When this sweet, summery SoCal e-sesh from Lex and the Lotus Photography popped up in the 100LC inbox, we knew it would be the perfect example of a shoot gone oh-so-right. From a bike ride in front of the Ferris wheel to ice cream on the pier and yoga on the beach, Nicole + Brian sure knew how to make the most of their engagement session. Naturally we had to ask photog Alexa for her tip engagement shoot tips and boy are they good! Keep on reading to learn more, peruse the session, and hear N + B’s adorable love story…
What do we wear? I always suggest two things for clothing. Material that does not wrinkle easily and colors that complement each other. You don’t have to match colors but find colors that vibe well together. I suggest muted, earthy colored-tones and it’s best to avoid clothing that appears too trendy, anything with large patterns or colors that are super contrasty. Try not to wear your clothes during the ride to the location to prevent wrinkling. Depending on location, wear appropriate shoes. I wouldn’t want you wearing heels at the beach or while we’re taking a hike on a trail!
How do we make sure we look our best? Make sure to make time to clean your engagement ring to have it as sparkly as ever. Try to be moisturized (both men and women!) by bringing lotion and chapstick for your shoot. For my beautiful ladies, I always recommend doing your bridal makeup trial run the day of your engagement shoot to see how your makeup will photograph. Getting your nails done helps too since we will do close-ups of your hands to show off that ring. For my gentlemen, getting a fresh haircut and trimming that beard will make you look like you came out of a GQ magazine.
Can we bring props? Absolutely! Cute picnic blankets, DIY signs, streamers/poppers, balloons, colored smoke bombs, food/drinks (that bubbly champagne), you can even bring your fur babies! Don’t forget to bring your engagement ring too!
Why is an engagement session necessary? Engagement sessions are so much fun! During the shoot, we have the chance to get to know each other more and you can experience how I work with you in regard to posing and how I shoot. This session will be tremendously helpful because I’ll know how you interact as a couple, what the best poses are and what the best way to photograph you in a genuine way! You’ll feel like such a pro on your wedding day because all the practice to be had during your engagement session.
Their story, as told by our bride…
Brian and I were friends long before we were partners. We grew up in the same small town, were on the same track team in high school and even began our first “grown up jobs” on the same week at the same company. For years Brian was the person I turned to when I needed advice, forgot to pack my lunch or wanted an adventure. He was my best friend and someone I knew I could always count on to try something new or make me forget about the bad day I was having. A few years ago Brian moved from our small town in New Jersey to San Diego. This distance is what made us realize that the friendship we cherished felt a lot like love. A few months after he moved I came out to visit him and we went on our first real date. He took me to the San Diego County fair and at the top of the Ferris wheel, asked me to be his girl friend. We both knew that would be our last first date.
It wasn’t long before I was packing my bags, and my dog Luke, and moving cross country to be with Brian. A few months later we were on vacation in Italy when Brian said he wanted to do a hike but that we should “look nice” so we could take pictures. We got to the top of a gorgeous look out point and Brian set up his tripod, claiming the camera was on timer. In reality the camera was recording. Standing on the side of a mountain over looking the Mediterranean Sea, Brian asked me to be his wife. The whole thing was capture on video and it was the most beautiful moment I have ever experienced.
When we decided to do engagement photos we knew we wanted to incorporate a Ferris wheel. Ever since our first date they have been very special and sentimental to us. The second thing we wanted to incorporate was the beach. Southern California is where we started our life together and we really wanted our engagement pictures to reflect that.
Cheers to Nicole + Brian! And, thanks for Alexa of Lex and the Lotus Photography for her engagement session tips.
Photography: Lex and the Lotus Photography / Hair & Makeup: Taylor Haupt Makeup / Dress: Doll House Boutique
