Based in Victoria on Vancouver Island, we offer a mix of artistic and creative portraits, capturing candid and natural moments that show authentic emotion.
WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY INFORMATION & FAQs
Why FunkyTown Photography for my wedding?
You’ll notice the couples who choose us all have different personal styles and different ways of celebrating, but they have one thing in common: they are having fun and being themselves! Have a look through our portfolio and ask yourself how you feel when you look at our photos. Do you see yourselves in them?
We believe in capturing candid moments throughout the day, allowing you to enjoy moments without intrusion. During portraits, we’ll give you directions that will help you have a natural smile (not a forced one), while still making sure you look amazing! Our experience also means we can anticipate when moments are going to happen, and how to handle any photographically-challenging situation (such as low lighting or rain). We also love to create a few unique, creative photos from each wedding that you’ll be excited to hang on your wall.
We’re also proud that our approach and style are sought out by other professionals, and more than 800 wedding photographers have attended a FunkyTown Photography workshop. We’ve had three top 10 world-wide placements with the International Society of Professional Wedding Photographers. And we’ve also ranked as the #2 and #3 best wedding photographers in Canada (PWPC 2012 & 2014), in addition to receiving 24 prestigious lifetime Fearless Awards.
And while industry accolades are great, it’s most important for us to make our couples happy. After all, it’s your story we’re telling. Check out what couples have said about us in their own words.
Where do you live? Are travel costs included? How do we meet if we’re not in the same town? What about Engagement Portraits?
We offer portrait and wedding photography in Victoria, BC on Vancouver Island, and we also serve Vancouver, Whistler and the lower mainland, plus destination weddings across the world, including Costa Rica and Antigua, Guatemala.
We are also avid campers and we spend a lot of time in Canada’s rocky mountains, including Banff, Canmore, Lake Louise, Jasper and Kananskis. Plus, Gwen & Christina both have family in Ontario we also serve Barrie, Muskoka, Toronto and Ottawa. If we’re in the area on your wedding date there are usually no additional travel costs.
Do you still take formal traditional family portraits (with everyone looking at the camera)?
Absolutely! We always take photos of the groups that are important to you, and we also take more traditional photos of you as a couple, plus everyone in the wedding party. We know these are special photos for families, in addition to the storytelling photos we take throughout the day.
I’m eloping or having a vow renewal – do you photograph smaller weddings?
We would love to photograph your elopement. Depending on the time of year we’re local to Victoria, British Columbia, Manuel Antonio in Costa Rica, Tamarindo in Costa Rica and Halifax, Nova Scotia. Please get in touch and tell us more about your elopement plans!
Do you have experience with Chinese, Sikh or Hindu weddings?
We have lots of experience with all kinds of wedding traditions. We have photographed many multi-day Hindu and Sikh ceremonies, as well as epic 500-person Chinese and Vietnamese tea ceremonies. See the photos from Tina & Corey’s Chinese wedding in Calgary, Alberta. To check out some multi-day Indian/South Asian weddings, visit Simran & Jesse’s Sikh wedding in Victoria & Edmonton, or Jehan and Rishi’s Hindu wedding in Burnaby, Surrey and Vancouver.
Do you photograph LGBT/same-sex weddings?
Absolutely. Let us know your plans and count us in!! Check out Kelly & Zane‘s elopement in Victoria and Katie and Mary Ann’s engagement portraits and wedding photos in Victoria.
Do you photograph engagement portraits?
During your engagement session you’ll have a chance to get to know your wedding photographer, experience how she shoots and to get you used to being in front of the camera. This session often makes the wedding day go so much more smoothly. Sessions are usually around 45 minutes but it’s no problem to take a little longer than needed.
Photography is all about light. Good light = good photos. We prefer to book your engagement session about an hour to an hour and a half before sunset to ensure you get the best photos possible.
We definitely want to book you! What’s the next step?
Awesome! We’ll put together your wedding contract and email it to you. From there, you simply sign the contract online. Get in touch and we’ll walk you through it!
FAMILY PORTRAIT INFORMATION & FAQs
Christina is our resident family portrait photographer in Victoria, BC
What should we wear? Should we match?
You don’t have to match. In fact, it will look more authentic if you’re wearing clothing that reflects each of you.
Think classic and TIMELESS. Trendy clothing that’s in-style now may date your images in a short period of time. That’s why it’s good to avoid patterns. Graphic elements in your clothing can often steal attention away from your face as well. Solid colors are usually best. You don’t need to match. Try to pick outfits and accessories that coordinate instead. Check out our Pinterest board at https://www.pinterest.com/funkytownphoto/portrait-clothing-what-to-wear/ for some ideas.
If you decide to wear high heels, we suggest bringing some flats to switch into just in case we need to climb over some rocks or go through grassy areas where your heels might sink (or worse, get stained or dirty). Guys should wear shoes that aren’t too slippery if we’re doing your session outdoors. People sometimes like to have one casual outfit and one that is a bit dressier. That way you can have two different looks. We recommend beginning with the dressy outfit first.
Do you travel for family portrait sessions?
Absolutely! In addition to offering family portraits in the greater Victoria area, including Sooke, Colwood, Lanford, Mill Bay, Cobble Hill, Oak Bay, Esquimalt, Sidney and Saanich, I frequently photograph families throughout Vancouver and the lower mailand; plus I serve all of Vancouver Island, including Cowichan, Parksville, Nanaimo, Comox, Courtenay, Ucluelet, Tofino and Campbell River.
And if you’re coming from afar to have a family reunion or vacation in Victoria or Vancouver Island I’d also love to create a wonderful keepsake of your time together.
Where should we have our portrait session?
We can choose a favorite outdoor location, your home or my gorgeous natural-light downtown studio loft in Victoria, BC.
What if my baby is fussing and needs extra time?
I want you to be THRILLED with your images. I always pad in extra time to allow your baby to nap or feed. And my experience with weddings also means I’m super fast and stealthy when it comes to capturing toddlers.
Do you photograph maternity and newborns?
Yes, but for newborn sessions my style is more candid and natural. Your photo will capture the love you have for your new baby without a lot of formal posing. If you are looking for something else, please let me know and I’d be happy to set you up with someone amazing.
Do you offer hair and makeup services?
Absolutely! You can opt to have hair and makeup as part of your portrait session. My hair and makeup team will even come to you!
Do you photograph large groups or events like a family reunion?
Absolutely! Please inquire and tell me more about your event!
I am a private person and don’t want photos of my family shared on social media.
I completely respect that a lot of people don’t want photos of their families shared online. It is no problem for me to keep them private.
Can I chat with you if I have more questions?
Absolutely!! Get in touch. I’d love to help you plan an amazing family portrait session!
Want some inspiration for your wedding on Vancouver Island?
Victoria and Vancouver Island Wedding Venues
Beacon Hill Park
Bear Mountain
Campbell River
Church & State Winery
Cortes Island
Crown Isle in Courtenay
Dallas Road wedding and engagement portrait locations
Delta Oceanpoint Hotel in Victoria’s Harbourfront
Downtown Victoria wedding portrait locations
Empress Hotel
Filberg Heritage Park in Courtenay
Fireside Grill
Fort Rod Hill Lighthouse and National Historic Site
Francis King Park
Goldstream Park & Forest Weddings
Hatley Castle
Island View Beach
Island View Beach Ceremony & Saanich Fairgrounds Reception
Kingfisher Lodge, Courtenay
Laurel Point
Macaulay Point Park, Esquimalt
Merridale Cidery
Metchosin
Old English Inn
Oswego Hotel
Pender Island
Piers Island
Sea Cider blog posts More Sea Cider venue photos
Parkside Resort
Prima Strada
Royal Colwood Golf Course
Saxe Point
Shawnigan Lake
Sooke Harbour House
St. Ann’s Academy
Swan’s Brewpub Penthouse
Swan Lake, Saanich
Thetis Lake
Tofino & Ucluelet
University of Victoria Chapel & Finnerty Gardens
Victoria Harbour Towers
Victoria Water Taxi
Ward Room
Willis Point House
Victoria BC Wedding Guide – More resources and information
Vancouver Island Weddings
Church and State Weddings
Hatley Castle Weddings
Recommendations for Having Your Wedding in Victoria BC
Fairmont Empress Weddings and Engagements
Downtown Victoria BC Wedding Photography