time is relative

let’s stop it for a second

even a minute

Bride and groom standing on a balcony overlooking a river, with city buildings in the background, during sunset. The bride is holding a bouquet of white roses, and the couple is smiling at each other.
A bride and groom kiss surrounded by wedding guests holding sparklers at night.
A couple stands close together on a well-lit city street at night, smiling and embracing under a modern, illuminated architectural structure with a black and gold design.
A bride and groom sharing a kiss under a veil during an outdoor wedding at sunset.
A bride sits on a white vintage sofa, surrounded by five bridesmaids in maroon dresses. The bridesmaids hold drinks, one has a McDonald's fry box, and another holds a smoking stick, creating a humorous wedding scene.
Four men in suits sitting on a blue sofa in front of a large abstract marble wall art, with tall vases containing pampas grass on side tables.
A couple kissing on the steps of a grand, neoclassical building with columns and arched windows.
A groom lifting a bride in his arms outdoors during sunset, both smiling and looking at each other, on a grassy area with a house and trees in the background.
Bride and groom standing by the water, smiling and holding a bouquet of pink and white flowers, with the bride's long veil flowing in the wind, at sunset or early evening.
A young couple sitting on rocks outdoors, with the man gently kissing the woman’s forehead, both smiling, surrounded by trees.
Bride in a white wedding gown holding a large bouquet of pink and white roses, standing by a large window in a bright, white room.
A smiling young man with glasses wears a gray suit, light pink tie, and a pink boutonniere in a room with large windows and a brick wall.
A woman and a man sitting close together on a bench surrounded by wooden bookshelves, with the woman whispering into the man's ear while he smiles. The woman has curly hair and is wearing a white dress, while the man has long hair tied back, glasses,
A man and woman sitting inside a café, smiling and holding coffee mugs, seen through the café window.
A woman and a man are close together, their faces almost touching, with a sheer fabric billowing around them, suggesting an intimate moment or wedding scene.

A Toronto Wedding Photographer That Cares

Allow me to reintroduce myself, my name is Joel

The Photographer

I’ve been a photographer since birth and it’s the only way I enjoy anything. My mind constantly wanders into visual story telling. I’m always looking for a creative way to express an idea though an image.

Photography is art and science at the same time, its value is entirely determined by what it means to you.  My goal is to create artwork that continues to impact you emotionally, exponentially as time goes on. The more of you, you give me to work with the more I can give right back.

That’s what makes it an investment

Vangaaard Owner and lead photographer Joel Urbanavicius in a silly party photo holding a professional camera with flash wearing ray ban meta smart glasses

I wanted to make sure the first photo you saw of me was a weird one to break the ice. My Apprentice Jonathan took that photo as a prank - I think its funny. As if I was visualizing a photo concept and got caught by the flash like a deer in the headlights with a blank expression.

After 15 years, this is my wedding philosophy:

1) People are people and different people have different needs. You can pretend I’m not even there or you can look to me when you need a little extra confidence, I’ll direct you in a way that feels natural to you.

2) Natural/Ambient light > Flash. Natural light photography keeps me reactive and intuitive to the pulse of the environment. I want you to remember your wedding according to your vision and what it was actually like to be there.

3) I want your photos to reflect you as a couple. your chemistry, personalities, your identity as individuals and together.  By extension this is also how I photograph your guests. I’m a people person, and to me, the people are the wedding.

My job is to see what you can’t see, tap into the potential of our environment and use that vision to create artwork that will enable you to re-love your wedding day - fully completely

How can I customize Your Wedding?

Every wedding is different - I take the time to customize your experience so your needs are taken care of.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when you fill out the contact form and we have our consultation.

  • When would you like photos to begin? If you don’t have one already I can help you brainstorm your wedding timeline.

  • Where are your key locations? This is crucial when considering bringing one of my associate photographers along for the ride

  • What inspires you? This will help me know what locations to recommend for your engagement / wedding sessions

Your Wedding Gift

Each wedding I provide a complimentary sparkler exit and selfie photo-booth for you and your guests.

My Selfie-Booth sends your guests’ pictures right to their phone framed by a beautiful template with your names and your wedding date on it - this is fully customizable. As an additional bonus I’ll throw in a 3D printed prop to use with the booth that you can have as a keepsake after.

Because of this I accidentally started a photo-booth service you can rent all on its own. Follow this link to learn more if you’re here to rent one!

A bride and groom hugging each other in a lush greenery setting, with the bride holding a bouquet of flowers, in an indoor botanical-themed wedding venue.

I really appreciate you taking the time to read all that, I think I owe you at least a consultation - let me get to know you a little through this contact form and we can schedule a zoom meeting, I look forward to meeting you! — Joel