Top Tips for Spring Engagement Shoots

It’s that time of year again, when summer brides and grooms book a bit of extra time with their photographers for that all-important engagement shoot (hands down the best way to get yourselves used to being in front of the camera before your Big Day). And let’s be honest, there’s no better time to plan a couple shoot than the spring – think blossoms, greenery, fresh colours, and dreamy light! There are a few things you should take into account, though, so we’ve asked a couple of our favourite local photographers to share their top 10 tips – as well as some of their favourite spring engagement pics. You can also find more e-shoot inspiration in our archives.

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Glamorous Olive Grove Engagement by Louise Vorster

It’s been our month of glamour on SBB, but one of my favourite things is finding a way to inject a bit of glamour into an unexpected place: chandeliers hanging from a tree, ballroom style in an urban loft space… or a shimmering full length gold dress in an olive grove. That’s why I immediately fell in love with this beautiful shoot by Louise Vorster – the contrast between bride-to-be Adél’s glam gown and the rustic setting for her engagement shoot with her love, Jan, is so eye catching and gorgeous. And there’s something very intimate about it too – like the two lovebirds have sneaked off to have a fancy date in an secret location, and are having the time of their lives doing just that. It’s moments like this that give us a glimpse of the fun of being engaged, a welcome break in a sea of wedding planning, and a special memory captured forever.Read More

Styled Shoot Turned Surprise Elopement by Angie Capri

This shoot, you guys. It is so filled with love. In most of the styled shoots that I feature here on the blog, it’s all about the details – the pretty flowers, the table, the stationery, the cake… and of course, the ideas that are meant to inspire all of you brideys for your own, larger-scale weddings. Over the years, I’ve seen a few styled shoots that turned into engagements, because let’s be honest, is there a prettier way to pop the question? But when this same-sex shoot from Angie Capri crossed my desk, I knew it was something extra special. Not only did the lovebirds, Kylie & Andrea, have the moment when Andrea got down on one knee captured on film, but they were married on the spot in the most romantic surprise elopement I can imagine. So today, we get to not only be inspired by the pretty details created by Angie and her team, but by the sheer love as well.Read More

Up & Away Styled Engagement by Beatrix Events & Louise Vorster

It’s FRIDAY! The happiest day of the week. And it’s about to get even happier with the most gorgeous engagement shoot! We’ve heard of engagement shoots that use balloons as props, we’ve heard of styled e-shoots, but this is really a whole other level of awesome, since it includes a spectacular (and inspiring!) table created by Beatrix Events, an adorable couple, a bit of a travel theme, and an actual hot air balloon! You know, just casually hanging out in the background, like the coolest prop ever ;) Not to mention beautiful pictures by Louise Vorster. So what are we waiting for! Up, up and away!Read More

Adorable At-home Engagement by Stefan Louw

A little while ago I wrote a post on styling your engagement session, but after seeing today’s shoot, I reckon all I needed to say was: fill your house with balloons, and bring a puppy. Because OMG this is the cutest e-sesh I have ever seen, and I won’t lie, it’s partly down to the extreme adorableness that is Rouxnette and Johan’s bulldog. Just look at THAT FACE. No seriously, look at that it. I want to kiss that face off. But apart from the sweetest pup, what I really love about this engagement shoot is the way that the couple decided to make it as relaxed as possible, inviting photographer Stefan Louw into their home and their everyday lives, and just adding that touch of gorgeous whimsy with the balloons. It’s perfect. (PS And if you’re loving Rouxnette’s style as much as I am, be sure to check out her Gauteng wedding co-ordination business, Bona-Fide Events.)Read More

Durban Beachfront Engagement Shoot

Next up today, we have a sweet little engagement shoot from Kate van Onselen, which takes place close to my current little ‘hood, on the Durban beachfront. Chelsea (who hails from North Carolina in the US) and local boy James make such an adorable couple, and I especially love the way that Chelsea is rocking a beautiful boho headpiece, but the love and happiness between the couple are rightfully at the centre of these sweet pics. I always say this, but that’s what it’s really all about!Read More

Winelands Picnic Engagement by Alicia S. Photography

Yay lovelies, it’s the weekend! I can’t think of anything I’d rather be doing on a lazy Saturday than chilling by a lake in the middle of the Cape winelands, and that’s exactly what today’s bride and groom to be (Gerhard and Elsje) chose for their gorgeous eshoot, which really captures that lovely feeling of a summer afternoon with the one you love. Alicia S. Photography was kind enough to share these beautiful pictures with us, and I love the playfulness and connection between the couple, as well as their beautiful surroundings! Whatever you all are doing this weekend, I hope it’s also filled with your favourite things and people.Read More

How to Style Your Engagement Shoot

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It’s that time of year when lots of you will be planning your summer engagement shoots (something I wholeheartedly approve because trust me, you are going to want a chance to get comfy in front of a camera!). That’s all good, but one of the questions I get a lot from readers is: what in the name of Beyonce’s extensions do I wear? Now, I’m all for spontaneity and comfort, but this is one thing you definitely want to put some thought into. So like a good bestie (because we so ARE besties now, right?) I’ve put together 10 top tips to get you started. And even better, I’ve rounded up four fab engagement shoots from the lovely Migneon Marais of Pritti to show you how it’s done. The best part is that none of the four couples we’re featuring were specifically ‘styled’ or told what to wear for their shoots with Migneon, but in their own ways, each nailed the subtle details that turn a pair of outfits from drab to fab in front of the lens.Read More

Urban Bohemian Styled Couple Shoot by Page & Holmes

Who says you can’t find the peace and serenity of the countryside in the heart of the city? I’m over the moon about the way today’s super romantic couple shoot combines urban – even industrial-style – locations with soft bohemian style, and of course, a healthy dose of love and romance! Jonty and Melissa are an absolutely adorable couple – they’ve been married since 2012 but decided to dress up again for a couple shoot, and drafted in the talented team at Page & Holmes to capture it on film. There’s an element of styled shoot here too, with Melissa wearing a gorgeous gown from White Lilly Bridal, and a spectacular fynbos floral crown on her pretty head. Combined with Jonty’s sharp suit, it’s a great look for their pictures – and for a wedding!Read More

Pillow Fight Engagement Shoot by Kallah Ohr

Oh we have a treat of an engagement shoot to share this afternoon! A bed, in a field, and a pillow fight. Need  say more? So ridiculously fun! Add in some thunder clouds, and of course the magnetic connection between Tanya and Johann, and you have all the ingredients for an epic session. The fab Kallah Ohr was on the scene to capture these  beautiful images.Read More