If you’re planning a wedding in Whitby or the Durham Region, chances are Pinterest has already found its way into your late-night scroll sessions. It's packed with dreamy gowns, perfect florals, and “must-have” photo lists—but here’s the truth: Pinterest can be both inspiring and overwhelming.

At Ashley Topping Photography, I’ve worked with dozens of couples across Whitby, Oshawa, and the Durham Region, and I’ve found that creating a custom mood board—not just a Pinterest board—is the key to a wedding day that feels personal, authentic, and beautifully you.

The Pros of Using Pinterest for Wedding Photography Inspiration

There’s a reason so many engaged couples start with Pinterest:

• Endless Ideas – From cake designs to ceremony arches, Pinterest is a treasure trove of visuals.
• Easy to Share – You can send your board to your planner, photographer, and florist in one click.
• Quick to Save – Just tap “Pin” and it’s there forever.

It’s a great tool for exploring general styles—especially when you’re just starting to plan your Whitby wedding.

The Cons: Why Pinterest Can Lead You Astray

While Pinterest is a great starting point, it often creates unrealistic expectations—especially when it comes to wedding photography.

Here’s what couples in Durham Region should keep in mind:

• Most Pins Aren’t Local – Many photos are taken in different lighting, seasons, or even countries. A vineyard in Tuscany doesn’t translate to a fall wedding in Whitby, Ontario.
• Over-Pinning = Overwhelm – The more you pin, the harder it is to narrow down your actual vision.
• Trends Over Authenticity – Pinterest boards often prioritize what's trending, not what’s meaningful to you.
• Pose Pressure – It’s easy to fall into the trap of wanting to recreate every photo, rather than being present in your real moments.

Why a Mood Board Is a Better Alternative

A wedding mood board helps you focus your vision and communicate clearly with your photographer and vendor team—especially when you're planning in a specific area like Whitby or the Durham Region.

Here’s why I always recommend mood boards to my clients:

• It’s About Your Vibe – A mood board is curated with intention. It reflects your color palette, setting, emotional tone, and personal style—not someone else’s.
• Tailored to Your Venue & Season – Getting married at Deer Creek in Ajax or Bloom Field Gardens in Newcastle,  Your board can reflect the real lighting, textures, and surroundings of your Durham region wedding venue.
• Helps Me Tell Your Story – As your photographer, I use mood boards to plan how we approach your day—from your details flat lay to your sunset portraits.
• Less Noise, More Clarity – A mood board is a visual tool that cuts through the chaos and centers your wedding style.

How We Create Your Mood Board Together

When you book your wedding photography in Whitby, Ontario with Ashley Topping Photography, we collaborate on a personalized mood board that guides the look and feel of your images.

Here’s how it works:

1. We chat about your venue, style, and priorities.

2. I review your Pinterest board, if you have one, to spot recurring themes.

3. We build a curated board using local inspiration, real lighting, and seasonal touches.

4. You approve it, and it becomes our creative foundation for the big day.

Whether you're going for rustic elegance, minimalist modern, or cozy and romantic—your board helps me photograph your story in a way that feels right.

Planning Your Whitby Wedding? Let’s Bring Your Vision to Life

Pinterest has its place, but a custom mood board created for your actual wedding day—your venue, your season, your love—is where the magic really begins.

Reach out to check availability for your 2025 Durham Region wedding. Let’s create a vision that’s as unique as your love.