For various reasons, I adore a good engagement shoot. Couples are usually alone so they are more apt to show a wide range of emotions, the couple gets to choose where the shoot is so they are more comfortable in their surroundings and engaged couples are just . . . sweet and mushy. It’s so darn charming!

Here are a few sweets that demonstrate why I love engagement sessions so much. Notice how the architecture becomes a”character” in the photo? Think about shooting your engagement photos near uniquely colored walls, beautiful old buildings or places that have funky stairs. Your photographer will get some interesting angles and your pictures will be visually interesting : 

(Images courtesy of Patrick Grimes Photography)

Many couples struggle with what to do at an engagement session. They don’t know how or where to stand, the comfort level in front of a camera is sometimes an issue and frankly, having to be romantic as someone takes your picture is not always easy.  A tip for any photo session is to DO SOMETHING! If you and your sweetie love to hike, go on a hike with your photographer. Even your favorite car can make a fab “co-star” for your engagement shots. Love the retro car here and how it complements the image with the blue wall in the background.

 

(Image courtesy of Something Blue Photography) 

This couple set a fairly simple but elegant scene and I love the effect of the dainty chandelier juxtaposed with rugged nature- genius! Plan to get your save-the-date image during your engagement session too.

 (Images courtesy of Something Blue Photography)

These are great examples of how a photographer can use the surroundings of the location to make your images captivating. If you are a bit shy, the “in the background” style of photography offers some privacy while you smooch:

(Images courtesy of Patrick Grimes Photography) 

 Hobbies and interests, even where you two met, provide an excellent backdrop for your engagement portfolio. Getting to know your photographer not only increases your comfort in front of the camera (think how much better your wedding photos will be), it also helps him or her scout out the perfect locations for your images.

 (Images courtesy of Chris Richards Photography)

You are always going to want that clean & straightforward image in addition to your more artsy images:

(Image courtesy of Ted Hewitt Photography)

This couple is so sweet and I just love their innocent charm. Love is good!

 (Image courtesy of Patrick Grimes Photography)

So there you go! I expect to see some really cool engagement sessions from now on. Have fun, communicate with your photographer, and PLAN to have a great shoot!

Chatting Soon~Kelly

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Flowers should never be a thorn in a bride’s side (ha ha, bad joke). They should enhance the atmosphere of the wedding by complimenting the decor and creating beautiful visuals for guests and ultimately, photographs.

My wedding flowers were so-so but I cannot complain. My MIL graciously gave me a chunk of change and told me I could spend it all on flowers or not, it was up to me. How lucky am I? I chose to spend very little on my floral and I actually regret it a bit because my centerpieces were forgettable (literally, I have no idea what they looked like nor do I care since they were probably…lame).

The type of bouquet you choose has a significant impact on the mood of the wedding. If you are going for a traditional feel, you can go in the “tightly constructed” direction like these where the flowers are more uniform:

(Image courtesy of Something Blue Photography, Floral by Elaine Taylor Fine Flowers)

(Image courtesy of Chris Richards Photography)

Hand-tied bouquets lend themselves to a more natural or “organic” feel but they can also be hip and dramatic. This style bouquet is extremely popular these days. The range of flowers, shapes and heights in hand-tied bouquets definitely varies.

(Image courtesy of Ted Hewitt Photography)

This bouquet is just…beyond.

(Image courtesy of Amanda Rockafellow Photography, Floral by Mayfield Florists)

(Image courtesy of Chris Richards Photography, Floral by Sauliz Floral Dezigns)

More pretties for you- I love the fall colors on this one:

(Image courtesy of Ted Hewitt Photography)

(Image courtesy of Michelle Burley Photography)

(Image courtesy of Chris Richards Photography, Floral by Sauliz Floral Dezigns)

I love the simplicity of this arrangement- the natural beauty of the flowers is all this bouquet needs.

(Image courtesy of Something Blue Photography)

You can also explore different bouquet shapes- cascade, arm-sheaf (I loathe that name, can’t we find another name?? It sounds like armor), crescent or pomander to name a few.

(Image courtesy of Ted Hewitt Photography, Floral by SavOn Flowers)

(Image courtesy of Something Blue Photography, Floral by Floral Art by Rachel)

(Image courtesy of Something Blue Photography)

And finally, some stunning bouquets that are completely unique (yes, those are artichokes and I love them!)

(Image courtesy of Something Blue Photography, Floral by Butterfly Petals)

(Image courtesy of Amanda Rockafellow Photography, Floral by Sauliz Floral Dezigns)

Here is what floral expert Carl Shaw of Carl Alan Floral Designs has to say about matching bouquets with different types of brides:

Most brides usually have an idea of their perfect dress and bouquet long before they get engaged. With that said, it is important for the two to work together in terms of size, style, and shape. The experts from Carl Alan Floral Designs offer the following advice to brides who want to look their best on their big day:

For the taller bride in a form fitting gown, a sphere shaped hand tied bouquet works the best. Or a taller bride in a mermaid gown can carry a tailored waterfall bouquet to accentuate the shape of their gown and their height.

For the petite bride in an A-line or empire style gown, a free form gathering of smaller blooms works best (mini callas, sweetheart roses,delphinium,spray orchids, freesia, stephanotis etc.).

For the shorter bride in either an A-line or column style gown, a linear cascading bouquet can elongate your overall look with a variety of spray flowers (spray orchids tuberose, freesia, etc.).

So brides, my sage advice today is to be involved and knowledgable when it comes to flowers, even if you are not a “flower” person. I have gained a huge appreciation for what flowers can do for a wedding; the perfect bridesmaids dress is 10 times better when paired with a pretty bouquet, agroomsman stands just a bit taller when he is comfortable with his boutonierre and a reception can go from merely “decorated” to gorgeous with the right floral.

Chatting Soon~Kelly

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