One of my favorite things about wedding design is the personal expression of the couple. On a day when two personalities become one family, the couple's wedding is a reflection of who they are and who they will be together. Engagement photos can be an excellent creative outlet for the bride and groom in this way. Not only does this allow them to become familiar with their photographer, it also is a time when they can get creative with a unique location, activity or season, and have fun being photographed as two people in love. Enter a new service from Gather Together: styled engagement photo shoot design. We scout locations, plan outfits and accessories, create props, arrange for rentals, and watch/read/research anything it takes to design the perfect environment for stunning photos.

Meet Ashley and Jason, our March 31, 2012 couple. Ashley described to me the nights when she and Jason would be together, relaxing after work. He would play guitar and she would fall more in love with him. They love country music, and she told me they wanted to do a Johnny Cash & June Carter themed engagement shoot. Hello! How amazing is that?! Ignoring the fact that Jason's personality is far from the dark side of Johnny Cash, I think they did a wonderful job.




Johnny and June - perfect chemistry on stage.






Just walking out into the middle of the Haw River!




June brings out the softer side of Johnny.


Because you're mine, I walk the line...



What do you think? I had so much fun styling this shoot and teaming up with the ever-amazing Big Star Studios. Special thank-yous to Haw River Ballroom for the stage and to Joe Bunn for the sweet vintage mic! Our styled shoot design package with Big Star Studios starts at just $350 (styling only) and is a fantastic experience.