Essence of Events, LLC

You’ve said the I-do’s and now you’re married and starting to settle into wedded life, but before you know it another big event is going to roll around pretty quickly. No, I’m not talking about an addition to the family, but your first anniversary together as husband and wife.

This is a momentous occasion, and one you should seriously consider documenting. If you loved your wedding photographer, have him or her shoot some great anniversary shots as keepsakes of your first year together; much like an engagement shoot.

For inspiration, check out some of the great images below.

A banner with the amount of years you have been married is a great option, especially if you incorporated this trend into your wedding.

The sky is the limit with this lovely snapshot. Incorporate idioms like this into your photoshoot and you’re set!

If you have been married or together for a number of years, including photos from previous anniversaries together is a wonderful idea.

Reserve space in a photo frame for future photos. Make it a tradition to keep going back to your wedding photographer for important family portraits.

Each year take a picture of the two of you together holding a picture of you from the previous year. Imagine what it would look like in 50 years!

Cute signs are so chic right now!

Each year you can do a new version of the same picture; call it a custom or ritual!

For photographer recommendations and to get all your questions answered, plus to set up your free, initial consultation with Essence of Events for your wedding or anniversary party call 253.292.1482 or email contact@essenceofevents.com

Written by Samantha Macrae

With so many options, it can be difficult to decide which photographs to include on your big day. Essence of Events is here to help! Perhaps one of the most romantic and high couture poses available are those taken through the veil. Wrap yourselves up in the bridal veil for a once in a lifetime embrace; because in truth, how many times are you going to be wearing it? So take advantage!

A sly smile or a playful glance are very couture; but for a more romantic tone sweetly kiss your groom.

Not only do “through the veil” photos make dramatic statements for newly wedded couples, they also create brilliant bridal portraits. Show it off honey; bring out your inner sass!

No matter how you choose to pose in your veil, it will create a unique memento of your most precious day. For more cinematic advice for your upcoming event contact Essence of Events for your free initial consultation at 253.292.1482 or contact@essenceofevents.com .

Before the marriage, the honeymoon, the wedding, and the engagement, comes the proposal. That’s how it all gets started for us here at Essence of Events. We love a good proposal story, and so today on Snapshot Sunday we want to share a few of our favorites. Read on, and make sure to have a box of tissues handy if you tend to get a bit misty eyed.

Casey was going on a “girl’s trip” to NYC with Jason’s mom, cousin, sister, and grandma. Jason flew up to surprise her in Central Park. He had an idea of using the New York Times to hide the rest of Casey’s big surprise. Her parents, brother, future father-in-law and future Grandpa-in-law had also flown up to support Jason and help him pop the question!

The group then asked strangers if they would help Jason propose to Casey, and almost everyone was more than eager to be a part of such a special day. When the bride-to-be came around the corner of the park, his mom started clapping, which got Casey’s attention, and the group all moved to the right, slowly revealing the painted newspapers, and finally, her man, Jason, who was waiting at the end.

I love how blissfully in love this couple is. Having a photographer secretly capture a proposal is a great way to share the love and keep those memories for years to come. You can also use the shots for Save the Date cards.

This is by far one of the most creative proposals that I have seen. The groom made a comic for his bride that when spread out would look like a regular street scene (he could work on it from home without her realizing what he was doing) but when folded in a specific way, the words would come together to read “will you marry me?”

I love how perfectly these series of photos tell this proposal story. Cute and charming.

If you have a tradition (like Saturday Scrabble) try to incorporate that into the proposal somehow. Chances are she won’t see it coming and it will be a special and personal memory.

Will proposed to Mallary on stage at the Foster the People concert in Austin, Texas. In front of thousands of people.

For more proposal ideas, tips to plan your proposal, and photographer referrals to help you capture this special day, contact Essence of Events. To schedule your free, initial consultation call 253.292.1482 or email contact@essenceofevents.com

Written by Samantha Macrae

It has become increasingly popular for couples to take pre-ceremony photos before they say their vows. But this means that you miss the moment of walking down the aisle and your groom seeing you for the very first time. So, how do you capture that feeling or moment of him seeing you on your wedding day?

First look shots are set up by a photographer to capture the special time that you set aside before the ceremony to see each other for the first time on your wedding day. These shots will become your treasured keepsakes and potentially the some of your best photos from your entire wedding.

The love and emotion captured in these photos are amazing. Check out some of these couple’s first look photos to see unique ways to stage your first meeting as husband and wife, and just see the love (and shock on the grooms face!) in the gorgeous photography.

The bride and groom both blindfolded each other, and then at the same moment had a big reveal. How cute! This is such a lovely reaction to have.

This couple also decided to use blindfolds, but the bride chose not to let the groom see her before the vows. They just wanted to take a personal moment away from the busyness of the day to be with each other; she just didn’t want him to see her!

Another surprise which would be an alternative to the blindfold; balloons! How unique, quirky, and different!

I love the grooms face in this shot! He had just been facing away and turned around to see his stunning bride for the first time that day!

This photo is truly priceless. What a memorable keepsake!

Surrounded by your best and closest friends; this is why this is one of my favorite first look shots.

Reading letters to each other on the day of your wedding is a romantic thing to do, especially when you are in such close proximity to the person you love and are about to marry.

Surprising your groom is one of the best ways to get a spontaneous reaction from him and to get some of the best photos of your wedding day.

For more unique ideas for your upcoming wedding or event, and for referrals of photographers who can help you capture stunning first look shots, contact Essence of Events today.

To schedule your free, initial consultation, call 253.292.1482 or email contact@essenceofevents.com

Written by Samantha Macrae