Wedding Decor and Photography Tips with Rachel A. Clingen

Here at MANGO, we want to ensure all the unique elements of your wedding are captured flawlessly. More often than not, beautiful wedding photographs are a result of the combined efforts of all vendors involved. That’s why it’s important for us to build genuine relationships with top wedding professionals to guarantee a great experience for everyone! I recently met with the multi-award winning Rachel A. Clingen of Rachel A. Clingen Wedding & Event Design to learn more about the various facets of wedding stylization and décor. I’m really excited to share with you her insight on designing your wildest wedding flower and decor ideas! I’m also including some of my favourite images from Chelsea and Caleb’s Toronto barn wedding we worked on together below. 

Toronto barn wedding photography

Mango Studios (MS): How does photography factor in your floral and wedding design process?

Rachel Clingen (RC): Photography plays a huge role in the design process, as we depend heavily on images to guide our clients in the right direction and to help them visualize concepts that we might be discussing. We always love it when photographers capture the details of the floral and decor. This means that when we are designing, we want to ensure that there is lots of texture and visual interest.

Toronto barn wedding photography

MS: What does the perfect wedding day look like in photos?

RC: The perfect wedding day in photos would include full coverage of the events as they unfold, such as bride and groom getting ready through to the reception and should also capture the emotions of the participants. However, a perfectly photographed wedding would also include images of all the visual details that make each wedding unique. Photos of particular elements like the bridal bouquet, a boutiniere, or a custom floral feature help the viewer get a sense of the mood or atmosphere of the wedding, so these are often key shots. Mango Studios recognizes the value of this, and always captures the day in its entirety.

Toronto barn wedding photographyToronto barn wedding photography

Toronto barn wedding photography

MS: What photos are you most excited to see post-wedding day?

RC: Well, not going to lie… I am always excited to see the images of our work, all the floral and decor details such as a stand-alone shot of the bride’s bouquet or an intentional shot of a centrepiece. Some photographers may take an overall shot of the reception or ceremony, and feel that is sufficient to capture the décor. However, focusing on the individual elements of the space helps to show how the look was created and gives a truer sense for the feel of the wedding.

MS: What are some photo worthy trends you’re seeing in floral and design this year?

RC: We are seeing and designing a lot more custom decor features such as floral structures, canopies, life-sized trees and suspended pieces. It’s always exciting to know you’re working with a photographer who will see the value in capturing it. Also, unique floor plans are trending, such as rows of gallery tables, rather than all rounds. The look of repeated centrepieces is always a strong decor shot.

Toronto barn wedding photography

MS: What attracts you and your couples to work with Mango Studios each year?

RC: I love Mango studio’s polished yet romantic style of photography. Our clients tend to be fashionable professionals who place a high priority on a stylish design and a fresh look. This means they want a photographer who understands the value of capturing all the details as well as an editorial style of capturing the events of day. I have personally worked on many events with Mango and it’s easy to see why many of our clients choose them. The team is approachable, friendly and, of course, very talented. I have also personally experienced their impeccable post-wedding customer service.

Toronto barn wedding photography

We joined Rachel to celebrate and photograph her son’s wedding. Filled with lush florals and peach-inspired colours, this Toronto barn wedding was one of the most amazing celebrations we’ve had pleasure to photograph. It was an honour to be a part of such a special day! To see more photographs from Chelsie and Caleb’s Toronto barn wedding check our gallery here. As seen in WedLuxe.