Love has a way of painting life with vibrant colors and creating beautiful memories. For Bri and Corey, their engagement session in Downtown Decatur was a true reflection of their vibrant love story. Against the backdrop of local artist murals and the city streets, their session captured the essence of their connection, shared passions, and the beauty of their relationship. From their favorite bar to the enchanting night sky, their engagement was a celebration of love and the captivating city that holds a special place in their hearts.
To Love at Their Favorite Bar
To start the session on a memorable note, Bri and Corey decided to visit their favorite bar in Downtown Decatur. This special place held countless memories and was a true reflection of their personalities.
The bar’s unique ambiance and the love that radiated from Bri and Corey created an enchanting backdrop for their engagement photos.
Exploring Local Artist Murals
Downtown Decatur is known for its lively art scene, with vibrant murals adorning the walls, each telling a unique story. Bri and Corey chose this colorful backdrop to symbolize the vibrancy and uniqueness of their love. As they strolled through the city streets hand in hand, their photographer expertly captured their joy and the artistic essence of their surroundings.
Against the murals, Bri and Corey posed with an effortless grace, the vibrant colors adding a sense of energy and excitement to their photos. Each mural became a canvas that beautifully complemented their love story, capturing the depth and complexity of their connection. With every snapshot, the images came alive, reflecting their shared laughter, affection, and anticipation for the journey ahead.
Under a Starlit Night Sky
As the sun dipped below the horizon, Bri and Corey’s engagement session continued into the evening, culminating in a breathtaking night sky. Against the backdrop of twinkling stars and the soft glow of city lights, their love seemed to shine even brighter.
The couple embraced each other, lost in their own world, as we captured the magic of the night. It was a moment that perfectly encapsulated the depth and beauty of their love, marking the beginning of a lifelong journey under the stars.
Bri and Corey’s Downtown Decatur engagement session was a testament to their love, individuality, and shared experiences. The local artist murals provided a captivating backdrop, reflecting the vibrancy and uniqueness of their relationship. From their favorite bar, where they were reminded of where it all started, to the enchanting night sky that witnessed their embrace, every moment was a snapshot of their love story.
Through their engagement session, Bri and Corey showcased the importance of embracing the beauty of their surroundings and incorporating their personal favorites into their journey.
As they embark on the next chapter of their lives, Bri and Corey’s engagement photos will forever serve as a reminder of the love and joy they share. Their story, painted on the city streets, will continue to inspire others to embrace their unique love stories and celebrate the beauty of the world around them.
THE ENGAGEMENT SESSION IS ONE OF OUR favorite parts of our time together because it gives you both a chance to be in front of our cameras before you get married, which is going to make your wedding day experience feel so smooth, seamless and comfortable. Not only that, but we get to create something so special together. You’re going to be married for over fifty years, but you only get to be engaged for this short period of time. We are so excited to capture the only time in your lives when you get to be each other’s fiancees. So we have created this guide for you, and packed it with all our best secrets for getting the best out of your engagement experience, so let’s dive right in!
Choosing the time and date
FOR THE ENGAGEMENT SESSION WE LIKE TO USE NATURAL LIGHT because we believe that natural light, from the sun and its reflections creates photographs that feel fresh, timeless and true to you as a couple. We begin all engagement sessions two hours before the scheduled sunset during the “golden hour,” when the light is the dreamiest. Use a sunset calculator online to determine the scheduled sunset for the date and location you’d like to do your session. Then, just subtract two hours to figure out your start time. Remember, the sun sets much earlier during the colder months of the year and much later during the warmer months, so make sure to factor that in when choosing your engagement session date, especially if you’re taking time off work or have evening plans afterward.
To get the most out of your session, please plan a buffer when getting ready so you can arrive a few minutes early. We like to shoot when natural light is still in the sky, so we’ll want to take advantage of every minute we have together before the sun goes down. Although we might have a few tricks up our sleeves during the later part of the day. If you’re wearing two outfits, save your favorite one for the second half, and if you’re wearing only one, arrive in that.
QUICK TIP: Our weekends fill up first and far in advance. You can get a Fast Pass to the front of the line by scheduling mid-week.
SELECTING THE RIGHT LOCATION
THE LOCATION OF YOUR ENGAGEMENT SESSION IS UP TO YOU! The first thing to decide is whether you would like to feature a natural or more industrial,urban area in your session. Like you can see on our website and blog, most of our couples want to showcase the natural beauty of Georgia or the area they choose to be photographed to give their out-of-town guests a fun preview of what to expect when they travel for their wedding. But we live in an area where there is so much unique history and architecture, and if that speaks to you, that is wonderful. We especially love shooting in the natural areas because they are so unique and the light is divine. There are also other great options around the state, and we’re always up for exploring a new spot together.
think outside the box
THIS IS THE TIME TO THINK outside the box! We encourage you to brainstorm unique locations that you might have special access to that most people don’t. For example, maybe you, or someone in your personal or professional network, can secure permission to a location that would otherwise be off-limits, like a beautiful private estate, country club, or resort. Maybe it’s a family ranch, upscale hotel, or even an airplane hangar. The sky is literally the limit! Spend a few minutes thinking about it and checking around. You will be surprised with what you come up with. Plus, if something seems out of reach, just remember: you never know until you ask! Our couples have secured permission to some pretty amazing places in the past. If you get stuck or need inspiration, check out our blog and keep browsing through. We have some great go-to locations around town that we can always hit, too. Just let us know which session you love, and the overall feel you are going for, and we will go from there! Easy. Peasy.
Destination Engagement
YOUR ENGAGEMENT SESSION includes travel time anywhere within metro Atlanta. If you’d like to go somewhere outside of these cities, we are up for the adventure! The travel fee for locations outside of these areas are priced depending on the distance.
We love traveling and actually on the road quite a bit. We’ve done engagement sessions from north to south and everywhere in between, so if we’re already going to be in or near an area you’ve always dreamed of doing your photos, and we can coordinate our schedules, let’s set it up. We’d love to make it work!
If you’d like us to meet you in a destination outside of Atlanta for your engagement session where I don’t already have plans to visit, just let me know and we can get you a custom travel quote.
Style Tips For HER…
because you’ve been waiting your whole life for this, why not DRESS IT UP!
HAVE YOU THOUGHT ABOUT rocking a sequined gown, tulle skirt or flower crown but just never had an occasion for it? This is your chance to do it up! Remember: There’s no such thing as “too dressed up” when it comes to your engagement session, so don’t be afraid to have some fun! If you don’t want to add a new permanent piece to your collection, a lot of our brides love Rent the Runway for their engagement photos because you don’t have to spend a lot to feel like a million bucks. Plus, you can send the outfits back when the session is over. Other brides just love having a great excuse to bring a new permanent piece (or two!)Â into their closet!
There’s no such thing as too dressed up.
say yes to the DRESS
LONG, FLOWY DRESSES AND SKIRTS LOOK AMAZING ON CAMERA BECAUSE they bring extra movement to the photos. Especially when juxtaposed with nature, like under mossy trees, garden, plantation or beach. Cute, shorter-length dresses photograph beautifully as well. Dresses and skirts tend to look most stunning on camera because they really flatter the female body—which is probably why the red carpet is always full of so many dresses and not very many pantsuits! We recommend avoiding pants and shorts for your session, and saying yes to a dress or two!
one or two? it’s up to you!
MOST OF OUR BRIDES WHO CHOOSE TWO outfits will bring one “wow” dress, and then another shorter sun dress or cocktail dress for a more casual “us on a date” feel. But if you want to bring two “wow” dresses and forgo the more casual dress altogether, give yourself permission to do it! The camera loves runway-esque apparel and so do we!
Remember, though, you don’t have to bring two looks if it’s too stressful or you’d rather just stick to one fabulous look. Just one outfit that you love will be so much better than one outfit you love paired with another you’re not very excited about. So, one or two? It’s really up to you!
choosing colors
WHEN CHOOSING COLORS FOR YOUR OUTFITS we recommend selecting lighter tones and more muted shades. By avoiding ultra-bright, bold colors, it will help bring all the attention to your faces and let the eye focus on the way you feel about each other. The camera loves shades of soft pink and muted blues, mixed with sophisticated light neutrals like heather gray, creams, leather brown and white. That softer color pallet fits beautifully into almost all natural out door environments.
Solid monochromatic colors are easiest to coordinate, but primary or complementary colors also look great and bring energy to the photograph. Darker colors will cause the subject to appear thinner while lighter colors will make the subject appear larger. When choosing color schemes, consider not only what looks best on you, but also what colors will look best as wall portraits and complement your home’s decor.
coordinating THE LOOKS
AS YOU’RE COORDINATING your outfit with your fiancee’s, keep in mind that your outfits will look the most cohesive on camera when the color palletes coordinate, but don’t necessarily “match”. You should each aim to wear a different dominant color, but stay within a similar color palette family. So if you’re wearing a blush dress, soft blue earnings and nude heels (blush being your dominant color), then he could wear a navy coat with gray pants, paired with brown leather shoes and maybe even a blush pocket square. Now he has his own dominant color (navy) while still incorporating a few touches of your color palette. Most of our brides choose their dress first, and then put together their fiancee’s outfit based on that. That’s why we have a section for each of you.
flattering your features
IN OUR EXPERIENCE, EVERY WOMAN, REGARDLESS OF HER shape has an area of her body that she’s self-conscious about, so recognizing what area that is in advance is key. Choosing flattering silhouettes and colors that complement your natural features is the best way to ensure you’ll love the way you look in your photos.
THREE-QUARTER LENGTH SLEEVES creates an awesome slimming effect on all arms, so be on the lookout for an option with a longer length sleeve. You could also bring a cute jacket, blazer or cardigan along, too. Skinny straps or strapless dresses have the opposite effect on arms on camera, so we recommend avoiding those whenever possible if your goal is a set of slimmer-looking arms.
HEELS ELONGATE WOMEN’S LEGS making them look fabulous. Closed-toes heels in particular look great on camera because they carry out the line of your leg all the way down to your toe. If your toes are showing in a peep-toe heel, you might want to schedule a pedicure before your session so you don’t regret letting your feet show. These little tricks make all the difference!
QUICK TIP: Bring a pair of flats to wear when moving from place to place. Your feet will than you later!
make a STATEMENT
PAIRING AN ACCESSORY OR TWO WITH YOUR OUTFIT CAN REALLY help bring some extra dimension to your images. Big statement necklaces bring a lot of pop to the photos, while the smaller, delicate ones are not as noticeable on camera. Belts, bracelets and earrings bring great visual interest, so choose one or two that don’t compete for attention. Fresh florals in a crown or bouquet can be a really romantic touch as well.
GO PRO with Hair & Makeup
PROFESSIONAL HAIR & MAKEUP IS ON TOP OF MOST OF our brides’ checklists because it looks amazing and removes the stress of getting ready on your own. From lash extensions to blown-out hair, professional hair and makeup will give you an extra boost of confidence in font of the camera, and it always photographs like a dream. If you’re working with a makeup artists, have her apply your makeup in natural light, if possible, so that it looks fresh and not too heavy. Plus, that’s the type of light we’ll be shooting in, so it’ll give you the best expectation of how it will translate on camera. Most of our brides feel like their makeup is “too much” at first, since it’s more than you would wear on a normal day, especially when it comes to false lashes, so if you feel that way at the beginning, don’t worry! Good makeup artists know how to get it just right for the camera— and our brides always love the final result.
If you need recommendation for hair and makeup, we work with the best in the business and have a great go-to team! they’re sweet as pie, talented as heck, unbelievable professionals and wonderful people, You’ll LOVE them! Just let us know and we’ll send you their information. We know they’ll take good care of you!
CONFIDENCE. It’s always the best accessory.
A LITTLE EXTRA POLISH
Don’t forget, your ring will be center stage, so give yourself permission to get it cleaned and your nails done, too!
skip the spray tan
ALTHOUGH IT MIGHT SEEM counter-intuitive, we recommend that you do not get a spray tan before your session, even a few days prior, because it tends to photograph orange even when it’s applied subtly and by a professional. Your actual skin tone will photograph most beautifully and naturally.
fashion tips FOR HIM…
because dapper and debonair never go out of style
FROM JAMES BOND TO DON DRAPER, MEN look most striking in a well-tailored suit. If he doesn’t have one, now’s the perfect time to invest in something he’ll wear for the rest of his life! The best part? It’s a lot less expensive than you might think! While custom suits can cost thousands of dollars, some of the most well-known brands have off-the-rack suits in their stores for a fraction of the prices. Solid shades of gray or navy are a strong compliment to most women’s outfits, whereas pinstripes or plaid patterns tend to distract the eye.
THERE’S NO SUBSTITUTE for a WELL-TAILORED SUIT
MIX IT UP
MANY OF OUR GROOMS LOVE TO MIX A SUIT COAT, BLAZER or sport coat with a different pant color. It adds some extra visual interest, and can be more fun than wearing two full suits in a row. I am a big fan of this fresh take on a timeless classic.
layered looks
NEXT TIME YOU WALK BY a store like J. Crew, you’ll notice the male mannequins and models are always wearing several layers at once. Layers on men look great on camera, so even when it’s hot outside, trust me when we say that it’s worth an hour or two of discomfort for photos that will last you both a lifetime. Adding another layer will bring extra dimension and visual interest to your photos. Blazers, vests and coats up the level of any look. If the temperature permits, he could even consider adding a v-neck sweater with a pop of color from a long-sleeved collared shirt and tie underneath. Don’t be afraid to get a little creative with layers!
IT’S ALL IN THE DETAILS
LONG PANTS AND CLOSED-TOED SHOES ARE THE MOST SOPHISTICATED and masculine looks for men. They draw attention away from his legs and feet and place it where you want it: on the face you fell in love with. So, for your session, it’s best to leave the shorts, sandals and jeans at home, too. Suit pants, dress pants or colored pants work best, especially when paired with closed-toe shoes. Brown leather dress shoes compliment almost every look, whether he’s wearing a full suit or a blazer and colored pants.
TIES, BOWTIES, POCKET SQUARES, COLORED SOCKS, BELTS, TIE CLIPS, suspenders, vests and watches are sharp compliments to any suit. If you bring two suits to the session, you can start with a traditional necktie and belt, then switch to suspenders and a bow tie for your second look. If two suits are too stressful, no problem. One look will do the trick! You can still mix and match accessories to compliment both of her dresses without doing a full change during the session. So, either way, you win.
HOW TO PREP YOUR MAN
MOST MEN AREN’T OVERLY EXCITED TO TAKE PHOTOS FOR TWO hours, because they don’t have an expectation of what’s to come and why it’s so important to you. Take fifteen minutes to educate and empower your guy. Tell him why you chose us and our style of photography. Show him your three favorite sessions that we’ve done, explain why you love them and express to him how much it means to you. Trust me, once he knows it’s important, he’ll light up the camera for you! The most common thing we hear from guys before engagement sessions is this: because of a bad experience in the past, they don’t like taking photos or don’t think they’ll be good at it. By the time we’re done though, they can’t believe how fast it went and just how much fun they had!
after the session
DON’T FORGET TO PLAN a dinner date! You’re already going to ball dressed up! Why not take advantage of it? We know the wedding planning process can feel all-consuming, so take some time after the session just for the two of you to relax and have some fun together. You deserve it!
one final note
WE KNOW WE JUST GAVE YOU A LOT TO THINK ABOUT, we created this guide to help make your engagement session experience something you’ll look back fondly on for years to come. At the end of the day, though, the location you choose and the outfits you select won’t matter nearly as much as the memories you make together. Your future marriage is the most important thing to us, and we want your engagement session to be a time for you to just be yourselves and enjoy it. Have fun together. Laugh a lot. And we’ll take care of the rest!
Kaelene met H (Helgi) in 2011 while studying abroad in Australia. Meeting someone special was not part of the plan at that time. Her focus was centered on two things, her internship and traveling as much as possible. Nonetheless she found herself falling hard for the guy from Iceland. Their journey to this very moment in time is quite interesting. So if you want to learn more about their love story, visit Kaeleen’s blog Unlocking Kiki.
We met up with Kaelene and H at Heiðmork. It’s the largest and most popular recreational park near ReykjavÃk. A location where millions of visitors enjoy nature and Iceland’s national pastime, hiking. It’s one of the only areas where you might be able to say there’s a forest. Well, maybe. You see Iceland is more about volcanic formations and hot springs than about tall trees. In jest some Icelanders will say “if you ever get lost in an Icelandic forest, just stand up”. However this country is spectacular in so many unexpected ways and a constant feast for the eyes.
Their chemistry is undeniable. This Viking loves his American girl.
Adorable Icelandic horses greet our couple as they make their way back down from the mountain. They are the only breed of horse in Iceland and are typically used for traditional sheepherding, showing and riding. Incredibly friendly and approachable at all times. They will take all the attention you can give them.
They even serve as great models. Next up, the beautiful black sand beach of Þorlákshöfn where a long shoreline meets volcanic rock clusters of basalt.
The one thing you can always count on in Iceland; the unpredictable weather. Constant wind gusts, intermittent sun and rolling clouds which seem to change intensity from one minute to the next. However unlike anywhere else, it feels perfect.
While shooting by rocks we stumbled across Minke Whales swimming just a few yards away. Normally one has to spend a good chunk of change to purchase excursions to see these amazing animals but we were blessed by their presence for a few brief minutes.Â
Authentic Icelandic sweaters made by H’s mother are perfect for the cool wind gusts coming from the ocean.
It was a blast to hang out with this beautiful couple for a few hours. We sincerely want to thank Kaelene for providing suggestions on where to go, what to eat and what to see. A great portion of our stay in Iceland was practically mapped out on her recommendations. Be sure to check out Kaelene’s blog Unlocking Kiki for further details on how to get the most of your time in Iceland.
This was undoubtedly a memorable trip. We enjoyed it so much that we’re already planning our next trip back so we can check out the west side of this magnificent island. If you’re interested in planning a destination wedding in Iceland or simply looking to elope; we’d love to speak with you about your photography needs. With special elopement packages and wedding collections, we can provide comprehensive coverage anywhere your love takes you.
The third and final portion of our special destination series takes us through the wedding and the reception. Click to seePart 1and Part 2. A warm sunny morning greets the bride and groom as they start their getting ready process. For Reet that meant getting his Batna ceremony out on the porch before dressing up in an elegant brocaded sherwani with a traditional turban wrap. As with any bride, Julie had extensive hair and makeup before changing into her beautiful, bright red lehenga. Lots of jewelry is part of the mix, including a nath or nose ring. A common tradition for brides. Once ready, the groom is given a sehra headdress, a sword and a horse to ride into the ceremony. All along the streets, music is played and everyone dances as the groom is escorted to the temple. The wedding is a very detailed affair. Ceremonies within ceremonies take place as friends and family surround the couple. In India it is customary to sit on the floor during the entire event. Finally once the actual wedding concludes, everyone enjoys a special lunch before heading back to prepare for the evening’s big event. With the Himalayan Mountains as a backdrop, the gorgeous Pinjore Gardens served as the setting for a lavish reception. Tall columns and colorful silk fabrics in multiple colors surrounded a huge stage. Exotic flowers were strung together behind the couples chase and back-lit to glow in a tasteful pattern. As Reet and Julie arrive in a horse and carriage, they are showered with magenta-red flower petals that fall as profusely as confetti at a Super Bowl. After the toast, fireworks begin to shoot up in the night’s sky as the couple cuts the cake. From here on, it’s just one big party!
Once again, congratulations to Reet + Julie on a fantastic wedding and thanks for taking us along for the ride!
I’m so happy to be able to present to you the beautiful and enchanting Vicky. She called me a few months back inquiring about a maternity session for her first baby.
As the winter season comes to an end, so do the many dark colors in your wardrobe. Spring is just around the corner, so here are some tips to getting the most out of the rainbow, without over-doing it.
Some people we at times seem to envy, are born with photogenic genes and celebrity smiles, but for the rest of us in the real world, here are a few tips
Next up, the beautiful black sand beach of Þorlákshöfn where a long shoreline meets volcanic rock clusters of basalt.
I’m so happy to be able to present to you the beautiful and enchanting Vicky. She called me a few months back inquiring about a maternity session for her first baby.
Ok, so here we go with part three of our series at the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina. 