Breaking new ground in Canadian wedding photography, Cody Goetz has been named the 2024 Canadian Wedding Photographer of the Year by Canadian Wedding Photographers. This prestigious honour was decided by a public vote of, where his breathtaking images resonated with countless viewers. With 30 award-winning photos celebrated this year, Cody has solidified his reputation as one of the most talented wedding photographers in Canada.
"My approach to photography is warm & journalistic in style, aimed at authentically capturing your unique relationship. I'm deeply passionate about documenting your story, focusing on the genuine connection between you as a couple. I live in Winnipeg, Manitoba and love to travel.
For me, wedding photography is not just about snapping pictures—it's about diving deep into the unique bond that every couple shares. I carry a lot of the video documentary style into my work as a photographer, and I focus a lot more on your unique connection rather than a list of photographs. It’s about documenting what your relationship means to the two of you as you set the foundation for the rest of your lives."
Cody’s roots in visual storytelling began in 2010 when he started filming weddings, honing his ability to capture narratives through motion and composition. This foundation evolved into a passion for photography, where he channels his documentary expertise to frame moments that feel deeply authentic. “I’ve always believed the most powerful stories come from the unscripted moments,” Cody shares. “It’s about seeing the beauty in what’s real and honest.”
Based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Cody’s warm and journalistic style connects with couples seeking photographs that are as emotional as they are timeless. His approach is defined by a commitment to authenticity, allowing moments to unfold naturally rather than staging perfection.
Cody’s collection of award-winning images from 2024 is a testament to his ability to capture raw human connection while maintaining technical excellence. Each photo is a story in itself—crafted with precision, emotion, and a deep respect for the individuality of each couple.
We sat down with Cody to discuss a few of his award winning images:
"I could see the shot happening. I probably have 50 or 60 photos of this moment because what I was trying to do is capture all the bridesmaids' hands involved in the chaos. It reflects the rush and emotion of the morning while highlighting her. I feel like I got a little bit lucky with the lighting"
- Moment: Chaotic and hurried scene as bridesmaids assist the bride, capturing the energy of the moment.
- Technique: Shot top-down using a bench for elevation, leveraging window light for natural highlights.
"This is my secret to champagne sprays, I always try to make the background darker than anything else. I had natural light come in from behind me, lighting them and the sun was backlighting all the bubbles. So when they sprayed, it just looked crazy.”
- Moment: Perfectly captured champagne spray with bubbles filling the frame.
- Technique: Used a darker background with natural sunlight backlighting the bubbles to create a glowing effect.
"As a six foot three male photographer, I'm aware of my presence. I get a bit nervous taking these kinds of shots. I try to move in slowly because I don't want to be a distraction, but I also really like this angle for storytelling—it frames the moment cleanly with minimal background distractions."
- Moment: A unique perspective of the ceremony, showcasing hands and surrounding details.
- Technique: Shot from a low angle to frame the hands against the sky, incorporating negative space for focus.
"He’s a pilot, and flying is a part of their story. He would take her flying on date nights, so the plane was always really important for them and their relationship."
- Moment: Couple spraying champagne in front of a plane at sunset, personalizing their story.
- Technique: Integrated their relationship with aviation by including a plane, blending it with the celebratory champagne element.
"The groom’s face being partially hidden adds mystery and tension, which makes this my favourite of the series."
- Moment: Action-packed frame with beer splashing in all directions.
- Technique: High shutter speed to capture the moment; chaotic composition adds storytelling tension.
"This was one of those couples that just had this amazing, genuine connection with each other. I remember my connection with them was amazing too. They interacted well with each other, and they were so easy to take pictures of so this is just them enjoying their day. Actually, it had rained right before their ceremony, so they were blow drying the dress 30 minutes before this moment.
- Moment: A joyful, expressive moment as the couple walks up the aisle.
- Technique: Candid capture emphasizing their natural connection and shared happiness.
"A lot of my approach to flash is to kind of show you how it feels rather than just try and make it look nice. I wanted to keep the vibe authentic, just adding a bit of fill light to highlight the couple."
- Moment: Intimate, candlelit indoor ceremony with the couple well-lit.
- Technique: Used off-camera flash to enhance the moody, candlelit ambience without overpowering it.
"Including the cheering family and their private island setting made the shot far more compelling and told a more authentic story."
- Moment: Couple jumping into a lake during their private island wedding, surrounded by cheering family.
- Technique: Chose a wide angle to include family, the cabin, and surrounding elements for a fuller story.
"I like to walk as far away as I possibly can during ceremonies to get a different perspective. This was one of those times where I was backing up, and all of a sudden I felt this tree behind me.The framing added a unique perspective while showcasing the setting."
- Moment: Ceremony viewed from a distance, framed by tree branches.
- Technique: Used a natural frame by backing up until trees provided an interesting composition.
"It was just two lights with with grids, one on the couple, one on the speaker. This angle is great for storytelling, highlighting the couple's reactions and the speaker."
- Moment: Speaker and laughing couple highlighted during a toast.
- Technique: Used two lights with grids to isolate the speaker and couple, maintaining focus on the storytelling.
"There was a crazy storm. I was a little bit nervous actually. I always keep these lanterns with my gear for moments like this. I straighten most of my images. This one I left crooked because I just liked this kind of chaos of them running down the beach away from the lightning and the storm."
- Moment: Couple running with glowing lanterns during a storm, capturing the alive energy of the scene.
- Technique: Intentional motion blur and a crooked horizon to enhance the chaotic feel.
"I have a few different approaches to shooting dances. I aim for light placement that highlights movement while keeping the shot organic."
- Moment: Couple’s first dance with dynamic lighting.
- Technique: Cross lighting to add depth and dimension, balancing spontaneity with technical precision.
With his unparalleled ability to document love and connection, Cody Goetz continues to redefine what it means to be a wedding photographer. Recognized as the best wedding photographer in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and now across Canada, Cody’s work inspires both his peers and the couples he serves.
Whether it’s an intimate elopement or a grand celebration, Cody’s storytelling approach ensures that every wedding he photographs is preserved as a timeless work of art.
Website: codygoetz.ca
Instagram: @codygoetzphotography
Click here to view the full list of the Top 30 Wedding Photographers in Canada for 2024 and our other curated lists of the best talent in the country.