Pick a Theme for your Engagement Photography
Pat and Kelley showed up for their themed engagement shoot ready to rock.
Couldn’t resist getting a photo of Kelley in the alley with her red leather jacket.
I had Kelley approach Pat as if he was on break from playing a set. It didn’t hurt that Pat was actually playing guitar and one highlight from the shoot was when Kelley spontaneously sang the lyrics!
A better view of the guitar and of Kelley’s reaction to Pat playing one of her favorite songs.
I told Pat to do his best imitation of a rock star posing for a CD cover, while Kelley played the role of photo assistant.
Kelley peaked out from behind the reflector as she played the part of flirty photo assistant.
After we arrived at St. Anthony Main, Kelley changed her dress and we noticed an industrial brick loading dock that made an interesting “set.”
This shot was Kelley’s idea. It’s always great to collaborate with couples during an engagement shoot.
Anyone who has seen myself or my wedding photography mentor, Noah Wolf, shoot knows that every once in a while we are known to say, “Give me some sass!” It’s vague on purpose to allow people to interpret it however they want. Kelley pulled off a classy pose.
As the couple changed outfits, the story of their relationship revealed itself with their body language.
A horse drawn carriage magically appeared from across the bridge, and immediately Pat and Kelley realized what a great opportunity it was for some cool photos.
It felt a little bit like the magic of Cinderella with the horse and carriage spontaneously driving by. I call these moments, happy accidents.
Photos by James Ramsay Photography
Many brides choose a fabulous theme for their wedding. It’s more rare for you to choose a theme for your engagement photography. Pat and Kelley knew the first step was planning out a theme with their photographer. Since Pat was a musician, we went over a few ideas and settled on a rock and roll theme. Kelley was nice enough to play the role of photo assistant as well, which was a fun idea we came up with on the spot. The couple also brought a change of outfits to be more formal for some of the photo session. This guaranteed them a variety of looks for save the date cards, place settings, guest book material, and prints for the wall of their trendy Lowertown, St. Paul apartment. Sometimes improvising leads to the best photos. For example the horse and cart was a complete coincidence, but we put ourselves in a position to succeed. It was an amazing bonus to an awesome evening of engagement photography. It seems like something out of a fairy tale.
-James Ramsay
Editor
Brides Like Us
What a wonderful website! Beautiful pictures but I especially love the ones of my lovely daughter Kelley and her soon-to-be-husband Pat! James, you truly captured their love for one another in your photographs. Thank you!