Vintage Tearoom Engagement Shoot

Engagement shoots very rarely make their way onto Before the Big Day - unless there's a serious theme, or some very clever portrait ideas, I don't think they're very interesting for anyone but the friends and family of the happy couple. But for I had to make an exception for this fun shoot by Victoria Mitchell Photography. It took place in the cutest little vintage cafe in Southall, and it involved cake, books and tea, three of my favourite things in the whole world. Enjoy the pics - great inspiration for your own engagement shoot, no?

Before Your Big Day Boudoir Shoot - Do or Don't?

Have you ever heard of a boudoir shoot? Lots of wedding photographers offer them as part of a wedding package - they're like an engagement shoot, but involving bridal lingerie! The idea is you have the pictures taken as a present for your husband-to-be, as a reminder of how lucky he is to be marrying his sexy, glamorous wife. They're usually teamed with some sort of makeover, so you can be sure to look your best. I love the idea of dressing up in pretty lingerie, although I don't know if my current bras would take the heat - I'd definitely have to go shopping before any hanky panky takes place! For more sophisticated ideas, take a look at my Pinterest board - I'm thinking the best option is to go slightly theatrical, like in this Pin by Elizabeth Messina.

{Photo Credits} 1. Jose Villa | 2. Adorro Impressions

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What's Your Engagement Story?

I wasn't the most subtle bride-in-waiting. I started Before the Big Day before I got engaged, and all of my now-husband's friends thought it was one giant hint. It wasn't, but I did have an unhealthy interest in weddings, long before my time! When my husband eventually proposed, I knew it was coming. We took a skiing holiday in France to celebrate New Year, and I just had that feeling he was going to pop the question. What I didn't expect was for him to do it on the first day! I got back from the slopes earlier than him, and soaked in a blissfully hot bath. Once I was all wrapped up in a fluffy dressing gown, he came in, and told me to look out of the window at something. I peeked out over the balcony and saw 'Will You Marry Me' written in the snow. When I turned back, he was down on one knee! It was an amazing, if slightly surreal moment. I'd waited so long for the proposal, that afterwards it didn't quite seem real, and the snow was falling so fast, that the proposal soon disappeared, making it our secret. We eventually told our friends and family a few days later. What's your engagement story? Did your husband propose with a diamond ring? My husband chose my gorgeous solitaire for me, but if you're still looking, there's a great selection of stunning rings on Samara James. Learn more about diamonds and take a look at their collection by clicking here, and if you're interested, read more about me and my wedding.

{Picture Credit} Jose Villa

More posts like this one:

✽ A Quick Personal Message

✽ My Wedding Anniversary

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Happy Christmas from Before the Big Day!

A huge and heartfelt Happy Christmas to all Before the Big Day brides and grooms! This year I'm celebrating Christmas in the English countryside, surrounded by fairy-lights, flickering candles, and a giant Christmas tree. I hope you have a wonderful festive season, and I'll be raising my glass to all the couples who get engaged on Christmas Day.....remember to tell them all about Before the Big Day!

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Introducing the Winners of the Engagement Shoot!

Back in autumn last year, Before the Big Day teamed up with Butler-Madden Weddings to offer an incredible prize - a free engagement shoot! Bride-to-be Josie won, and suggested an urban engagement shoot to contrast with her rural wedding. So along with her fiancé Jeff, they met with photographer Patrick Butler-Madden at Columbia Road Flower Market for blooms and bacon rolls, and a fabulous photoshoot. Here's just one of the gorgeous pictures.

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Winner! Butler-Madden Weddings Engagement Shoot

After many hours of deliberation, we can officially announce the WINNER of the incredible Butler-Madden Weddings Engagement Shoot. Congratulations Josie! Patrick Butler-Madden will get in touch with you soon to make arrangements. Josie suggested an urban engagement shoot to contrast with her rural wedding, which will be on a little island off the coast of Ireland. So she'll be booking Patrick to join her and her fiancé around east London, taking in Columbia Road Flower Market for blooms and bacon rolls, Brick Lane, Regents Canal and Broadway Market. Doesn't that sound gorgeous?

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Incredible Destination Engagement Shoot & Competition

Normally I don't feature engagement shoots, so this is a huge change for Before the Big Day. I figure as tonnes of photographers are now offering engagement shoots as part of their wedding packages, brides need inspiration on how to style their engagement shoots just as much as they need wedding inspiration. I've fallen head-over-heels for this gorgeous couple. Angus and Alice got engaged a few months ago, and Patrick from Butler-Madden Weddings shot their engagement pictures in sunny Majorca, where they live. The light is just gorgeous, and I'm loving their casual clothes and easy style. If this shoot is tempting you into organising one to celebrate your own engagement, then prepare yourselves for some exciting news. Butler Madden Weddings and Before the Big Day are teaming up at the Designer Wedding Show to offer an amazing competition. I'll be anouncing more details tomorrow - so make sure you check back on the wedding blog tomorrow!

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