As a wedding photographer, Cavin Elizabeth (the stunning Bride-to-be in the Marchesa gown) knows her way around the wedding world (she even just released a new book, A Bride’s Guide to a Picture Perfect Wedding!!). So when it came time to shoot her own engagement she turned to trusted vendors she loves and the result is downright gorgeous. A bouquet by Compass Floral, planning by Amorology and images by Tenth & Grace are all coming together for a Balboa Park photoshoot with a little side of bubbly bar too. FULL GALLERY
From the bride (Cavin Elizabeth Photography)… As a wedding photographer, I know how amazing the results are of an engagement session when you invest a lot of time and effort into planning locations and wardrobe. I always encourage my own couples to do the same, so of course I had to follow my own advice for my own engagement photos with my fiancé David, founder of Aventrix.
Wanting two different locations, we decided to make the first set of images activity-based with fun cocktails at Provisional in downtown San Diego. David and I both love trying out new drinks at exciting restaurants and bars. Also, a little cocktail can help ease you into the photos (which was great for David who isn’t nearly as comfortable in front of the camera as me). Our goal was to have a mix of lifestyle and posed images and these are very much lifestyle and candid, which we adore.
For our outfits at Provisional, I chose an off-shoulder printed dress that was flirty and fun with its pink, teal, and subtle violet accents. My nails were painted in a soft blush color to pair beautifully with my dress and blush pumps. For David, we decided on a light blue short sleeve button down with cream-toned jeans to complement the accents of blue in my dress. Ultimately, we wanted an upscale casual look that was more stylish than our everyday wear to make the images really special!
Our second location was Balboa Park, which I was initially hesitant about because it can be such a cliché spot in San Diego for engagement photos. I put myself in the process I go through with my clients to think about David’s and my interests (cocktails, architecture, etc.). I realized that since European architecture is such a favorite of ours that Balboa Park was truly the perfect place. Plus, we could avoid the typical Balboa engagement photo shots to ensure ours felt different and like us. Because the park is so large, it’s easy to make it look so different from shoot to shoot.
David sported a custom-tailored black suit for his formal look and I wore an embellished blue Marchesa Notte gown. For my dress, I wanted color and texture and anything I could find that was unique was a hit with me. The minute I saw this gown at Saks I knew I had to have it. It’s dreamy blue and gold tones and the way it flows with movement were too good to pass up. I’m also just head over heels for Marchesa, so anytime I can wear their pieces I will!
It’s been incredibly fun to be on the other side of weddings and I cannot wait to reveal our nontraditional and unique plans for our wedding in April. Stay tuned!
Photography: Tanya Menoni | Event Planning: Amorology | Florals: Compass Floral | Gown: Marchesa | Engagement Ring: Jean Dousset | Hair and Makeup: 10.11 Makeup | Groom: Aventrix | Bride: Cavin Elizabeth Photography | Save the Dates: Twinkle And Toast