There’s a moment near the end of every wedding day when Megan Elrick steps back, watches the sun dip low over Lake Superior, and quietly marvels at the fact that this is her job. Based in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Megan is the owner and creative lead behind Cascades Photo + Video—a studio known for its joyful, true-to-life storytelling and vibrant energy. But the path that brought her here winds through Vancouver film sets, basement darkrooms, and even the occasional club scene fake-dancing gig.
Born in Southern Ontario and trained in both television broadcasting and motion picture production, Megan’s love for visual storytelling began early—at age 12, with a dusty Canon AE-1 she found in her dad’s basement. That discovery sparked a lifelong passion for photography and film, one that led her to Capilano University in Vancouver and a career working in Canada’s film and TV industry.
By 2010, Megan was already shooting weddings professionally under the brand Family Creative Imagery, alongside her longtime friend Jamie. In seven years, they documented over 85 weddings—learning the rhythms of real love stories and gaining the kind of experience only time and repetition can deliver. But in 2017, after 11 years on the West Coast and with her husband Jon by her side, Megan felt the pull of home. They packed up, moved to Thunder Bay, and launched Cascades Photo + Video in 2018.
Today, Megan shoots 15 to 20 weddings each year—mostly close to home, with the occasional Southern Ontario or destination event sprinkled in. Her approach is rooted in authenticity: high-contrast, true-to-life colour palettes; lots of laughter and motion; and a commitment to capturing what’s real over what’s staged. “Our clients aren’t perfectionists,” she says. “They’re relaxed, fun, and they just want to enjoy their day. We help them do that.”
During peak season, Megan only books full-day weddings—giving each couple the space to let the day unfold naturally. Her mornings start with quiet candids and zero pressure, her ceremonies are shot with an eye for emotion and reactions, and her family portraits are famously efficient. “I require a list ahead of time,” she explains. “We start with the biggest group and move down—less chaos, more time for celebration.”
Gear-wise, she swears by her Canon R5 and RF 28–70mm lens combo, and at receptions she lights creatively using a flash on a stand—giving her images that signature high-contrast pop. But the real secret to her style lies in editing. Megan’s post-processing pulls vibrant colours forward while staying true to the energy of the day—never washed out, never overly stylized.
She also brings a rare perspective to weddings, having once photographed them without ever having attended one as a guest. Her first-ever wedding gig in 2009 was for a friend-of-a-friend and entirely unpaid. “I had no idea what I was doing,” she admits. “I hadn’t even been to a wedding before.” But the experience lit a fire, and she’s been refining her process ever since.
Over the years, Megan’s work has become deeply personal. As a mom and someone who has experienced the fleeting nature of time, she feels especially drawn to moments involving grandparents, siblings, and candid connections. “These photos are family heirlooms,” she says. “That’s not a responsibility I take lightly.”
Cascades is now a true family business. Jon, her husband, shoots alongside her and keeps things running calmly behind the scenes. Megan calls herself the extrovert of the pair, while Jon brings quiet steadiness. Their dynamic reflects the best of what a photography team can offer: adaptability, balance, and deep care.
Still, the lifestyle isn’t without its challenges. Wedding photography demands emotional presence, physical endurance, and long hours of editing in isolation. Megan balances the pressure with intentional routines: hot yoga, family time, Monday rest days, and boundaries around work hours. “I’ve learned that taking care of myself isn’t optional,” she says.
As for the future? There are no big reinventions on the horizon. “Honestly, we just want to keep doing what we’re doing,” Megan says. “We love this work. We’re 15 years in and still excited to show up, laugh with couples, and give them something they’ll cherish for the rest of their lives.”
To learn more about Megan’s work or get in touch, visit Cascades Photo + Video or follow @cascadesphoto on Instagram.