The idea behind this engagement shoot? Well, it’s really kind of perfect. Take two sweeties set in the kitchen with nothing but a recipe for galettes and a whole lot of love. The result is an authentic capture of togetherness…and to be honest, that’s what an engagement sesh is truly all about. The amazing Melissa Jill, AVE Styles and their team of collaborators brought the vision to life, and there’s lots more sitting right here.
From Melissa Jill Photography…We believe that engagement shoots don’t have to be incredibly elaborate. They should showcase the timelessness of a couple’s love for one another. For this inspiration shoot, we wanted to portray love in its simplest form: two people making food together, sitting down to share a meal and delighting in one another’s company – true quality time.
The team of creatives behind this project were ready to simplify things to show our clients that they can achieve a gorgeous, “pin-worthy” photo session in the comfort of their home. We wanted to showcase love the way many couples show love to one another – acts of service and quality time. Cooking for someone is an easy way to show them that you care. Even if your cooking skills aren’t the greatest, simply making a pot of coffee and sitting down together can be a cherished moment.
The home featured in this shoot is actually the home of our prop stylist – Coley from Junk in the Trunk Vintage Market. It’s real. It’s authentic. Love and life happens in this space every day.
Alex from AVE Styles chose simple clothing for Liz and Cesar, focusing on items that many couples might have in their closets: a denim jacket, khakis, a sweet dress, a t-shirt, an a-line skirt, etc. A mixture of pieces owned by the models and of vintage pieces from Grow Op, everything Alex chose felt “lived in” and comfortable. She even gave Liz a mismatched apron and a men’s shirt because that’s what real life often looks like – mismatched, comfy clothes pulled from our beau’s closet, and breakfast in bare feet. Stephanie Neiheisel kept Liz’s makeup very fresh. Many women don’t wear a full face of makeup every day at home, and Stephanie wanted to show brides that they can look naturally beautiful for their engagement photos, too.
Jessica with SEE Salt wanted the food to feel “lived in” as well. Galettes are great because their shape is never quite perfect. They look a bit messy, but they also take some time and care to make, which makes this breakfast more special. And it tasted delicious, too! However, she still wanted to stay simple and authentic, so she chose pressed coffee over a fancy latte.
The flowers were the icing on the cake! Hoot & Holler selected an easy color palette of green and white that added the perfect final touch. All of the flowers used are wild flowers that many can find in their own backyards.
Melissa Jill captured this inspiration engagement session on film to preserve the light, romantic atmosphere. Her photography caught and enhanced the glowing beauty of the everyday.
All of the collaborators in this styled shoot are excited to show our clients that casual and comfortable can be stunning!
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Photography: Melissa Jill Photography | Concept And Wardrobe Styling: AVE Styles | Floral Design: Hoot & Holler | Makeup Artist: Stephanie Neiheisel | Food Styling: SEE Salt | Prop Styling: Junk In The Trunk Vintage Market | Wardrobe: Grow Op | Assistant: Alyssa Hodson – AVE Styles Intern | Models: Liz & Cesar Garcia With The Agency AZ | Venue: Private Residence