild ideas, from sitting in the water to traveling 20 minutes in the opposite direction to pop champagne in the perfect nighttime location. Everything was perfect from the lighting to the wardrobe and of course, this beautiful couple loving on and having fun with one another.
x
Lakeside Engagement Session
Happy New Year!
Through back to warm and sunny weather with this lakeside engagement session in Oakville. How sweet are these two!? I am beyond excited for their wedding in 2023.
I have had a whole string of brides wearing white for their engagement photos lately and I absolutely love it! Why not rock the look and soak in all that ‘bride to be’ magic? If you haven’t considered white for your engagement session, at least think about throwing it in for a few portraits before you change ;)
x
Chic City Engagement - Toronto Wedding Photographer
A summer evening, downtown, chic wardrobe and a gorgeous couple in love. The perfect recipe for a stunning Toronto engagement session! I met these two lovebirds when A proposed to M and had me secretly waiting to photograph the whole thing! We took some lovely photos of the surprise and they even did a quick wardrobe change from sweats to dress but still wanted to take it up a notch with some portraits that were less unexpected. I think these two absolutely nailed the city chic look! Congratulations, A + M!
A summer evening, downtown, chic wardrobe and a gorgeous couple in love. The perfect recipe for a stunning Toronto engagement session! I met these two lovebirds when A proposed to M and had me secretly waiting to photograph the whole thing! We took some lovely photos of the surprise and they even did a quick wardrobe change from sweats to dress but still wanted to take it up a notch with some portraits that were less unexpected. I think these two absolutely nailed the city chic look! Congratulations, A + M!
x
Autumn Family Session in Beamsville, Ontario
A Beautiful Autumn Family Session in Beamsville, Ontario.
I’ve had the pleasure of working with Jade from Mint and Magnolia Floral Design Co. a few times now on shoots and weddings. It was so much fun working with her in front of the lens this time around and meeting her beautiful family! They braved the cold weather for these gorgeous fall colours and I’m so happy with the results! x
Intimate City Wedding - Toronto Wedding Photographer
It’s hard to imagine such an imitate wedding in the middle of the biggest city in Canada, but Anthony and Amber pulled it off. Surrounded by only their closest friends and family they wed this summer on the rooftop patio of the Chase. These two managed to create a day that was both intimate and elegant with champagne, a tux, a shimmering gown and their mother’s blessing their rings while skyscrapers looked on.
Their first look was done outside their apartment building at 8:30am, along with some portraits just in the car park. It’s amazing what a bit of foliage and the right light can turn into! From there we all took an Uber to the Chase and shot more portraits on the street. Then their ceremony began, led by the lovely Mary Montanari. A rose petal exit saw them out, followed by cocktails and portraits with their guests. The nice thing about small weddings, I think, is you have the time to get a photo with every person you’ve invited!
This wedding was a dream to photograph and working with these two was a pleasure. Cheers to the newlyweds!
