I can't believe how fast time flies!, today marks Luis and my 3 year anniversary of being together and last year on this day we had our Engagement shoot! It was loads of fun and quite ironic that it happened to fall on our anniversary! :D
Today I want to share with you what we decided to do that day and maybe if you are planning your engagement shoot, this might give you some tips. Enjoy!
Today I want to share with you what we decided to do that day and maybe if you are planning your engagement shoot, this might give you some tips. Enjoy!
Preparing for the shoot
1 week before
A few days before the shoot I treated myself to an at-home facial to make sure my skin was smooth and bright (you do this at least 2 days before a big event to prevent any break-outs or spots showing themselves on the day of the shoot/event) I did my nails (french mani and pedi is always classic and beautiful) tidied up my brows (snip and pluck) and lastly because I can't tan, I applied some Caribbean Tan about 2 days before the shoot to ensure I have a beautiful golden glow. But remember, if you've never spray tanned before, try it out weeks before to see how the product works on your skin and most importantly, if you like the end result.
Planning a wedding can become quite expensive, that is why I decided to do most of my 'beauty prep' at home, DIY style, to save some extra cash, but if you prefer to go to a professional, please do.
Planning a wedding can become quite expensive, that is why I decided to do most of my 'beauty prep' at home, DIY style, to save some extra cash, but if you prefer to go to a professional, please do.
The night before
I took a hot shower, shaved and made sure I got a good nights rest (no one wants puffy eyes), I put aside my outfits and all items and props that would be used for the photos. Also make sure you confirm with your photographer and anyone else that you will be dealing with the next day, of times and venues to avoid a last minute rush.
The day of
That morning I made sure to not sleep too late, had a good, non greasy breakfast and ran through all that needed to be done that day, stopped at the shops for some last minute items that were needed and made my way to the hairdresser to have my hair done. Luckily I have been blessed with good hair, so even if I have curls done early, they will last all day. However if you are not blessed with hair like mine, try schedule your hair appointment closed to the shoot time.
I headed off to my makeup artist Kristin at about midday, this was the same makeup artist that I used for my wedding so I scheduled my trail makeup to be done, this way I could test how long the makeup would last as well as how it came out on photos. Kristin uses an airbrush application, it is a lot more expensive than traditional makeup, but is lighter and more natural looking, and that was exactly what I wanted.
I headed off to my makeup artist Kristin at about midday, this was the same makeup artist that I used for my wedding so I scheduled my trail makeup to be done, this way I could test how long the makeup would last as well as how it came out on photos. Kristin uses an airbrush application, it is a lot more expensive than traditional makeup, but is lighter and more natural looking, and that was exactly what I wanted.
Photo Shoot Part 1
I loved the look of a very formal shoot so decided to do our photo shoot in two parts, Formal and casual. Our photographer Mario Sales loved the idea and chose the perfect venues.
Part 1 was done at the Voortrekker Monument, Mario just told us where to stand and what to do and the rest we just had to be ourselves. it was super windy at the top of the monument but somehow we used that to our advantage, as the wind lifted up the top layer of my dress to create the perfect shot, we even had some Chinese tourists taking photos of us too heehee.
We wanted to use one of the images from the formal shoot in our wedding invites and let me just tell you, that was not an easy task, we had so much fun and all the photos looked amazing, so it was really difficult to just choose one.
Part 1 was done at the Voortrekker Monument, Mario just told us where to stand and what to do and the rest we just had to be ourselves. it was super windy at the top of the monument but somehow we used that to our advantage, as the wind lifted up the top layer of my dress to create the perfect shot, we even had some Chinese tourists taking photos of us too heehee.
We wanted to use one of the images from the formal shoot in our wedding invites and let me just tell you, that was not an easy task, we had so much fun and all the photos looked amazing, so it was really difficult to just choose one.
Outfit Details
Raquel Dress - On loan from a friend Shoes - Woolworths Necklace and Bangle - Mr Price Engagement Ring - Roma Jewellers |
Photo Shoot Part 2
As the sun began to set, we headed off to a small park in Groenkloof to do Part 2 of our shoot, this was a more relaxed and casual styled shoot.
Its amazing how a small ray of sunlight through the trees can create the most beautiful lighting for photos and with no one around us, we got down and dirty in the long grass and got some awesome shots.
It wasn't planned that Luis and I both wore blue/denim, but I loved how the colours contrasted with the greenery in the background, especially with the pop of red.
I found some cool props at Typo that we were able to use in our photo shoot, these are now on display in our home and make a nice touch to remember our special day together.
Its amazing how a small ray of sunlight through the trees can create the most beautiful lighting for photos and with no one around us, we got down and dirty in the long grass and got some awesome shots.
It wasn't planned that Luis and I both wore blue/denim, but I loved how the colours contrasted with the greenery in the background, especially with the pop of red.
I found some cool props at Typo that we were able to use in our photo shoot, these are now on display in our home and make a nice touch to remember our special day together.
Outfit Details
Luis Shirt - Uzzi Watch - Guess |
The most important thing to remember when doing your engagement photo shoot is to be comfortable and have fun, make sure the outfit that you choose fits you well and doesn't make you stop every few minutes to check if your tummy is sucked in and boobs are pushed out, because you will not enjoy your shoot and every time you look at the photos you'll remember those moments of stress. Smile like you mean it, no one likes a forced smile, especially on themselves. What Mario made us do was to genuinely laugh, and the fact of trying to laugh somehow always brings on an even bigger laugh, which worked perfectly.
I am still in love with all our engagement images and every time I look at them it brings a smile to my face.
Hope you enjoyed my Throwback, let me know if you have any other engagement photo shoot ideas, I'd love to hear them.
I am still in love with all our engagement images and every time I look at them it brings a smile to my face.
Hope you enjoyed my Throwback, let me know if you have any other engagement photo shoot ideas, I'd love to hear them.