For Monika Grzelak, photography was never just a job—it was always a way of seeing. Long before she founded Everglow Photography, one of Toronto’s most sought-after wedding collectives, she was a kid in Poland with a film camera in hand, documenting summer vacations and family life through a lens that seemed to understand the beauty in everyday moments.
Years later, that same instinct—to observe, to feel, and to preserve emotion—still defines her approach to wedding photography.
From Warsaw to Toronto: A Journey of Curiosity and Creation
Monika grew up in Poland, studied law and marketing, and worked in advertising before she made the leap to Canada at 27. It wasn’t a carefully plotted plan. “I moved on my own, thinking I’d stay a little while,” she says. But that decision quietly rerouted her life. In Toronto, she enrolled at Ryerson University to study photography—and found herself spending weekends in the studio, collaborating with other creatives, and rediscovering the creative freedom she had long craved.
It was during this period that Monika second-shot her first wedding. “It was stressful, even as a second shooter,” she admits. But it planted a seed. She realized weddings were a powerful mix of documentary storytelling and editorial styling—exactly the hybrid that had always fascinated her. Her first solo wedding came in 2015, hired by a friend, and while the stakes felt heavy, the joy was undeniable. “They loved the photos—and that’s what mattered most. But I also knew I had a long way to go.”
Building Everglow: A Collective with Heart
In 2016, Monika began investing in styled shoots, wedding shows, and Facebook ads to build her business. It was scrappy and uncertain—but it worked. Over the next few years, Everglow Photography evolved into a boutique collective, with Monika at the helm curating a team of like-minded creatives who shared her passion for storytelling and her dedication to intentional, people-first photography.
Today, Everglow documents around 50 weddings and 35 engagement sessions annually, primarily in Toronto, Muskoka, and Niagara. More recently, the collective has begun expanding to Europe, with Monika photographing weddings in Italy and Spain—a full-circle moment for someone whose aesthetic is so deeply rooted in the mood and visual language of European cinema.
The Signature Style: Directed Candid Meets Cinematic Storytelling
Monika’s work is defined by contrast: elegant but emotional, candid but carefully composed. She describes her style as a blend of documentary and fine art, informed by film photography and driven by a desire to create timeless, honest images. Her editing is subtle and cinematic, but it’s the way she shoots—fluid, movement-driven, and built on trust—that truly sets her apart.
“I call it ‘directed candid’ photography,” she says. “It’s about natural prompts, helping people feel comfortable, and then stepping back so the real moments can unfold.”
Though she’s known for her quiet visual poetry, Monika is no stranger to wedding-day logistics. “Family portraits? I run a tight ship,” she laughs. And while every wedding is different, her process stays grounded in a clear understanding of how to balance storytelling with structure.
What Clients Say—and What Sets Her Apart
Everglow couples are often art lovers, introverts, and romantics. They want to be present at their wedding, not pulled into endless posing. That’s where Monika thrives. Her calm presence, emotional intelligence, and team-first mentality create space for clients to feel truly seen.
“My clients say they feel relaxed with me. They trust me,” she says. “And I never take that trust for granted.”
Beyond the Lens: Legacy, Leadership, and Life
For Monika, being a wedding photographer is more than a profession—it’s a legacy. “One day, I’ll be gone,” she says, “but the photos will remain.” That sense of permanence drives her to keep refining, to lead her team with vision, and to deliver an experience that feels personal, artistic, and intentional.
Outside of photography, she’s a runner, a cyclist, and a self-professed cinema nerd with a love for travel and quiet observation. Her artistic influences range from Vivian Maier to Fan Ho, and she draws energy from nature and movement—two things that help balance the physical and emotional demand of wedding seasons.
Looking Ahead
Monika’s goals are rooted in growth—but never at the cost of connection. As Everglow continues to expand across Europe and Canada, her focus remains on maintaining exceptional service, building strong relationships, and curating a team that evolves together.
“I always try something new at every wedding,” she says. “That’s how I stay inspired.”
With her background in marketing, her artistic sensitivity, and her entrepreneurial drive, Monika Grzelak is more than a photographer—she’s a storyteller, a mentor, and a visionary shaping the future of wedding photography in Canada and beyond.
Website: everglow-photo.com
Instagram: @everglow_photography_