3 Reasons to do an Engagement Session with your Wedding Photographer

It turns out exploring dirt roads in Costa Rica is a wonderful way to spend the day, especially when accompanied by these two gorgeous creatures.

Jani & Matt were the winners of our destination wedding package and part of their prize included an engagement session. We spend the day before their wedding exploring the gorgeous vistas Costa Rica has to offer, getting to know each other, and laughing…a lot!

Back home in Seattle, I always recommend engagement sessions for all for all of my couples and here are three reasons why:

Get comfortable together

Of course you are comfortable together, you are getting married after all, but aside from selfies on date night, how often do you have a camera trained on you? Engagement sessions are sort of like practice for your wedding portraits. By the time the big day arrives, you’ll already by used to kissing on camera.

Get to know your photographer

We’ve likely met before your wedding day but this will give you an idea of how I work, and better yet, how we work together. You will start to know my style of directing and I can learn all your best angles.

It’s fun

Without the pressure of the timeline of your wedding day, we have an opportunity to hang out and make gorgeous portraits. I get to see the real you and you get to learn how to be confident in front of the camera. Plus, can you ever have enough photos?!

Our Amazing Vendor Team!

Planning + Design: The Greatest Adventure Weddings 
Florist: Gather Design
Photographer: Angela & Evan Photography
Videographer: Green Attic Films
Venue: Marea Brava Hotel in Jaco, Costa Rica
Hair/Makeup: Angela Evans
Catering: Paladar Costa Rica
Dress: Lulus
Shoes: Lulus

New Client Gifts

Sneak peek at our new client gifts

I’m always on the lookout for new products to wow my clients. Recently, I discovered these gorgeous thumb drives from USB Memory Direct. Not only do they complement my branding style perfectly, they are a wonderful way for my clients to archive their images for generations to come. I can’t wait to send these packages to my clients this year!

Claire & Brian - Fremont Foundry wedding

Being part of Claire & Brian's wedding was the highlight of our year.   Their wedding was a true celebration of love and something we will never forget.  Here's a bit more about this amazing couple!

Claire and Brian met during the first semester of college, but it wasn't love at first sight: both viewed the other as a competitor within their shared major. But during their senior year, they connected and became a couple. Claire was training for the Boston Marathon that year and had a lot of time to think on long, snowy training runs, and it was then that she realized that she was in love with him. Perhaps fittingly enough, it was while he was cheering her on during the marathon that Brian realized he loved her, too. Both of them ended up in New York after graduation, and when Claire moved to Washington, D.C. to go to law school, Brian followed only a year later. While they were on vacation with Claire's family in Rome in December 2015, Brian got down on one knee on the balcony of their apartment. They celebrated with pasta, wine, and gelato, and the wedding planning began.

Claire, born and raised in Seattle, had always dreamed of getting married at home. When she and Brian visited Fremont Foundry, they immediately loved the flexibility of the venue and its unique ability to provide both indoor and outdoor spaces. It felt like a perfect marriage of their urban life back in New York and Claire's Seattle roots. The best decision they made in nearly two years of wedding planning was working with Emily Murphy at Manette Gracie, who connected them with an incredible team of vendors that brought their wedding to life. The couple loves to travel together and used maps as a way to tie their decor together - from the antique globe centerpieces, to the atlas table runners, to the vintage postcard guestbook. Claire and Brian are also big foodies and wanted to surprise their guests with a special Seattle late-night snack - so they had late-night cheeseburgers from Dick's Drive In delivered to the rooftop dance party. Guests drank his-and-hers signature cocktails - Brian's Old Fashioned and Claire's Aperol Spritz - while posing in the photo booth, munching on cookies from Hello Robin, and enjoying the perfect late summer weather. 

Claire and Brian are so thankful that their friends and families traveled from around the country (and the world!) to celebrate their marriage in a weekend that they'll remember forever - cliches are thrown around all the time in wedding planning, but it truly was the best weekend of their lives.

Venue - Fremont Foundry, Planning/Coordination - Manette Gracie Events, Videographer - Native Wedding Films, Catering - City Catering, Photo Booth - The Foto-Robot, Florist - Melanie Benson floral Design, DJ - H206 Events, Beauty - Makeup Love, Cookies - Hello Robin Cookies, Cakes - Dahlia Bakery, Rentals - Cort, Transportation - First Student, Groom's Attire - Enzo Custom, Bride's Dress - Garnish Boutique, Alterations - Eltsa Custom Sewing, Food Truck - Dick's Drive-In, Lighting - Seattle Event Lighting

Kelly and Michael - Chihuly Garden and Glass Wedding - Seattle, WA

When I first met Kelly & Michael I knew their wedding would be special. They’re an adventurous couple and she’s a morning Anchor for Komo 4. She described her dream wedding as a “mullet wedding” beautiful in the front but a party in the back…and that’s exactly what it was. Every detail was elegant, but they knew that didn’t mean it needed to be dull…no stuffy celebrations here! It was a joyful day filled with lots of laughter, incredible speeches, kick ass music, happy tears, and some impressive dance moves. Wedding mullets forever!

Venue:  Chihuly Garden & Glass

Photography:  Angela & Evan Photography

Design & Coordination:  Rebecca of New Creations Weddings

Florals:  Bash and Bloom

Band:  Michael Benson Band

Cakes:  Honey Crumb Cake Studio

Paper Goods:  Paper Passionista

Lighting:  Green Light Events

Rentals:  Pedersens Event Rentals & Kevin Bradford Designs

Hair & Makeup:  Salon Maison

Ceremony Music:  Quinn Fitzpatrick

A/V Rentals:  Live Oak AV

Officiant:  Brides Brother

Getaway Car:  Friend of the Family

Getting Ready Location:  Hyatt at Olive 8

Amanda & Phillip - Suncadia Resort wedding

Suncadia seems like our home away from home.  Anytime we have a free weekend, that's where you'll find the Carlyle fam.  When I met with Amanda & Philip I was thrilled to find out they'd be getting married at the Inn at Suncadia.  I'd always dreamed of photographing a couple there, and it did not disappoint...just look at that view!  Their wedding was filled with so many sweet details and a whole lot of dancing.  We had the best weekend away with these two and am so excited to share their photos!  

Alexis & Danielle - Delille Winery Wedding

You may remember the engagement session I did for this wonderful couple a few months ago.  It was so great to get to know these lovely women better before their big day at DeLille Cellars this summer.  They both had their own signature style with their beautiful wedding gowns.    There were so many stunning details to capture at this elegant Woodinville event.   I cried along with them as they exchanged their vows by the Pond on the venue's charming grounds. I really do have the best job and LOVE always WINS!

Venue: DeLille Cellars,  Flowers: Bloom by Tara, Cake: Whole foods, Brides Gowns: I Do Bridal and BHLDN, Ceremony Music: Pluck Music, DJ: Injoy Entertainment, HUMA: KLS Makeup Artistry, Rentals: Herban Feast with Cort Rentals, Vintage Ambiance, Sweet Buffet Lady.

Audrey and Chris - Olympic Sculpture Park Wedding - Seattle

Audrey and Chris' wedding was such an elegant affair.  Held at the Olympic Sculpture Park in Seattle, the combination of Audrey's vintage chic mixed with the Park's Modern, avant guard style in a way that made my photographer's heart sing!

Planner/Designer: Manette Gracie Events, Location: Olympic Sculpture Park, Catering: Taste, Florist: Contemporary FloralPhoto Booth: 321 Foto, DJ: Integral DJ's,  HMUA: Salon Maison, Dessert: Mighty O Donuts, Lighting: Seattle Event Lighting, Dress: Saks Fifth Avenue,  Groom's Suit: Bonobos, Signage: Songbird Paperie, Ice Sculpture: Creative Ice

Claire & Brian - Fremont Foundry Wedding Preview

Claire & Brian's wedding was the most beautiful and emotional wedding Evan and I have photographed.  They were tender and joyful in a way that I will never forget.  It was a true celebration of love and I feel honored we could be there to witness and capture their day.  

Design & coordination by Manette Gracie Events, Florals by Melanie Benson, Catering by City Catering, Venue Fremont Foundry, Cakes by Hello Robin Cookies & Dahlia Bakery

Alexis & Danielle - Delille Cellars Wedding, Woodinville, WA

Capturing Alexis and Danielle's wedding was one for the books!  No part of the day felt like work, instead I felt like I was photographing two friends I'd known my entire life.  They let me into their circle and trusted my process.  It is easy to be around these two and I am so grateful I could be there to capture their celebration.  This is a sneak peek at their wedding images, enjoy!

Velvet Crush Styled Shoot

When Megan reached out to me with an idea for a velvet inspired shoot, I couldn't resist.  I love the simplicity of the set up and how the texture and colors of the velvet take center stage.  There is something dark and dreamy about it, even against the white wall.  It was a true collaboration and I am thankful I was part of this fabulous team.  

Models: Nicole Spurgetis, Devon Fox, Michaela Montez

Vendors: Megan Holman - Styling and Florals, Vintage Ambiance - Rentals, Malia - Hair & Makeup Artist, Blue Box Bakery - Cake

Clinton & Justine - Seattle Elopement

I met Clinton and Justine while in school at the Art Institute of Seattle.  They began dating around the same time Evan and I did, and it was incredibly special to photograph their elopement.  We wanted to keep their portraits simple with a twist.  These portraits are stunning and perfectly show how tender and playful their relationship is.  

Blue Bridal

I've always wanted to shoot at the Gorge, so when Ted and Laurel were interested, I took the opportunity to do a full styled shoot with them.  Chesney from All the Flutter really outdid herself with the sweetheart table, perfect for two!  Their blue hues perfectly matched the river cutting through the desert.  I couldn't have been more happy with how this shoot turned out and am so thankful for the entire team that made it happen!

Couple: Laurel Witt, Ted Capell

Vendors:  All the Flutter - Planner/Designer, The Dress Theory - Dresses, Sarah Seven - Dress, Meghann Oliberos - Hair & Makeup Artist, Alvin Goldfarb Jeweler - Jewelry

Amanda & Philip, Engagement Session - San Francisco, CA

Amanda and Philip met and fell in love in San Francisco, so when it came time for their engagement session, we knew we had to go back to where it all began.  We spent the day exploring their old stomping grounds and talking about their upcoming Seattle wedding.  I loved hearing their stories and seeing the city through their eyes.  This trip was such a treat for me and I'm so thankful to have this beautiful couple in my life.  

Alexis and Danielle, Engagement Session - Discovery Park, Seattle

I knew upon meeting Alexis and Danielle that I was going to love every second of working with them.  They are energetic and are one of those couples that just seem meant to be.  Their session was filled with laughter, cuddling, and tender moments.   I couldn't be more pleased with these images or more grateful for the chance to spend the afternoon with them. 

Dasha & Steve, Engagement Session - Discovery Park, Seattle

Dasha and Steve's engagement session at Discovery Park is one of my favorites from this year.  It was the perfect fall day and I felt like I was walking through the park with old friends.  I remember meeting them for the first time and was instantly drawn to their warmth and sincerity.  Their wedding is tomorrow and I cannot wait to capture their day!  

April & Nik, Wedding - Axis - Seattle, WA

April and Nik's celebration was everything I love about weddings.  It was elegant, fun, and full of personal details.  We made a last minute decision to do their photos at the Seattle Public Library because it decided (in true Seattle fashion) to rain the moment we left the Four Seasons...but I'm so glad it did!  The photos there are some of my favorites portraits ever.  We then headed to Axis and did some more photos around Pioneer Square.  Everything was beautifully coordinated by the couple and included many details made by Nik.  The Hora is always one of my favorite parts of Jewish weddings, and this one was no exception.  It was an incredible day celebrating these two wonderful people.  Congrats April & Nik!

A special THANK YOU to these amazing vendors! Floral Design: Florescence Design, Coordination: Manette Gracie , Hair & Makeup: Pacific Brides,  Dress: Sarah Seven

2015 Angela & Evan Photography Year End Review

2015 was a wonderful year for us and we're excited to share some of our favorite images from our adventures.  We traveled all over the country and collaborated with some very talented people. Thank you to everyone who helped make our year amazing!