Tag Archive for: engagement photography

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Belair Train Station Engagement shoot – Melody & Chris

Melody and Chris had an unforgettable engagement shoot at the picturesque Belair Train Station, nestled in the heart of the mesmerizing Adelaide Hills. With the sun just starting to rise, casting a golden glow on everything it touched, the couple was ready to capture their love story in the most dreamy and picturesque way possible.

Belair Train Station Engagement shoot

Picture this: a crisp, golden sunrise casting its magic over the serene Adelaide Hills, and a couple so in love, they couldn’t stop beaming! Melody and Chris were all set to capture their love story in the most dreamy and picturesque way possible. I had suggested either the soft, romantic light just before sunset or the breathtaking glow of sunrise, and to my delight, Melody chose the latter! And let me tell you, it was the perfect decision!

As the first rays of the sun painted the sky in shades of pink and orange, we found ourselves at the Belair Train Station, and the scene was straight out of a fairytale! There was a group of passionate volunteers gathering to restore a piece of history, and their presence added a touch of rustic charm to the backdrop. We couldn’t resist taking a few shots in front of the station, with the old-world architecture adding a vintage vibe to the photos.

Couple smiling at camera
Couple walking together on rail platform
Couple walking hand in hand on rail platform
Couple walknig in front of Belair Train Station
Belair Train Station Engagement shoot
Couple standing in front of Belair Train Station

Belair National Park

But wait, the adventure didn’t stop there! Just a stone’s throw away from the station lies the enchanting Belair National Park, and it’s a little-known hidden gem entrance to the national park that I love heading into. The misty morning in the park created an almost ethereal atmosphere, with sunlight filtering through the majestic gum trees. It felt like stepping into a magical wonderland!

Amongst the gum trees, Melody and Chris shared heartfelt moments, their love shining brighter than the sun itself. The beauty of nature seemed to mirror their connection, and every snapshot we took was filled with pure joy and affection. With each click of the camera, their love story unfolded beautifully, leaving us all in awe.

Couple together in early morning gum trees
Leaning on gum trees together
Leading through the gums
Couple deep in forest with sunlight
Lifting her in amongst the gum trees
Couple hugs on a log
Couple deep in Belair National Park
Couple walking together in gum teres
Couple in the sunlight and gum trees
Laughing couple with sun in background
Couple sharing a head butt
Engagement ring in wood
Sunrise during Belair Train Station Engagement shoot
Early morning sunrise engagement photo
Couple walking through gum trees in the Belair National Park
Hugs in the Belair National Park
Closeup of engagement ring on shoulder
Swirling around together
Hugging in the sunlight
Hugging next to gum tree
playful couple
Couple walking through belair national park

Unexpected Adventures

As we were wrapping up our shoot and bidding farewell to the restoration volunteers, one of them extended a warm invitation to explore the old train station’s control room. And that was quite exciting! The control room was like a time machine, filled with fascinating knobs and levers, preserving the heritage of the railways.

Sunlight streaming throguh window as couple share a moment
Couple near window int he control room
Couple inside the railway control room
Out the front og Belair Train Station’s control room

As the shoot came to a close, Melody and Chris were radiant with happiness. Their engagement shoot at the Belair Train Station and Belair National Park had been an adventure of love, laughter, and unexpected surprises. The couple’s decision to embrace the sunrise light had paid off big time, as the photos radiated with a golden glow that matched their love-filled spirits.

Love is a beautiful journey, and this engagement shoot was a perfect reminder of that. It’s about finding joy in the little things, the unexpected moments, and the unbreakable bond that two souls share. Melody and Chris had embarked on a wonderful journey together, and we were lucky enough to capture a glimpse of their everlasting love.

Good luck to Melody and Chris for their marriage in Hong Kong! and thankyou for having me shoot your Belair Train Station Engagement shoot! I’d me more than willing to put my hand up and come along as your destination wedding photographer! Just let me know and I’ll be there!

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From Proposal to Wedding: How to Plan the Perfect Engagement

You meet the person you want to spend the rest of your life with, you get down on one knee, you propose, they say yes and you live happily ever after. Sounds simple, right?

The truth is, your engagement process can be lengthy and complex. Maintaining a level of excitement throughout the intervening period between proposal and wedding isn’t always easy. That’s why we’ve broken down everything you need to consider to plan the perfect engagement.

Engagement ring in banksia

How to Plan the Perfect Engagement

The proposal

First things first: the ring. There’s a lot to consider when it comes to finding the perfect engagement ring. You can browse an array of engagement rings from Larsen Jewellery to give yourself the best chance to find something they’ll love. Once you’ve secured the perfect piece of jewellery, it’s time to plan your proposal. Some things to consider before proposing include:

  • The likelihood of a positive response.
  • The perfect location – it could be somewhere with sentimental value for your relationship, or simply a picturesque venue.
  • The weather forecast – if there’s a high chance of rain, ensure you have an indoor backup plan.
  • Discuss with the family – if your partner’s family is more old-school, or you think this is a touch your partner would appreciate, having a conversation with your partner’s family is a good idea.
  • Optional extras include professional photography or an immediate surprise engagement party.
Engagement ring perched between heels

Engagement party

You can choose to hold your engagement party as a surprise event to cap off the day of your proposal. More traditionally, you can hold the event in the weeks following the proposal.

Orthodoxy suggests engagement parties should be held by the parents of the bride, but these days there’s really no need to follow such a tradition. Whoever’s willing to put their hands up and has access to an appropriate property is the perfect choice.

Remember that anyone you invite to the engagement party should also be a wedding guest. Beyond that, the rules for your engagement party are pretty much up to you! Choose a form of a food service that works for you, be it finger foods or a sit-down meal. Fill up the fridge with your favourite beverages, and don’t forget to include fun engagement party games like the newlywed game, “how well do you know the bride and groom?” and a plastic ring hunt.

Guests looking at phone together

Wedding planning

Once your proposal and engagement party are in the books, it’s time to get down to the serious business of wedding planning. Splitting this burden of wedding planning very much depends on the nature of your relationship.

Many couples include one person who has been obsessively dreaming of their wedding day since they were a child. Often, this individual will be happy to take the lead on the wedding planning. Other couples may require a more collaborative approach.

Either way, it’s important you outline at the beginning of the wedding planning process how involved each member of the relationship is going to be. When in doubt, aim for as close to a 50-50 split as possible to keep things fair.

Here are some additional tips to keep your wedding planning process smooth:

  • Make the guest list a top priority. Your guest list is crucial to deciding other factors of your wedding like your venue. If you feel your expenses ballooning too much, cut down on the list.
  • Avoid problematic dates where there are major concerts or conferences in town.
  • Consider enlisting the services of a professional wedding planner.
  • Keep a close eye on the weather forecast.
  • Read the reviews – ensure your wedding vendors come well-recommended.

That’s just a small taste of everything that goes into wedding planning. You can read our full 12 month wedding planning checklist here.

Bride and groom amongst the vines at Sneaky’s

Keeping the spark alive

It’s no secret that wedding planning can be a stressful experience, and it can put some strain on your relationship. But your engagement should be a magical time in your relationship. Here are some tips to keep your relationship going strong during your engagement and not let your worries get the better of you.

  • Don’t skimp on date nights.
  • Make a conscious effort to constantly check in with one another and constantly communicate.
  • Ensure you are fairly splitting the engagement duties.
  • Allow each other to have some alone time – absence makes the heart grow fonder, after all.
  • Stay adventurous and always try new things together.
Bride and groom splashing one another in Lake Louise

The wedding

You’ve made it! The day you’ve been dreaming of is finally here. When it comes to the wedding day itself, the key is to stay in the moment. Truly enjoy every single moment, make your rounds, and above all really feel the love you have for your partner. Next stop: honeymoon!

There’s everything you need to know to plan the perfect engagement. The same tip for your wedding day applies throughout your engagement. From proposal to planning to saying your vows, try your best to enjoy every one of these critical milestones in your relationship and in your life.

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Pt Willunga Proposal – Melissa & Malith

Malith certainly timed his proposal to Melissa perfectly with an incredible sunset on the famed Pt Willunga beach.

His secretive Pt Willunga Proposal was maticulously planned by Malith leading up to the big moment, and oh my goodness, some of the scenes were just incredible!

Pt Willunga Proposal

The biggest concern for any of us leading up to the big moment was the weather – as both leading up to and beyond the day Malith planned his big Pt Willunga Proposal, the weather was pretty bad, and the tides during the winter is often so high that there isn’t much beach to stand on at Pt Willunga. But all that worrying was for nothing as the evening could not have gone any better.

Despite a bit of a hiccup having Melissa and Malith arrive a bit later than expected due to being served a rather late lunch in nearby Mclaren Vale, Malith proposed in front of a delightful little arbour set up put together by a small company sepcialising in this sort of thing – Fox Meets Charlie.

The fun part of the whole set up was trying to keep Melissa in the dark as they walked towards the arbour set up, with the group of us standing nearby ready to pounce and start taking photos/video as the big moment happened. Surpisingly Melissa had no idea until Malith presented the ring and everyone was all smiles :).

After the big moment, then we went off for a lbit of a walk along the beach to take some pretty photos in front of the amazing sunset and what many consider to be the most photographed beach in South Australia!

Congratulations go out to Melissa and Malith!

pt willunga proposal set up
pt willunga proposal
pt willunga proposal putting on ring
Holding her up
Kiss under will you marry me sign
Newly engaged couple
Newly engaged couple walking along beach
Engagement ring in sand
Couple standing on rock
Newly engaged jump
Newly engaged couple in fromt of Pt willunga jetty
Holding her up in front of ocean
Kiss at sunset in front of Pt Willunga Jetty
Kiss at sunset in front of Pt Willunga Jetty ruins
Smiling newly engaged
Newly engaged couple walking in sunset
Newly engaged couple standing in front of sunset
Kiss at sunset
Holding hands looking at sunset
Pt WIllunga proposal sunset
Carrying her in front of sunset
Proposal at sunset
Champagne spray
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How to Plan the Perfect Surprise Engagement

For many couples, the idea of planning and executing a surprise engagement may seem overwhelming, but it’s actually easier than you might think! In fact, if you follow these simple steps when planning your engagement, then your photographer can capture all the happy tears, hugs, and kisses without having to worry about how to pull off the surprise!

So, read on for some helpful tips on how to plan the perfect surprise engagement, and then get out there and start planning! From finding the perfect spot to pulling off the surprise, this guide should help you create the romantic and memorable experience you will cherish for years to come!

Engagements Are Beautiful. Surprises Are Fun. Captured Moments Are Priceless.

 

Here’s how to plan the perfect surprise engagement so that your photographer can capture it:

1) Choose The Location

Your journey towards a surprise engagement will start at your perfect location. Whether you’re deciding on an indoor or outdoor setting, you want to pick somewhere that has sentimental value as well as some privacy. Whether it’s visiting one of your favorite restaurants or going on a hiking adventure, you’ll want to choose something that is special to both of you and where you can go early before your photographer arrives. That way, your engagement day goes by like any other day; no one will suspect what is in store for them! Moreover, if you do opt for an indoor location, such as a restaurant, then make sure to arrive early enough so that you have plenty of time alone.

This extra planning ahead makes all the difference when trying to pull off a surprise wedding proposal! Overall, if you want your photographer to capture those precious tears and smiles in photos instead of missed opportunities on video, then always plan ahead and schedule plenty of time alone together with low lighting during their engagement session.

Belair National Park engagement photo

2) Choose The Time of Day

Timing is everything, and when planning for your surprise engagement, you want to choose an early time in order to avoid crowds. For example, if you choose a restaurant for your location, then ask about lunch or breakfast reservations. If you go on an outdoor adventure, then you’ll want to check sunrise and sunset times first. By doing your research ahead of time and making sure that no one else will be at your special location during these prime times, you’ll be able to achieve complete privacy during your photoshoot!

Plus, don’t forget to always plan plenty of extra time just in case things take longer than expected or any issues arise. That way, if there are any delays getting back home after your shoot, you won’t need to rush it and miss any opportunities along the way. When all is said and done, though, be realistic with how much time you actually have; rushing through certain aspects of your process could lead to interruptions or incomplete details – both of which could ruin what should be a perfect surprise!

Sunset proposal

3) Choose Who Will Be There

Choosing who you invite will be an important step towards your surprise engagement. While it’s usually best to keep it small, there may be times when you want extra witnesses around for your big moment. For example, if you’re planning on surprising your partner at a restaurant, then consider inviting one of his/her closest friends or family members for support.

On the other hand, if you want to keep it even more private and intimate, then plan ahead with only your photographer and perhaps one or two people who know about your plans. When planning for your perfect location, make sure not to inform anyone else about any details of your big day; otherwise, there is a chance that someone could accidentally spoil it before you are ready!

One Tree Hill Engagement shoot

4) Get A Professional Photographer

Hiring an experienced and professional photographer is one of the most important steps when planning for your surprise engagement. By hiring someone who knows what they’re doing, you can rest assured knowing that all of your precious memories will be captured perfectly. If you’re not sure where to find a qualified wedding photographer, then SvenStudios is your best bet! Our team prides itself on providing exceptional photojournalism at some of Australia’s best photo studios!

Moreover, we offer packages specifically designed for couples wanting beautiful engagements photos taken in unique locations around Australia; if you need any further information about these options or would like us to capture your perfect proposal, please reach out today!

Smoke backdrop for couple

Wrapping Up

It’s not hard to see why planning an engagement is so fun, but it can also be a lot of work! Remember to plan ahead as much as possible getting your photographer involved early on is one of your best tools for success when you plan the perfect surprise engagement. And remember that once you’ve set everything up with them, then it’s time to concentrate on having fun and making sure that you surprise your partner properly.

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Personalise Your Wedding Day With Engagement Photos

Are you gearing up to get married in the near future? If so, congratulations! Along with all of the other big decisions that need to be made, like finding a wedding venue and registering for gifts, you’ll also want to consider how to incorporate engagement photos into your wedding day. Engagement photos, also known as fiancé or fiancée photos or couple photos, are meant to preserve and commemorate the love you have for each other before the formalities of a wedding are in place.

As I’m about to outline, you can personalise your wedding day with engagement photos in a number of different ways! They aren’t just to sit there on your USB collecting dust!

6 Awesome Ways to Personalise Your Wedding Day With Engagement Photos

1) Place Photo Collages On Each Table

If your wedding venue has glass tops on their tables, make sure to incorporate them into your engagement photos. Nothing sets a stage like a few scenic props under each table. Randomly place pictures of you and your fiancé’s favorite things or of trips you took together so that guests can see how much you both love each other and all that you have in common! To further incorporate the idea of a collage, play around with shapes and sizes of pictures to specifically fit your wedding venue glass tops. This gives the impression that each table is its own mini, personal version of your collage and helps establish a theme that can easily be carried throughout your entire wedding!

Maybe incorperate your engagement photos into the table numbers – or maybe make a coaster with a photo on it? All these little things really make people smile on a wedding day!

Intercontinental Hotel wedding table

2) Create a Photo Wall with Your Engagement Photos

Not only do engagement photos serve as a great way to share your story with family and friends, but they also serve as an excellent piece of decor for your wedding venue. If you are worried about how your engagement photos will look displayed at your wedding, don’t be afraid to use them in a less-than-traditional manner. Another great way to display these photos is to create a photo wall full of your favorite images. This is a fun way to personalize the space while giving guests yet another space to celebrate you and your fiance’s relationship. You will be surprised by how much attention this display garners and how many compliments you receive on it!

Wedding Photos

3) Use Engagement Photos as a Wedding Guest Book

Wedding guest books are a great way to remember who was able to attend your special day, but they can also be a bit boring. If you have engagement photos, why not use them as a unique and personalized guest book? You can display your favorite photo at the entrance of your venue or get creative and ask your photographer to create a collage of photos for you to use instead. Allow guests to sign around the photos with their favorite wishes for the future. This can be framed and used as another piece of decor in your home after the wedding is over.

4) Use Engagement Photos for Wedding Ceremony Programs

Another fun way that you can personalize your wedding day with engagement photos is by using them in various ways throughout the day. If you choose to create printed programs for the ceremony, consider including an engagement photo on the program’s cover or back page.

This is a great opportunity to share one of your favorite photos from the shoot and give guests something interesting to look at as they wait for the ceremony to begin. You can also use social media outlets like Facebook and Instagram to share engagement photos and give guests a sneak peek into the romance that led up to this special occasion.

Belair Train Station engagement shoot with train

5) Use Your Engagement Photos as Save The Dates

Your wedding day will be all the more memorable and fun if you incorporate your engagement photos into save the dates. If you are planning a destination wedding, consider using one of your engagement photos as part of the save the date card. This will give guests an idea of what to expect from your wedding day before they board flights or make other travel arrangements!

Alternatively, you can create a collage for each guest to include in their own set of save the date cards. This is another great way that you can use engagement photos throughout your wedding experience!

Invite

6) Use Engagement Photos as Wedding Invitations

If creating invitations is something that you want to do yourself, why not use some of your favorite engagement photos? Your photographer may have taken many different shots over time, so it won’t be hard at all to find some that are just right for this purpose. You could even take multiple sets from different angles and combine them together to create a unique invitation set with several variations on one theme.

Remember that even though these invitations will only be opened during the ceremony and reception, everyone who attends will still see them – so choose carefully based on how important certain images are to you!

Bridesmaids going crazy over engagement ring

There are infinite ways to personalise your wedding day with engagement photos, but hopefully this little list sparks some sort of idea in your mind on how best to use yours! Love to get in touch to shoot some engagement photos for you!