From the moment I got engaged, I knew exactly what I wanted to do for our engagement shoot. I have always dreamed about doing something very classic and timeless, so when it finally came time to plan, I was pretty much set on setting up the shoot at Hotel Teatro in Denver. They just celebrated 20 years as Denver's original boutique hotel and if you haven't been for drinks at the attached bar called The Nickel, or to hang out in the library in the lobby - you're in for a real treat.
I am definitely a planner and like to keep organized for things like these so I started out where I always do for something creative, God's gift to earth: Pinterest. Which by the way - did you know Pinterest has sections now? I was so excited when they started offering this feature, it helps me stay incredibly organized for a styled shoot - that's for sure. I am a verrrrry visual person, I like to have ideas of what poses, makeup/hair looks and creative ideas a good amount of time before a shoot so I can get in the zone and really make it come to life.
Here is a snapshot of my Engagement Shoot board:
Brian and I are doing a classic, black and white wedding without any accent colors so I wanted the engagement shoot to set the tone and go along with my vision for the wedding overall. I absolutely love black and white photos - so I used it as the "mood" for our engagement shoot. I knew I wanted to have a few different looks so I searched for some black and white dress options on some of my favorite fashion sites and here is what I came up with:
Dress 1: Boo Hoo Daria Twist Front Plunge Slinky Maxi - it's now on sale for only $25.
-- I ordered it in a size 6 but ended up having to pin it a bit to fit my waist. The length fit perfectly.
Dress 2: Fashion Nova Majestic Sequin Dress - $60
-- I ordered a medium and it fit perfectly with some extra length at the feet.
Dress 3: Boo Hoo Satin Ruched Flared Sleeve Bodycon - it's also on sale for $28!
-- I ordered a size 6 and it fit perfectly!
Shoes: Fashion Nova A Glass Dream Heel $35
-- I ordered a 7.5 and they fit perfectly... they have become one of my favorite pair of heels, super comfy and easy to walk in!
Fun Fact: Since the first two dresses were pretty low cut and the second two dresses had low/open backs, I knew I was going to need to do something about my larger chest. To tame down the girls, I literally used duct tape in small strips to keep them in place and make sure I wasn't toooooo cleavagey - LOL.
THE ENGAGEMENT SHOOT
Photography: Kassia Phoy
-- Kassia has been a friend of mine for some years and we did a few shoots together back in the day. When she said "yes" to shooting my engagement AND wedding (SO EXCITED!) I was thrilled. She has such a talent for capturing romance and just made my entire vision come to life. She is a sweetheart and absolutely beautiful inside and out.
Event Planner: Payton of Promise Event Planners
-- Payton helped with all the logistics of the shoot. She had so many ideas, connections and was on site to help with all the little details day-of. She is very knowledgeable and so, so helpful.
-- Brian got fitted at Ted's the week before our shoot and they made sure it fit just right (for his extra long arms - lol). I highly recommend visiting Ted's if you're in need of a suit for a special occasion! They are fast, efficient and have outstanding customer service.
Nails: Custom Bridal Nails by K.R.
-- I wanted something pale pink with a little bling, and this is what she came up with! They were perfect for the shoot. If you are wanting something custom, reach out to K.R. via Instagram (link above).
Flowers: Flora By Nora
-- Nora provided an amazing white rose arrangement and a beautiful bouquet. Her work is stunning!
Jewelry: The Diamond Reserve
-- Brian worked with Kaeliegh of The Diamond Reserve to create my custom engagement ring and so I was thrilled when our event planner, Payton, of Promise Event Planners, said she was on board! She let me borrow the most stunning necklace, diamond earrings, bracelet and ring for the shoot - I know what my next present request from Brian is going to be :)
Hair: The Glamour Bar Denver | Extensions: Quinlyn Koehler | Styled By: Sarah Olsen
-- A month or so ago, I got mermaid hair extensions installed by the lovely Quinlyn of Glamour Bar Denver, just in time for our engagement shoot! Sarah styled my hair with loose romantic curls that lasted all day for the shoot, even through the rain. Love these girls and 100% suggest you try one of their many services, they do it all! From hair to mani pedi's to eyelashes + beyond, they truly are a full service beauty bar.
Makeup: Lindsay Ambrosio Makeup Madame
-- Not only is she one of my very best friends, but she was also just voted Denver's BEST Makeup Artist. We've been creating looks together for almost 10 years now and I just love being her muse. We did a soft, romantic glam and ended the shoot with a red lip.
Hotel: Hotel Teatro + Britt McColgan
-- When Britt set up everything for me for the shoot at Hotel Teatro, I knew it was going to be magical. This hotel has so much history, so much beauty, and so much personality.
photos above of of hotel taken from HotelTeatro.com
A special thank you to each and every one of you for seeing my vision for this special time in our lives and for spending your time and efforts to make it all possible. I will never forget this moment because each one of you helped me capture it forever! I am eternally grateful.
XX,
Jenna