So Valentine’s Day has just passed and with it a ton of new engagements for the new year! Even if the question was popped on another day, all of you lovely ladies are probably wondering what to wear for your engagement photos – not to worry I have you covered. I would also like to take this time to point out I am by no means sponsored by these stores, these are just a few fashion ideas to help you out.

Casual Engagement Photos

I like to play this one up a little more than just your street cloths, it’s more of a “nice dinner out” wear. Try not to be too matchy-matchy and bring in colour, patterns and textures that go well together. A little summer dress with a cardigan and flats works wonders as a pairing as well. Go for outfits that compliment each other, and colours that reflect your personalities.

1. Scooter Top from RW Co.
2. Teal Pants from Ricky’s
3. Statement Necklace from ALDO
4. Taupe Riding Boot

5. Grey Sweater from RW Co.
6. Pants from The Boat House
7. Shoes from The Boat House
8. Watch from Timex

Formal Engagement Photos

You’re all about that bling, the glamour, the lights. Your love for one another is the star, so get dressed up and show it off. Anything long and flowy or sparkly for the ladies is perfect. The guys will do best with a suit, but its up to you how formal you go with this – you don’t need to go over the top if that’s just not you.

1. Floral Maxi Dress from Ricki’s
2. Heels from BCBG
3. Necklace from ALDO

4. Suit from KENNETH COLE REACTION
5. Watch from Nixon
6. Pocket Square from Le Chateau

 Themed Engagement Photos

You might be wondering what the heck “Themed Engagement Photos” are. Well they’re just that, a theme, or costume. The genre should mean something to you as a couple, so if you both love Mad Men then go ahead and incorporate a few props, or styles from that era. Wear something fun, and make this photo shoot reflect your shared passions and interests.

1. Dress from Modcloth
2. Heels from Le Chateau
3. Lipstick from Chanel

4. Sport Jacket from Le Chateau
5. Shoes from The Boat House
6. Skinny Tie from The Tie Bar

Now keep in mind that these are only ideas, make your engagement your own by incorporating something only you and your significant other have. You could do the shoot at the first place you met or bring in a favorite activity you two share – racquetball anyone? Pets are always welcome at my engagement photo shoots, so bring the well behaved Pooch along for the photos.

Finding your wedding dress without stress, how hard can that be?

Well I recently helped a friend find their wedding dress for their upcoming wedding in September and it was no walk in the park (it really brought me back to when I was looking for my wedding dress for my own wedding). But using the knowledge of my own experience I was able to help my friend find her perfect wedding dress fairly painlessly. I created this post in hopes of helping a bride to be say “Yes” to the dress – without all the stress.

I want to mention a few key things right off the bat: I am by no means a wedding dress shopper extraordinaire, I base these tips on personal experience and intend them for those that haven’t embarked on the journey to the perfect wedding dress. If you are fortunate enough to have a wedding planner they will make the whole dress shopping process a lot less complicated, but for those of you on a budget it (like myself) you may find the following information at least a little bit helpful.

Appointments

1. Book your appointment to go see dresses about 2 weeks in advance – especially if you want to book a weekend.
2. Wear footwear that you can take off and on easily, as you will need to remove them once you enter the bridal shop.
3. Assign someone to take photos on their phone. It helps if just one person does this so you know that they got the photo and then they can send it out to whomever you wish.
4. Bring a few friends, family members with you for support and opinion. 3 – 4 other people is ideal as most bridal shops aren’t always super large + it limits the chance of having too many people chime in.
5. Get dolled-up! Okay maybe don’t get too carried away, but let’s be honest, not all of us enjoy trying on clothes, especially in front of a crowd. Even a little bit of gloss helps to complete the picture, a beautiful bride-to-be.

Things You Might Not Know

1. Bridal shops usually only have sample sizes of dresses, so most of the dresses won’t be your size and will need to be clipped or held in place. Don’t be discouraged.
2. Depending on the dress you choose, it can take up to 6 months to come in – so be sure to go looking for a dress early if you are going to order one from a shop.
3. You will usually always need to do some sort of alteration. From the hem, changing the neckline, sizing or adding in a bustle you should give yourself enough time to have everything you need changed.  Most bridal shops will have a list of suggested seamstresses for you to look over if you ask.
4. Most dresses will come in other colours, so if you find a “diamond white” dress in the style you love but you want “ivory” its usually an option when you order the dress.
5. You want “poof” but you can’t find a dress that has enough for your liking? You can rent/buy a crinoline slip to add more volume to any dress.
6. Any dress can have things added/removed from a dress. Don’t like the beads? Want sleeves? Although there are a lot of different factors as to what can be altered on your dress, most things are do-able, given enough time. Remember 6 months before your wedding minimum!

Other Helpful Tips

1. If you plan on wearing something special beneath your wedding dress be sure to wear it when you are trying dresses on.  This will help you see how the dress you picked out will work with your undergarments.
2. Have a pretty good understanding what you will be looking for in a dress before you go, this will help when you pull dresses to try on. With this in mind, also go outside our your “idea” of the perfect dress as you might find the dress of your dreams and you didn’t even know you wanted it.
3. Never try on a dress that is outside of your price range. (I say this even though I broke this rule and found my wedding dress) It usually leads to heart ache, and you will compare all other dresses to the “one” you can’t have.
4. You will get hot changing in and out of these large dresses, bring deodorant. Most bridal shops will have bottled water ready for you, if you ask. Stay hydrated!

Here is a list of a few Bridal shops in the Okanagan.

Kelowna Bridal

Bliss Bridal Boutique
Ten Fashion Bridal Boutique & Special Occasions
L’amore Bridal & Formals
Ashbury Bridal Couture
Lillian Wild
Red Velvet Bridal Design

Vernon Bridal

Victoria Lane Brides

Penticton Bridal

Louise’s Bridal Fashions

Kamloops Bridal

Aglow Bridal Lounge
First Comes Love
Viva Bridal

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Robby had proposed to Saveena just moments before we arrived and wanted to capture the special moments after she said “YES!”. I don’t think these two could stop smiling even if they tried.

This was the very first time I took a film photo and the photograph of Saveena showing off her amazing double halo diamond engagement ring was the very first shot on that roll. You can see why I fell head over heels for film photography, just look at those colours! It was love at first click!

Sparkling Hill is a unique location between Vernon and Kelowna, that offers breathtaking views, romantic rooms, and relaxing spas. It sits above world renowned Predator Ridge Golf Course, with access to many amenities, vineyards and all the activities the Okanagan has to offer. Sparkling Hill is the ultimate luxury getaway, and one of the most amazing places in the Okanagan Valley. I encourage everyone to visit just to admire the architecture and the countless Swarovzski Crystals hanging above the foyer.

Vernon Engagement Photography Info

All the following photos were taken at Sparkling Hill Resort in Vernon BC, Winter of 2017. Pentax 645 medium format Film Camera | 75mm