Being a Toronto Filipino Wedding Photographer
One of the best parts about being a wedding photographer in Toronto is the chance to experience a rich variety of cultures. I get to try different foods, immerse myself in unique traditions, enjoy beautiful performances, and dance to music from all over the world! Itās an incredible thrill, and I feel so lucky that this is my job. I anticipated that this career would expose me to unique and culturally rich experiences, but what truly surprised me was how weddings have helped me connect more deeply with my own identity.
As some of you may know, Iām half Filipino and half Chilean. My parents immigrated to Canada and met in Toronto, where my sister and I were born. My mom came here on her own, so when we celebrated major holidays, it was always with my dadās large Filipino family.
Weād gather at my auntās house, and it was always filled with food, laughter, and yesākaraoke! Weād indulge in lumpia, pancit, lechon, ube desserts, halo-halo, and so many other delicious dishes. My sense of being Filipino was shaped entirely by these family moments. So, when I had the chance to experience Filipino culture with other families that looked like mine, it felt like coming home.
Whatās even more special is how my work as a wedding photographer has opened doors to more Filipino foods, traditions, and celebrations. Iāve had the privilege of participating in rituals like the veil and cord ceremony, the money dance and more.
Iāve learned about more regions of the Philippines, and my list of beaches to visit has grown longer with each Filipino wedding I attend! Iām incredibly thankful to the Filipino couples who have embraced me as part of their families, allowing me to explore my heritage in such a meaningful and personal way.
Itās an experience Iāll never take for granted.
Filipino Wedding Toronto
Filipino Wedding Traditions
Before you click away, if you would like to learn more about traditional Filipino wedding rituals, you’re in luck! Here are 5 wedding traditions listed below that you may encounter if you are a guest at a Filipino wedding this year!
Traditional Filipino Wedding Clothing
The traditional Filipino barong (seen above, word by Daniel) is a lightweight, embroidered shirt made of piƱa or jusi fabric, worn for formal occasions. Its sheer, elegant design is a symbol of Filipino heritage, often featuring intricate hand-stitched patterns. The barong is typically worn untucked and paired with dress pants or a formal ensemble.
The Terno, a traditional Filipino gown for women, is known for its dramatic butterfly sleeves, which are an iconic feature of Filipino fashion. The Terno, as worn by Ana above, is often made of luxurious fabrics like silk or satin, is considered a symbol of national pride, showcasing both grace and craftsmanship in Filipino clothing design.
If you are looking to purchase a Terno, I highly recommend checking out Jillian Joy‘s designs! She has everyday ternos, a bridal collection of gowns and takes custom orders! You could also check out VINTA Gallery! Both companies are Canadian and based in Toronto!
The Veil and Cord Ceremony
The Filipino veil and cord ceremony is a filipino tradition that symbolizes the union and binding of the coupleās lives. During the ceremony, a veil is placed over the couple, signifying their shared commitment and unity. A cord, typically a looped design and sometimes passed on from family, is then draped over their shoulders, symbolizing the coupleās bond and the strength of their relationship. This ritual represents not only their commitment to each other but also the support and guidance of family and community as they embark on their journey together. It is a deeply meaningful and symbolic moment in a Filipino wedding.
Arras Arrhae Unity Filipino Wedding Coins
The Filipino coins, or “arras,” and the cage ceremony hold significant meaning in Filipino weddings as symbols of prosperity, fertility, and mutual support. During the ceremony, one partner gives the other 13 coins, usually placed in a decorative cage, representing their commitment to providing for each other and their future family. These coins also symbolize the promise to share wealth, while the recipientās acceptance signifies trust and partnership. The arras ceremony emphasizes the coupleās shared responsibility for their life together, including financial stability, and reinforces the idea of mutual respect and care in their marriage.
PS. If you’re looking for a place to purchase items like the cord, veil, or other wedding essentials, I highly recommend checking out Sinta & Co. This amazing Filipino Wedding Resource, run by Gelaine and JĆ©rĆ“me, offers beautifully crafted pieces that are ethically sourced. Every item in their shop supports living wages for artisans, respects the Philippines’ islands, and helps preserve Filipino and pre-colonial artisan traditions.
The Unity Candles
The Filipino unity candle ceremony is a beautiful symbol of the coupleās merging lives and shared future. During the ceremony, both partners light individual candles, representing their separate lives, and together they light a larger candle, symbolizing the unity of their marriage. This ritual reflects the coupleās commitment to each other, blending their histories, values, and dreams into one. The unity candle ceremony is a powerful reminder of the coupleās bond and the new journey they are beginning together, surrounded by the support of family and community.
The Money Dance
The Filipino money dance, also known as the “sayaw ng mga pera,” is a lively and meaningful wedding tradition where guests pin or place money (using creative solutions like a money cape) on the couples’s clothing as they dance. This gesture symbolizes well-wishes for prosperity, good fortune, and a successful marriage. The money collected during the dance is often used to help the couple with their new life together, providing a fun and generous way for guests to show their support and blessings. The dance is a joyful celebration of love, community, and the coupleās future.
That’s a wrap! Know of any traditions I’ve missed? Let me know in the comments so that I can add them in! And as always, if youāre still in search of a Toronto Filipino wedding photographer and would like to learn more about what itās like to work with me, please visit my Wedding Experience Page or contact me! And lastly, if you are also a Toronto Filipino Wedding Photographer, please connect with me on Instagram! I am always referring couples out when I am booked and I’d love to send some amazing people your way.
