How to Make Your Engagement You: Holly and Matt’s Bar Engagement Photos
When Holly and Matt decided to have their engagement session at a bar, I knew we were in for something unique and seriously fun. As a Southern California film wedding, elopement, and couples photographer, I'm all about capturing the true essence of my couples, and these bar engagement photos did just that. Holly and Matt’s bar engagement photos at Polite Provisions and downtown San Diego are the perfect inspiration if you want to have fun with your engagement session and make it all about you!
Why Bar Engagement Photos Are So Fun
Let’s get real…engagement photos are about more than just pretty pictures. They’re about capturing who you are as a couple, your vibe, and what makes your relationship unique! And what better way to do that than by choosing a location that’s meaningful and fun? Holly and Matt are all about good times, great drinks, and cozying up together, so a bar setting was a no-brainer!
Polite Provisions in San Diego was the perfect spot for this! The vintage bar vibes, the moody lighting, and the cozy booths all played a part in creating an atmosphere that was totally them. Plus, who doesn’t love the idea of toasting to your love with a couple of cocktails in hand?
Cozy Booths and Flash & Film Photography
One of the coolest things about Holly and Matt’s engagement session was how much fun they had with it. They really leaned into the whole bar vibe, cheering their drinks over and over, getting cozy in the booths, and just genuinely enjoying each other’s company. You could see the love and excitement they have for each other in every shot.
And let me tell you, using flash on both my digital and film cameras added an extra layer of glam to the photos. The flash brought out the rich textures of the bar, highlighted their expressions, and gave the whole session a fun, nightlife vibe. We even showed up with special permission before the bar opened so that we had the entire place to ourselves. That made a HUGE difference in getting those perfect shots without any distractions!
Making Your Engagement Session Uniquely Yours
Your engagement session should be a reflection of who you are as a couple. Holly and Matt’s bar engagement photos are a perfect example of how to make your session all about you. Whether it’s a bar, a coffee shop, or even a picnic on the beach, think about the places and activities that mean the most to you.
Maybe you love hiking together, or perhaps you’re all about Sunday morning brunches. Whatever it is, your engagement session is the perfect opportunity to showcase what makes your relationship special. The more personal it is, the more meaningful your photos will be, and trust me, those are the ones you’ll cherish forever.
The Fun of Shooting at Polite Provisions and Downtown San Diego
Polite Provisions isn’t just any bar, it’s a spot that’s filled with character and charm. The vintage decor, the dim lighting, and the overall vibe made it a dream location for Holly and Matt’s engagement photos. Plus, shooting in downtown San Diego added that extra bit of urban edge that complemented their style perfectly.
Getting that special permission to shoot before the bar opened was key! Having the space all to ourselves meant we could take our time, experiment with different shots, and really capture the essence of Holly and Matt’s relationship without any interruptions. It was just the three of us, having fun and creating memories in a place that truly represented who they are as a couple.
Tips for Planning Your Own Personalized Engagement
Planning your engagement session should be all about showcasing who you are as a couple. Whether it's capturing your favorite hangout spots, like Holly and Matt’s bar engagement photos, or something entirely different, the key is to make it feel uniquely you! Here are a few tips to help you plan a personalized engagement session that truly reflects your relationship:
Pick a Location That’s Special to You: Choose a spot that holds meaning for both of you. It could be the place where you had your first date, your favorite café, or a park where you love to take walks together. For Holly and Matt, Polite Provisions and downtown San Diego were perfect because they often spent time there, making it an ideal backdrop for their photos.
Incorporate Your Favorite Activities: Think about what you love doing together. If you’re big on brunch, why not start your session at a cozy brunch spot? Love hiking? Let’s hit the trails! (They are a lot of gorgeous ones in Orange County ;) ) Holly and Matt love the vibe of a good bar, so we leaned into that with drinks, cozy booths, and lots of toasts. The goal is to capture moments that feel natural and fun for you.
Don’t Be Afraid to Get Creative: Your engagement session is the time to let your personalities shine. Bring props, wear outfits that make you feel amazing, or choose a theme that represents your relationship. Holly and Matt’s use of flash photography added a glamorous, vintage feel to their bar engagement photos, creating a unique vibe that was all their own.
Consider Timing and Lighting: If your chosen location is popular, consider scheduling your session during off-peak hours to have the space to yourselves. Holly and Matt got special permission to shoot at Polite Provisions before it opened, which made all the difference in setting the perfect atmosphere without the crowd.
Trust Your Photographer: Last but not least, trust your photographer’s expertise!! I’ve got your back! My job is to make sure you feel comfortable and confident throughout your session. I’ll be there to capture those candid moments that show your true connection, guiding you through poses that feel natural, not stiff or forced. The best photos happen when you’re relaxed and just having fun, like Holly and Matt did. I’ll help you get there, so all you need to do is enjoy the moment and let your love shine through!
Your engagement session should be a reflection of your relationship, so make it personal, fun, and uniquely yours. If you’re ready to plan your own personalized engagement photos, whether it’s at a bar, on a beach, or anywhere else that feels like home to you, I’d love to help you capture it all!
Book Your SoCal Engagement Photographer
If Holly and Matt’s bar engagement photos have you feeling inspired, why not make your own engagement session just as unique and fun? Whether it’s at a bar, a beach, or anywhere else that feels like “you,” I’m here to help you capture those moments! Book me as your Southern California engagement photographer, and let’s make some magic happen! Cheers to love, laughter, and unforgettable photos!
Check out Katy and Stevens unique engagement session for more inspo on making your engagement unique to you!
And see more of my work on Pinterest!