Engagement Shoot and Save the Dates

     Your engagement shoot and save the date are the first things people see for you wedding.  It introduces your style, your colors, your "brand".  If branding your wedding sounds a little intense just think of it this way.  Branding your wedding just means making it yours.  It is the way you are going to infuse your style into the event.  All the things that make it YOUR day, and no one elses.  
     If you have a backyard, country feel, use it.  If you want to use props, go for it.  There are no rules!  People want to see the two of you in love, so loosen up and have fun.
      Jess and JJ's color palette was slate, blush, tan, white, and black.  They had chosen an outdoor ceremony and a tented reception, with a lot of flowers, burlap banners, and shabby chic feel with a lot of french linen and burlap.  Their theme was, "My whole heart for my whole life."
     Jen and Brandon had a more clean cut preppy feel, with some shabby chic details.  They had a theme of frames, being a keeper of memories and a structure that gives shape and support.  Their colors were navy, and cream, with a theme of "gingham & lace."  

Jess & JJ:

     I had so much fun designing our shoot.  We wanted it outdoors, and the fabulous Studio Castillero picked a perfect location.
     Also, I was a bride on a budget, so almost everything used in our photo shoot was from my apartment.  The only things I bought were little chalkboard signs from saveoncrafts, a Polaroid camera, and cardboard letters from Paper Source.
     I painted all of the mini chalkboards white and antiqued them and then drew little phrases and our wedding date using one of my favorite craft tools, chalk ink.
     I made the Save the Date Banner, you can find out how to make it here.
     I also baked some chocolate chip oatmeal cookies for a little snack during the shoot.  Here is how it turned out ...

photos via studio castillero

Save the Date via Wedding Paper Divas

Jen & Brandon: 

      

      Jen called me the night before their engagement shoot, sad that she ran out of time to get some props.  Well, that is what little sisters are for.  I ran over to Michaels after work and bought some chalkboard signs, blue and white frames, and "J" and "B" wood letters.  We were driving down to San Diego the next morning anyway, so I wrote "Save the Date" on the chalkboards in the car on the way down, and we rendezvoused with Jen and Brandon during their photo shoot.  We were so happy it worked out, because their pictures turned out so cute!  Here are a few photos: 

Then we get prop heavy...

photos via true photography

Save the Date via Carlson Crafts

     Everything is a variation on a theme, but make it your own.  

LLLove,
Jen and Jess