Your proposal is a magical moment, one that you will likely tell all your family and friends about. Having photos of this once in a lifetime experience will make the story even better, and if you have any loved ones who live further away, it will allow you to show them the engagement ring in all its glory.
But how can you plan a picture-perfect proposal without raising your partner’s suspicions? Whilst they might have an inkling of what is going to happen, keeping it a surprise can make for the best photos, as you’ll capture the look of shock (and hopefully joy) on their face as you get down on one knee. Follow our tips and make sure your proposal is memorable for all the right reasons, so that you can cherish your photos forever.
Tips for Planning a Picture-Perfect Proposal
Choose the Perfect Ring for Your Picture-Perfect Proposal
The crucial element of any proposal is the engagement ring. After all, this is the traditional symbol of love that shows your partner just how much they mean to you, and that you want to spend the rest of your life with them. There’s no need to go flashy just because you’re having photos taken, though – the best ring is one that suits your partner well, and ultimately one that they’ll be happy with, whether that’s a huge diamond or a small band of gemstones.
Whatever style of ring you choose, making sure that it fits well can be crucial to a successful proposal. Nothing will ruin the ultimate shot of you sliding the ring onto your new fiancée’s finger than it getting stuck at the first knuckle, or twisting around because it’s too big. If you’re uncertain on your partner’s ring size, try measuring an existing ring at home, or asking their friends and family, providing you trust them to keep the secret. If you still don’t know, then you can usually ask the jeweller to opt for a standard ring size, but just check that they’ll be able to adjust it after purchase.
Bride and Bridesmaids looking at ring
Choose your outfits
Being able to do this will really depend on whether your partner will be happy for you to choose their outfit for them. If they are, then choose an outfit that is complementary to your own for the most cohesive shot. If they would find it odd if you suddenly developed a fashion sense, then you can try and match your clothes to theirs instead, or opt for neturals so that you don’t clash.
It’s likely that your outfits will fit in with whatever you’re doing the day of the proposal, so make sure to take this into consideration. Remember that you can always have an engagement photoshoot afterwards if you really want to have photos in more formal clothing.
Engagement
Think about location and timing
Working with a photographer does require a bit of preparation and setup, but it also means that you’ll get the best advice on the scenery and lighting for your proposal photos. Talk with your photographer when you plan a picture perfect proposal to come up with a plan of action, and check in with them again on the day to make sure that the weather hasn’t changed your plans.
Emma and Stephen wanted to show off their love for one another with a Belair Train Station Engagement Shoot before their big day at Mt Barker’s Auchendarroch House.
With Stephen travelling half away across the world from the US to see Emma after several long years apart due to the dastardly effects of the COVID pandemic, they were finally able to be together so they wanted to celebrate as soon as possible!
Emma was in two minds throughout the day about whether or not to head out that night for their engagement shoot due to the weather in the morning being less than spectacular. Thankfully the weather cleared up during the day and we all head out for what turned out to be a beautiful evening.
Belair Train Station Engagement Shoot
We began Emma and Stephen’s Belair Train Station Engagement shoot in amongst the station’s historic platform and waiting shelter where we made use of the beautiful ‘Belair’ writing on the wooden structure and the delightful parallel lines leading all over the place makeing for some lovely scenes.
As Emma had explained before heading out, she had not seen Stephen for several years prior to their engagement shoot, so these two were full of lovey-dovey hugs and kisses all evening, which made my job that much easier!
Smiles in amongst the train station
Walking in front of the Belair Train Station
Belair Train station engagement shoot
Belair Train station engagement photo
Hugs on the Belair Train station platform
As we set out during golden hour, we wanted to make the most of the golden hues of the sun streaming in through the majestic gum trees that make up the Belair National Park. We went for a little walk just behind the Belair Train Station to make use of this amazing setting!
Hugs under the sunlight
In amongst the belair national park gums
Look over there
Belair National Park engagement photo
Two standing together inbetween gum trees
Emma standing out front
Couple standing together under gum tree walkway
Dancing under the gum trees
Engagement shoot in Belair
Leaning on his shoulder
Sitting on fallen tree
Engagement ring with purple gemstone
Dancing in between the gums
Walking toegther in the Belair national park
Just as we were wrapping up, and having a chat with a group of joggers who had just finished their excersises, a freight train thundered past the Belair Train Station platform, so we quickly jumped in front of it for a bit of a photo! The train operator obviously had a bit of a ssense of humour and made sure to be seen throughout. 🙂
Belair Train Station engagement shoot with train
Belair Train Station engagement shoot kiss
Looking forward to being your wedding photographer in March Emma and Stephen! Hopefully these photos will tide you over until then!
Lovely vibes, happy guests and good weather—these are the things that a bride and groom wish to have at their wedding. But before the big day plenty of people opt to have an engagement photoshoot done beforehand to make sure they get those specific wedding photos they had already dreamt of. Occasionally a wedding day’s photoshoot may be rushed or at certain times of the day not best suited for taking photos, so having a separate shoot beforehand can help here.
Of course, if you want to have memorable and high-quality photos for a keepsake, you must have the perfect theme that you want for your shoot. If you have chosen a vintage theme wedding photoshoot, you are at the right place because we will give some tips that you can use to nail your vintage themed wedding photoshoot
What Is a Vintage Themed Wedding Photoshoot?
Before taking you into the details, let’s understand vintage themed wedding photoshoots first. A vintage themed wedding photoshoot is perfect if you are aiming for a timeless and romantic look. It is not just sepia-tinted background and vignettes – which seems to be a popular trend in wedding photography – an experienced wedding photographer should be able to make use of a vintage vibe without the filters.
A vintage themed wedding photoshoot should only give a touch of the past that evokes nostalgia and romanticism influenced by your favoured era. It’s a popular wedding theme for most couples today because of its sophistication and elegance. If you choose a vintage theme wedding photoshoot, your photos will forever be in style.
First dance at Quince Brook wedding
What Are the Things to Consider to Achieve a Vintage Themed Wedding Photoshoot?
After knowing what a vintage themed wedding photoshoot is, you need a guide to achieve this kind of theme. If you choose to do your wedding photography before officially tying the knot, it’s time to look for the things you need to achieve your vintage setup.
Preparation is vital so that you can find the perfect venue and props. Here are some of our tips for you before you contact your wedding photographer to do your pre-wedding shoot:
Tip #1: Immediately Look for a Location with a Vintage Vibe
The first and most crucial thing you must do is look for your shooting location that shouts, “I look vintage!” It’s the primary key to make your photographs as vintage as possible. You need to do this first before anything else because you might have difficulty reserving a place. You need to consider your photographer’s availability when booking a location, too. A location with a vintage vibe can be an old house, a historic building or a retro-themed restaurant.
Thorngrove Manor
Tip #2: Go for a Retro-Themed Dress Code
To achieve a vintage vibe, you need to have a retro-themed dress code to complete the look. Men can wear a classic tuxedo, and women can choose old-fashioned attire paired with a classic hairstyle. There are many choices of garments you can choose to achieve a vintage look. You can take some inspiration from the internet and send it out to the people involved in the photoshoot so you can have a uniform look.
Hanging Thorngrove Manor wedding dress
Tip #3: Complete Your Look with a Full Glam Vintage-Inspired Makeup and Hairstyle
Your look should be the centre of attention for your photos, so you need to be on point, from your dress to your hair and makeup. You can attain this by getting your hair and makeup done inspired by your favourite era. You can show some inspiration to your makeup artist, or you can watch tutorials on how to get a vintage makeup look. This tip also applies to the groom because there are vintage-style hairstyle options for men as well.
Putting on Makeup in car at SC Pannell Winery
Tip #4: Utilise Retro-Themed Props for Your Shoot
If you think the place does not give enough vintage vibe, you can add some props to make it more vintage-y. While the location, your dress and your makeup look already indicate that your theme is vintage, the props will tie everything together because they can help set the mood in the photographs. You can look for antique items to serve as decor in your location. Here are some of the classic examples:
Vintage Vehicles – Antique cars are a classic, and they will take your photographs to a whole new level of class and sophistication. This prop is an excellent addition if you have the budget. You can make the most out of it since your photographer can do different shots and angles.
Passionate kiss in between wedding cars
Antique Tins and Glass Jars – Another romantic vintage vibe you can have for your photoshoot is a nice table setup paired with vintage tins and glass jars. Your table setup should have a completely vintage look, so be careful with all the details.
Wedding reception table flowers
Antique Record Players – Vintage record players are a perfect go-to if you don’t want to have extensive props in your photoshoot. This prop is so popular, and you have probably seen this from one of the movies you’ve already watched.
Antique Typewriters – Having a vintage typewriter as a prop is another perfect way to set the vintage mood on your engagement shoot. Try typing a few romantic phrases or even your names to make the photo look more intimate.
Antique Camera – A vintage camera is a cute addition to your vintage theme, especially if you both love photography. Instead of going with digital cameras, replace them with a vintage one to align with the theme.
Homemade decorations
Balloons – Even if you opt for a modern design, you must have balloons. Balloons are easy to play around with, and your photographer can do various shots with balloons. It’s just a matter of creativity on how you will use it.
Balloon man
We understand that you only want the best for your shoot. Hopefully, this guide has helped you with your preparation to achieve the vintage themed wedding photoshoot you want. Even with all these tips, your photographer will still be the one to make your desired theme successful. For this reason, you need to find the best photographer to work with so that you’ll feel comfortable in front of the camera during your vintage-themed shoot.
If you are looking for the best wedding photographer in Adelaide, Adelaide Hills or around Australia, Sven Studios is here to help! We offer professional wedding photographer solutions, no matter the theme you have in mind. Allow us to make your vintage-themed wedding photoshoot possible. Get in touch with us today to book your session!
As a soon-to-be bride or husband, you may be wondering whether it’s essential to have an engagement photoshoot before your wedding. You may tend to overlook it, especially with how overwhelming the wedding planning and preparation can be, but your engagement photos can be just as important as your wedding photos.
Getting your engagement photos taken is a great way to meet your wedding photographer and establish a connection with them. Remember that they will be with you for much of the day on your wedding day, which is one of the most intimate days of your life, so it’s important that you feel comfortable around them as soon as possible.
Top 4 Engagement Photos Tips for Stunning Results
Your engagement photoshoot can also serve as your test run for your big day. This is especially important if you get anxious in front of the camera and start wondering if your photos will turn out great. To ensure stunning engagement photos and make the most of your session, here are 4 essential engagement photos tips you can follow for the best results:
Have your pets join in
Your pet may be a part of your life to the point that they are now considered one of your family members. To make your engagement photos more exciting and add more personality to your photos, you can ask for your cat, dog, or other pets to join your photoshoot. Just make sure the spot where you’re planning on having your photos done allow for pets!
Dog running in the Ekhidna WInes vineyards
Use unique and fun props
The conventional bouquets and balloons may now be out of style as props for engagement photos, but other unique and fun items are welcome additions to your photoshoot. For instance, you can use props that signify your passions. If you are a music buff, show off your guitar as you pose to serenade your significant other. You may also use books as props if you love reading.
To have romantic, creative engagement photos, you can share one ice cream, use Scrabble letter pieces as titles, or ride cars or motorcycles. Just make sure to use those that help you create your desired theme and photography style.
Balloon man
Choose a memorable destination
While you can capture stunning engagement photos anywhere, you can make your pictures look more appealing and heart-warming by choosing a place that holds a special place in your hearts. Pick a spot that represents a big part of your history or relationship story. For example, the destination could be a restaurant where you first met together or a tourist attraction where you proposed.
You can even shoot inside the home you grew up in, or your future home. This way, you are assured there will be fewer distractions. You can simply focus on posing and getting your best photos taken without worrying about the weather or the people outside.
Consider your personalities or wedding theme too; for example – it would be a bit odd to have a fairy themed wedding, only to have a photo shoot in a modern hotel.
Tiwi Islands Sunrise
Shoot during the best time of the day
The best time of the day for photoshoots is the golden hour. It usually takes place just an hour before sunset, and it is when the natural lighting is at its best. It lets you have effortlessly breath-taking and romantic-looking photos. However, you can still choose any time slot according to your preference and convenience.
Don’t forget to hire professional photographers who are skilled and have the necessary equipment to take high-quality photos and have a chat with them as they are sure to have further ideas to get the best engagement photos beyond what’s in this short list.
Capture your love story in the best way possible by hiring SvenStudios. Our team specialises in wedding videography, engagement photography, and photo booths for hire in Adelaide. Contact us to book your session!
Congratulations on your engagement! It marks a new beginning with the love of your life. As you start your new journey together with your significant other, it’s best to immortalise every precious moment you have with them through engagement photos.
Before you tie the knot, you might want to have an engagement photoshoot to capture the moments before you formalise your relationship as a married couple. However, you or your partner may feel uncomfortable with your upcoming photoshoot, especially if you tend to be shy in front of the camera.
4 Creative Engagement Photo Poses to Try with Your Partner
To help you look less nervous on your big day and enjoy having the perfect pre-wedding photos, here are some ideas you and your significant other can try. These arent engagement photo poses as such, but more ‘mindsets’ to get into while you’re having your photo taken. Hopefully they can help!
Engagement photo poses
Show your playfulness
Don’t be afraid to show your silly side and dare to try some fun poses with your soon-to-be husband or wife. If you and your significant other are lovey-dovey types, a pose you can both do is laughing together while holding hands. You can also jump, dance around each other, or walk side by side.
You and your partner don’t have to try so hard. Just be yourselves and make sure to flaunt your true personalities and showcase how happy you are in each other’s companionship. The best photos come simply but taking a photo while you’re doing something, and not acting like a mannequin.
Laughing through the red leaves
Highlight your chemistry
Chemistry matters in any romantic relationship, and showing it in your engagement photos is a way to have memorabilia you can keep and treasure forever. Understandably, you may feel uncomfortable showing your affection or getting intimate with your significant other in public. But remember, there’s nothing to be embarrassed about, especially during your engagement photography session.
Perhaps have your photos done where there are no one else around? Perhaps a forest?
The point of a wedding photoshoot is to show the bond you share, so don’t hesitate to kiss or hug your loved one in front of the camera. You can also take your time to feel less nervous by taking some time to breathe in between shoots, which is all perfectly normal.
laughing
Do the “T” pose
A classic romantic pose seen during proms is the “T” pose, and you can try to pull it off during your engagement photoshoot. All you have to do is stand with your shoulders perpendicular to your partner, then wrap your arms around one another. This way, you can strike a loving pose that lets you face each other at an angle where you can easily look at, hug, or even kiss each other.
Amongst the white buildings of Santorini
Do your favourite poses
If you have some favourite engagement photo poses you want to do during your engagement photoshoot, feel free to discuss them with your partner and photographer. You can also talk about the style you are going for and decide the setting and props you want to use. Doing this lets you become well-prepared for your photography session.
Pinterest is a popular place to look for ideas of engagement photo poses you may like so you can start there, or even have a look through my own portfolio of past engagement shoots for shots that you like.
Engagement
Having an engagement photo session can be exciting, but you may end up with dull and forgettable photos if you tend to do repetitive poses with your partner. To make the most of your romantic photoshoot and fill your engagement photos with memories and emotions, get a photographer that you believe you can relate well with, delve into each other’s presence, and trust in your photographer.
