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A few weeks ago, I posted about my struggles in finding the perfect engagement photo outfit.  This week, instead of telling you about our amazing engagement photos shot by Jennifer Lust, I am going to let the photos do the talking!

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A few weeks ago I wrote about finding a setting for our engagement photos.  I thought choosing the setting would be the most difficult part, turns out what to wear was the biggest obstacle.

A few weeks before our session, I spoke with our photographer about potential locations and what to wear.  Deciding what to wear was complicated with color choices, making it season and location appropriate.

Initially I had planned on wearing a great blue dress purchased for an upcoming rehearsal dinner, but when our photographer listed colors to avoid, blue was one of them along with white.  Blue, she explained, would blend in with any natural green setting (i.e. trees and grass). White would wash us out and is more of a summer color.

Not only did we have to find an appropriate color, but we also had to find the right color for the right season. In September, the temperature in DC can be just as hot and humid as a summer day. Donning a wool sweater and posing in 80 degree weather would lead to a sweaty mess, and summery dress would seem out of place in October.

To add to our struggle, we had a creative shot we thought would be great to use as our save the date. I shopped and shopped and shopped with no luck.  Nothing seemed quite right, so I began to panic.  I needed a fashion intervention stat.  Luckily, I have a wonderful soon-to-be sister in-law who offered up her closet and styling ideas.

With Brittany’s help, and a few pieces of her wardrobe, we put together a few great options that would stand the color test, work with the weather and season, and most important, I felt great in.  Below are a few pieces similar to the ones we pulled and in the coming weeks I will share some of our (fingers-crossed) amazing photos.

Credit: J. Crew

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While James and I have been engaged since December, we still have not done our engagement photos.  Initially, I thought it would be beautiful to have our pictures done while the cherry blossoms were in bloom.  I pictured us posing along the Tidal Basin and sitting on the steps of the Jefferson Memorial.  Then I started thinking about all the other things that come with the cherry blossoms, huge tourist crowds and crowded metro cars.  Yes, we could pose on the steps of the Jefferson Memorial, but did I want 200 of our closest strangers in the background of our pictures?  Not to mention the unpredictability of the blossoms and when they bloom.

So the cherry blossoms were out, and then our planner brought up something I hadn’t even thought about, the photographer for our engagement photos should be our wedding photographer.  Not only do most wedding photographers include an engagement session in their packages is also an opportunity for your photographer to get to know you and how you both photograph.  That last part is huge for me as I am not the most photogenic person.

Okay, our wedding photographer would do our engagement photos, but before choosing a photographer we needed a wedding date, which of course meant we needed a reception venue and a church.  Six months later, as you have seen from previous posts, we have our church, venue and date. BUT…it has been 100 degrees with 70% humidity, how pretty would I look with flat hair and melting make-up?

All that in mind, we settled on a date in September for our engagement session.  Next we had to decide where we would take our photos.  I drive by Glen Echo Park on a regular basis and always love looking at the retro sign, especially at night with its neon colors.  I started thinking that the park could be a pretty cool place for pictures.  One evening I Googled “Glen Echo Park Engagement Photos” and it was confirmed – it would be an amazing location!  Did I mention they have a carousel?  Below are my favorite photos that came up during my search.  In September I will share some of our photos with you.

Photography Credit: Michelle Lindsay Photography

Photography Credit: Lydia Jane Photography

Photography Credit: Maria Vicencio Photography

Available in a wide range of chic colors and designs, ACME Party Box’s custom “photo booth” backdrop comes with two chalkboard “bubbles” that wedding guests can write their own messages on to the bride and groom. These are retailing for $135.00, perfect for those who have not necessarily budgeted for a full traditional photo booth.

The 3.5′ x 7′ backdrop can be repurposed in a many different ways post-wedding, keeping in line with ACME’s philosophy of sustainability and reuse. Seriously, they have so many cute things, I can’t stand it!!

Today, we are catching up with Abby to hear all about her take on being a local DC photographer — it is great insider advice for us all!

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What should a couple look for when meeting with (and eventually deciding on) a photographer?

I’ve found the most important things when it comes to choosing a photographer are style and personality.   There are so many different styles, and initially couples are learning about what they want.  For many of them, this is the first time that they begin learning about photography and end up figuring out what they want after research and help from their planners.

It’s important for not only the couple, but also the photographer, to feel that they are working with someone who is a good fit for them, and that both will enjoy working together.   Although it is very important for the couple, photographers many times are selective as well, preferring to work with couples that share the same vision and appreciate the type of photography that they specialize in.   And for personality, that is something that you can immediately tell on the first call or meeting.   A photographer is with the couple for most of the wedding day, and couples are looking for someone they feel comfortable with and can enjoy being around.

For the photographer, it’s important they help to create a memorable and enjoyable experience throughout their day and finding a couple who you get along with is key. It’s a much more enjoyable experience for the couple and photographer if personalities mesh and work well together.

Are there a variety of packages from which a couple may chose? How should a couple decide what package is best for them?

Each photographer is unique in the way they structure packages.   One of the factors may be the coverage (number of hours the photographer is present), and it is important to make sure the photographer is there the right amount of time to capture the story of their day.  Having the rights to the photos are also important, since most couples want to have access to the high resolution photos.  Other factors that may affect the price include the engagement session (some include this in their package while with other photographers it is separate) and an album.

How far in advance do you recommend a couple book a photographer?

The photographer is typically chosen 8-12 months in advance of the wedding. Carly Roney, the editor of The Knot, said that brides today are booking their venue first, with the planner and photographer being booked right after. Having the photographer chosen will be an immediate stress reliever, since it’s such an important piece of the wedding planning process, and it can be disappointing when the photographer a couple wants is no longer available. Given that photographers typically get booked far in advance, it’s important that the couple book them when they find someone they like.

How do you prepare prior to the event in order to be sure that you are capturing all of the key players involved?

This comes down to communication (going back to my earlier comment about choosing a photographer who is a good fit, both in terms of style and personality). In the months leading up to a wedding, I stay in close contact with them to get updates on how the planning process is going.

It’s not always necessary to provide a shot list (besides family photographs) to the photographer – if the photographer has done their job ahead of time, they already have a true understanding of what the couple wants, and who among the guests are important to them. If the couple has chosen a photographer that is the right fit for them, and by communicating in the months leading to it, the couple can sit back and trust the photographer knowing they are getting just the photos they are looking for.

First up, the Justin Alexander Trunk Show from February 4th to 6th at Chevy Chase Bridal. Call 202.363.9301 for an appointment!

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We also have oh-so-lovely Modern Trousseau Bridal Trunk Show at Hitched on Friday, February 4th & Saturday, February 5th.

RSVP at 202.333.6162 or appointments@hitchedsalon.com (Gown trials are by appointment only!)

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So once you have the dress, you need those beautiful baubles and accessories!  Carine’s Bridal Atelier’s Designer Accessories Trunk Show starts on Valentine’s Day!

The semi-annual trunk show starts on February the 14th until February the 18th and offers discounts on veils and all jewelry items: 10% off for 1 item purchased, 12% for two items and 15%  for three items! Fab!!

The appointments are a half hour long and can be made by calling 202-965-4696 or by email at info@carinesbridal.com.

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And – Now extended until the end of the month – here is a little something nice and naughty for V-day from Love Life Images…Ooo-la-la!

First, while going to the monuments on your wedding day may seem super romantic and so very patriotic, it can be quite challenging to coordinate transportation to and around the Mall area. Be sure you leave plenty of time and understand that this might pull you away from other happenings of the day.

Second, although tourists can walk up and take pictures as they please to document their trip, pics of a bride and groom do require a bit more paper work by the couple or the photographer.

Photography Credit: Abby Jiu Photography

Here’s the scoop  on the “Red Tape” –

In order to obtain a photography permit for the National Mall you have to fill out a short application for filming/photography. The application can be viewed and downloaded in PDF format at www.nps.gov. Permits are specifically located under the Park Home section, under Fees & Reservations, and then Permits. The application would have to be accompanied with a $50.00 payment that can be in the form of check, money order, or credit card. The division dealing with photography and filming is the Division of Park Programs and they can be contacted at 202-619-7225. Their office hours are Mon-Fri 8:00am-4:00pm.

With that said, if it is your dream to have your pictures taken by Abe, then happy photographing! As seen in these pics by Abby Jiu Photography, the monuments really can be breathtaking.

Brides, are you planning to do this on your big day? I would love to hear about your plans! ox.

A good snapshot stops a moment from running away.  ~ Eudora Welty

Photo Credit: Alswang Photography

“Don’t forget to enjoy the moment.  Your wedding will fly by and you won’t remember a thing.”  This is what countless people have told me.  To keep this from happening, I need to find someone that would be able to document the day with pictures.  After the day is gone, photos are all that remain.

To be perfectly honest, I HATE taking photos – doesn’t matter what type we are talking about – Work ID, Driver’s License, group shots, whatever!  I’ve never been that person that makes an effort to purposely have their picture taken.  My dad (who has more photos of me than the law allows), had all but stopped asking me to pose for photos until I got engaged because every time he would, I would scowl and run in the other direction.

Photo Credit: Alswang Photography; Venue: Meridian House

While I loathe being the subject of a photograph, I do love a well taken photo.  Of all the methods, the one that I identify with the most is a Photojournalistic style.  Here’s how I see it – if I have a photojournalist document my wedding, I have struck the perfect balance of having my photo taken, while not “knowing” I had my photo taken.  Maybe this won’t be so bad after all…

My first experience with photojournalists came during an internship at a TV station.  On this day, we had a celebrity coming to visit and a photojournalist was brought in to “capture the event.”  I was awestruck by the final photos!  Even though I was there and could recount every move the celebrity made, the photographer was able to capture images that I had (somehow) missed.  He was able to recount the day in pictures.  Moments I still remember, even to this day.

Photo Credit: Alswang Photography

I must have looked at countless photographers’ websites.  While many of the photos were stunning, even striking, I keep asking myself the question, “Who is this couple and what is their story?”  I needed to “feel” something about the work of the photographer.  I had to know that the person that would capture my day would be able to express what I was feeling, even if I didn’t say a word.

After much consideration, I take a meeting with a photographer that I will eventually hire to document my wedding.  Ralph Alswang has over 20 years of experience and has worked for Newsweek and Reuters.  He shared with me that his most humbling assignment was serving for eight years at the White House under Bill Clinton as the President and First Lady’s official documentary photographer.

Ralph has made a career of documenting the lives of so many people – famous and everyday; across countless states and countries.  He has captured history as it was unfolding and documented it for all to know.  He will now add two more people to his dossier – and we thank him for making sure our special moments live forever.

Photo Credit: Alswang Photography; Cake: K. Rose Cakes

The pictures have been shared, agonized over, the votes have been cast and the finalists have been selected.  Now it is time to choose the grand prize winner.  The contest has been very popular thus far.  Garrett would like to thank everyone who has been voting all week, to the wonderful crew at District Weddings on their ever-popular DC wedding blog (fantastic resource for any bride), and finally his awesome clients.

Without further ado, here are the four finalists you voted on over the past four days.

Go to Garrett’s blog now!  Happy weekend!

Through Thursday, he will post six of his favorite engagement photos from some of his amazing couples. Every day you can vote on your favorite of the six photographs. On Friday, he will tally the results and post the four finalists (one for each day) and then ask all of you to again vote and decide the grand prize winner of the $50.00 gift certificate.  The winner will be announced on Monday. More information can be found here.

Here is a peak at the incredible photos…and of course, if you are thinking of an engagement session, reach out to Garrett at 202.316.2676!