I simply cannot wait to share these photos from my engagement shoot with Alice and Ben! These two lovebirds make a gorgeous couple. We took their photos mainly at the Utah State Capitol building near downtown Salt Lake City. I had a wonderful time getting to know the two of them during this shoot and learning all about their incredible love story.

Alice and Ben’s families were very good friends and they actually grew up visiting with each other on family adventures. Here’s the kicker: they actually lived in different countries! Ben’s family lived in Armenia while Alice’s family lived in Russia, but the two families didn’t let a short flight separate them all from being together often for fun times. After years and years of knowing each other, they started dating, and finally committed to marriage with a wedding celebration at La Caille to kick off their new life together! I can’t wait to see it all come together.

One of my most frequently shared tips as a wedding photographer is to shoot at the Capitol building or another beautiful piece of architecture in downtown Salt Lake City. It’s professionally cared for and is clean and beautiful all year long, and it’s a gorgeous, neutral background that allows you and your honey bunches to shine in the pictures while providing a beautiful backdrop. Even after all my sessions there, I still keep finding hidden gems for new shots. We had a wonderful time shooting, even though it was so so cold and poor Alice’s stunning dress wasn’t doing a whole lot to protect her from the chilling winds. And I couldn’t get enough of their cute puppy! Adorable!

If you’re looking for a way to make sure you rock your engagement session as well as these two did, here are a few tips or ideas you can take away from this session:

Alice and Ben got themselves some new outfits that were light and neutral, which actually fits my photography style so so well. These engagement pictures are perhaps your first chance to share professional photos with your friends and family of the two of you together, all cute and in love, and it certainly helps to have some solid outfit choices. Opting for light, neutral clothing allows your personalities to shine and you don’t have to worry about bold colors or patterns looking warped or off-color in the camera.
Alice got her hair and make-up done before the shoot. This is something I’ll ALWAYS consider a huge bonus when shooting women. It’s not about vanity and looking like a supermodel, but simply having your hair and make-up done professionally is a means to affording you so much extra confidence, allowing you the chance to relax and truly feel the joy of the moment with your beau during the shoot. Also, beauty professionals know what looks good on camera and can make sure you look your best in these photos that will last your lifetime.
Lastly, take the time to investigate photographers to find one you vibe well with, and be willing to consider your engagements and the preparation that goes into them (new outfits, professional hair and make-up, etc.) to be an investment you’ll never regret. These are your engagement pictures! They will come to mean so much more to you if you’re willing to spend the money to make them look good.