Retro + Relaxed Engagement Shoot

Engagement photo shoots are meant to show the chemistry between you as a couple, journal a moment in time in your relationship, and open a window into your future selves. The best way to fuel all this is by choosing a location that makes you feel chill and happy to be in the moment together. Cue this fantastic vintage trailer engagement shoot!

Retro camper creative visions are a whole genre on Pinterest, so we were thrilled to see this take on the design niche. We love the pancake breakfast, that perfect orange blanket, the beautiful white interior of the trailer, and the cozy intimacy. Of course, the scene stealer is their puppy, who looks like he is in charge! 

This couple hits all the right notes for an intimate take. Location is the main thing when it comes to a retro + relaxed engagement shoot. This one shows off the adorable rusty orange and white vintage camper, but you can just as easily set it up in an antique diner or car. Mostly, you need to be comfortable, and these two knock it out of the park with the black T-shirt look – a nice contrast to the all-white interior and Navajo blanket.

So find your meet cute engagement shoot spot – concentrate on your look good – feel good vibe, and have the time of your lives!

Photographer & Videographer: Jen + Brian Photo and Film

Planner, Styling/Designer, Hair & Makeup: Save the Date Beauty 

Bridal Boutique: Union Bridal 


Dress Designer: Luna Willow Bridal 

Florals: Wild Flower and Twigs 

Models: Cody & Terri 

Check out this amazing helicopter engagement!

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Helicopter Engagement on Vancouver Island…we love the gorgeous winter wedding vibes here for Jennifer + Tyson’s mountain shoot. A once-in-a-lifetime moment just for the two of them. The couple decided to celebrate their Vancouver Island engagement in a wintry vision of romance and adventure in the snowy mountains. 

So, how did this all come about? It started with a proposal, of course! Jennifer explains, “Tyson and I met on an online dating site. We dated long-distance for a year, and then I moved myself and my children to Nanaimo. Tyson and I saved up and bought our first home together in the summer of 2021. That Christmas, our first Christmas in our new home, was when Tyson popped the question. We finally had the house to ourselves in the evening, and he got down on one knee and asked me to be his wife.”

Jennifer continues, “I had always dreamed of flying in a helicopter and getting married. But now that the moment had arrived, I was hesitant about eloping, so I asked Janayh if we could do engagement photos instead.  I always envisioned snow and a mountain top. I searched for the perfect dress, which I found at Guava Apparel in downtown Nanaimo.  We had planned to fly out on Valentine’s Day, but we ended up being spontaneous due to the weather. We waited for the weather to clear up, and everything worked out. The day was here! We arrived at the place; the pilot explained all the safety rules and how to wear the headgear. We were so excited and so nervous. I was smiling ear to ear, and I don’t think I spoke much. I was in awe with the rush from flying and the beautiful sights. We landed on the perfect mountaintop, where the snow was untouched. We felt like movie stars, with the photographer following and arranging us into our photos. I didn’t even feel the cold. It was such a rush! It was everything I had hoped for. I would do it again and again.”

There is nothing so amazing as fulfilling a dream with your loved one. So, if you are thinking of an engagement session, why not talk to your photographer about your ultimate wedding adventure? Photos on a boat, on the beach, in a forest, or where you first met. Or a helicopter engagement on Vancouver Island!  Like Jennifer says, “Dressing up like a fairy tale and experiencing a dream you have always wanted only happens once in a lifetime. It was perfect.” 

Photography: Janayh Wright Photography | Stylist: Jennifer Brown at VK Salon Nanaimo | Dress: Guava Apparel | Helicopter Pilot Andy: West Coast Helicopters 

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Pet Tips for Your Engagement Shoot…she said yes, and you are both excited for your engagement shoot with your photographer. Of course, you want to include your beloved pet in the photos. (For some great pet photo ideas, follow @petsatweddings). So what are some tips to making your shoot plus pet turn into some epic photos?

Be sure that your photographer is pet-friendly! This sounds nonsensical, but some photographers would rather not work with pets, and others are over the moon about it. So talk about your pet with your photographer beforehand. This also means your photographer can check beforehand that the locations they choose allow pets. Imagine starting your shoot only to realize no pets are allowed in the space? So having a good conversation when choosing your photographer is all-important.

Corral a good pet friend to help the day of your shoot (also on the day of your wedding but that is a whole other topic!). Have your friend take your pet for a long walkie while you and your photographer start your engagement session. Your pet should only arrive when you and your photographer are ready for the pet portion of the day. Have lots of treats on hand to help! If your pet is full of energy or hungry, it will be hard to catch those shots.

Are you dressing your dog or ‘flowering’ your pet for the shoot? Don’t suddenly have your dog in a clashing colour to style choices you have made. You can always purchase dog wear or wedding party signs for the cuteness factor. Be patient with flower collars, as your pet will need a few minutes to get used to them. You might even be treated with a few furbaby sneezes!

Remember, you will only need 15 to 30 minutes to get some wonderful shots with your beloved pet. Don’t stress if staring into the camera lens is not happening. Some of the best shots are the playful ones or of the two of you walking with your pet.

We hope these pet trips for your engagement shoot are helpful and wish you and your pet a wonderful photo session!  Photos by Vivian Ng Photography

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Engagement Romance for Tiffany + Francis…we love the west coast feel of this amazing engagement session. Relaxed, romantic and full of forest beauty! This couple’s personality is all over the forest photos and that’s how engagement photos should be.

The Gowlland Tod Park on Vancouver Island has it all – mountains, creeks, waterfalls, coastal rainforest and views. So it’s no surprise that this couple took advantage of some of the large fallen trees. The most romantic shots are of the couple enjoying guitar playing which is inspirational. 

PHOTOS: Miko Weddings

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Autumn Engagement Session for Megan + Taylor! The fall season always conjures up vibrant earth tones and elegant neutrals. A perfect time of year for couple photos celebrating that ‘she said yes’. This engagement session combined fun and romantic against a backdrop of ocean, colourful leaves and blankets – and pizza, of course.

We love Megan and Taylor’s casual style choices and high marks for the beautiful burgundy dress topped with blue jean jacket. The rich colour pops against the orange of the leaves around them. You can almost hear the crunch of the leaves under their feet in these photos! Of course, any fall engagement session should have a patterned blanket. The blanket not only looks great but snuggling together always brings out smiles and laughter.

The cherry on top of this shoot is the pizza box engagement announcement. What a fun way to get a wonderful ‘save the date’ shot to send to guests for the upcoming wedding day. Guests love receiving a save the date card that, rather than being generic, showcases the personality and happiness of the newlyweds to be. We love the color, whimsy and romance of this autumn engagement session!

PHOTOS: Evergrey Photography 

You are invited to another engagement session on Vancouver Island!

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Autumn Lovers, rich colours and luxuriant floral…a perfect romance! Intimate photo sessions are now a full on photography trend for wedding couples. Some choose to do a pre wedding session, some are blending intimate photos into an engagement session. Other couples are waiting until the stress of the wedding day is over. Whatever the timing, intimate photos at the most romantic time of your life are a wonderful memento. 

This couple modeled for an over the top romance shoot deep in the forest. Fall colours are all around as they lie in beds of leaves. The floral design features deep peach, cream and pink roses, eucalyptus, golden leaves, dalhias, anemone and cream feathers. The black lace dress adds to the rich bohemian feel of the entire natural landscape. 

The highlight, of course, is the ‘Autumn Lovers’ in the water. The colours, the floral, the reflections on the water’s surface are so lovely. These are photos meant to last a lifetime! 

TIP: Look for a photographer who is well known for intimate photos. Photographers who are experienced will guide you through deciding on your comfort levels and helping you choose where you will be most relaxed. As well, you can ask for photos that are appropriate for all to see and/or photos just for the two of you! 

MODELS: Ashley + Braeden

PHOTOS: Island Moments Photography | FLORAL DESIGN: Fleur de Lii   

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Vancouver Engagement Celebrates Love in the City! Shots in front of the skyline, the waterfront, on the stairs of fire escapes, on park benches, along the street and on the waterfront…no part of the city was left out of this amazing engagement session!

Hari & Kayden had an amazing day exploring Vancouver for their photo shoot with Hennygraphy Photography. And while the epic shots are to die for – there are also wonderful detail photos showing the feeling between these two.  

We especially love the the beautiful bouquet, with long satin ribbons, showcasing some frivolity along with the more severe lines of the city landscape. An artsy juxtaposition that is perfect for this couple.  

ENGAGEMENT PHOTO SESSION TRENDS

If you are planning your city engagement shoot with your photographer be sure to talk to them about your favorite spots in the city. Think about your memories together ie: restaurants, hikes, coffee shops, parks and even your favorite shopping haunts! Don’t be afraid to dress to include a bouquet. Floral can really add to the mood of your photos. Above all – be creative and show your personalities.  Vancouver Engagement couples are especially spoiled with plenty of gorgeous scenery and city! 

Hennygraphy  Photography | Florals Lieve Studio | Vancouver Mobile Makeup

You are invited to another amazing engagement session – off roading in a Jeep! 

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A wonderful tea for two engagement for Veronica and Quinten celebrating their upcoming west coast wedding. Engagement sessions are fast becoming the best part of getting comfortable with your wedding photographer. Couples are keeping it relaxed, thought much more creative, and taking photos in places important to them. Highlighting hobbies, special moments and shared passions makes these sessions so personal and intimate.

Couples are keeping it relaxed while being much more creative!

Don’t forget to pull together your fashion – it doesn’t have to be fancy but it can be if you want! Blankets, your special t-shirts, formal gowns…it’s whatever works for you, your partner and the story you are telling. It will also depend to some degree on your location choices and time of year. Although, if you want to swim in the ocean in January no one can technically stop you!  Some couples have even had beautiful floral arrangements created for the occasion or hired a planner to provide décor and direction.

Veronica and Quinten Engagement Story

So we loved Veronica and Quinten’s engagement story because they did it all! They both love drinking tea so the ‘tea for two’ picnic was perfect. It also led to some great blanket shots among the forest trees. The ocean side showcased Quinten’s love of photography and sketching while Veronica channeled her inner goddess which was perfect for the lovely floral bouquet. We especially loved the great smiles on these two! The gorgeous sunset in the background is a real highlight as well. This wonderful tea for two engagement is a real inspiration for couples!

Engagement Session Tip:

Be sure to have a chat with your photographer before and let them know if you are hoping for sunset shots. Your photographer will set up the timing and location – don’t expect them to just ‘know’! It is a great idea to send a Pinterest Board of ‘shot ideas’ that you would like to have in your session.

Photos by Masika May Photography

The naturally beautiful west coast engagement session of Steph & Jamie will give you even more great Vancouver Island location ideas!

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When we saw Steph & Jamie’s photo shoot we knew we had to share! Goldstream Trestle on Vancouver Island has never looked so good as our couple posed for truly outstanding shots. Of course, the views are amazing but so is the obvious love between these two.

Engagement Session Tip!

Engagement sessions are always fun when the couple and photographer choose a location that is filled with possibilities. If you, as a couple, have a special moment or place you would like included in your engagement photos be sure to let your photographer know. Don’t be shy! Lots of couples are now having photo shoots in a series of locations and even over several sessions. Let your imagination soar!

The Location! 

The hike to Goldstream Trestle is one of the more popular hikes around Victoria and has a fair amount of elevation. Along the way you are treated with an up-close view of the gorgeous Niagara Falls. While not as big as that other Niagara Falls in Ontario, this waterfall in Goldstream Park is an impressive 156 feet (47 meters). Then there is the historic trestle itself, which stretches across the Niagara Creek Canyon.

For more pretty take a look at Carmen & Samuel!

Photos by Summer Rayne Photography

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