couple's session Archives - OkCrowe Photography

March 1, 2020 — Comments are off for this post.

Top 5 Chattanooga Engagement Photo Locations

Tired of scrolling through Google or Instagram for the best place to take engagement photos in Chattanooga? If scouting out locations isn’t your area of expertise, I've got you covered! As a local Chattanooga wedding photographer, I've got the scoop on the city and our surrounding hills. I'm happy to share my top 5 Chattanooga engagement photo locations with you.

If you're hunting for a local Chattanooga engagement photographer, I'd love to work with you! My standard session lasts 90 minutes, so if you’re looking for two different vibes for one price, we should have time to visit two nearby locations within that time frame. After you pick your locations, make sure to check out my blog What to Wear for your Engagement Shoot for outfit ideas!

Rachael's Top 5 Chattanooga Engagement Photo Locations

So, you got engaged...now what? (Congrats, by the way!) Well, chances are, you've got the all-important bullet point for "Engagement Photos" on your ever-growing To-Do list. Whether you plan to use your engagement photos for your Save the Date cards, holiday cards, wedding website, or you just want some nice portraits of you and your S/O for your home, you want beautiful photos to commemorate this time in your lives. I've got plenty of engagement sessions under my belt, so I'm pleased to share my favorite engagement photo shoot locations around Chattanooga with you.

1. Scenic views of Scenic City – Coolidge Park and Renaissance Park

Whether you’re a native or a transplant, you’ve visited one of Chattanooga’s most photographed locations – Coolidge Park. In the heart of Northshore on the waterfront, Coolidge Park packs a huge punch when it comes to shoot amenities. Fun-loving couples looking to capture the magic of Scenic City can visit the Walnut Street Pedestrian Bridge, the 100-year-old carousel and the interactive water fountain. For more outdoorsy type shots, we can also move over to Renaissance Park, a dog-friendly park right around the corner.

Keep in mind: Chattanoogans love to visit this area when the weather’s nice and it can get fairly packed in the park. But, don’t sweat it! There are plenty of ways we can snag dreamy shots like no one else is around.

man in gray sweater dips woman in short red dress and black leather jacket on a pier near Chattanooga Market Street Bridge

man sits on a bench with his arm around a woman's shoulder on Chattanooga's walking bridge near Coolidge Park

man and woman hold hands in Chattanooga's Coolidge Park between views of Market Street and Walnut Street Bridges

man and woman cuddle with small dog on picnic blanket in Chattanooga's Renaissance Park

man and woman cuddle on Chattanooga's Walnut Street Walking Bridge as the sun sets

man and woman hold hands and walk beneath Chattanooga's Market Street Bridge near Coolidge Park

man in all black and woman in amber satin dress sit on cement steps of Chattanooga's Renaissance Park near downtown

2. Mountain-top dream shoot – Sunset Rock and Point Park

Do you frequent the trails or enjoy basking in the beauty of the great outdoors? Then a photoshoot up on Lookout Mountain might be for you! Both Sunset Rock and Point Park are easily accessible, allow pets, stay beautiful year-round, and have the best sunset views around. Lookout Mountain, the location of both spots, is perfect for both the more adventurous and the amateur trailblazer because it provides several short hikes of varying intensities.

Again, these are popular locations for native Chattanoogans, so parking can be tricky. You’ll also need to be ready for an audience as we shoot (most likely gawking at how beautiful you both look).

man and woman cuddle on Sunset Rock Point Park on Lookout Mountain near Chattanooga, Tennessee

man and woman smile as they cuddle their French Bulldog on Sunset Rock on Lookout Mountain near Chattanooga, Tennessee

man carries woman on his back on Sunset Rock on Lookout Mountain near Chattanooga and they laugh

man carries woman on Sunset Rock on Lookout Mountain near Chattanooga and she leans her head down toward him

3. City slickers walking tour – Downtown Chattanooga

For those looking for an edgy, modern, or industrial look, I always recommend downtown Chattanooga. The city overflows with potential: parking garages, alleyways, and factories. Parking can be hard to come by, and you may have curious bystanders, but a city shoot offers you the chance to handpick a few locations around town that speak to your creativity. The possibilities are pretty endless as we mix up traditional shots with modern, industrial influences. A city shoot allows us to quickly jump from location to location for a variety of backdrops.

Couples interested in this approach can recommend businesses and parks they prefer, and I'll gladly curate a walking tour to suit your ideas.

woman cuddles against man, holding his hand, her head on his shoulder, in downtown Chattanooga, TN

man and woman hold hands and run across a vibrantly painted wall in downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee

man and woman pose on sofa for engagement photos at Dwell Hotel in downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee

man and woman high-five on a parking deck in downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee

4. Throwback to your favorite memories – A location special to you

The locations you regularly frequent are often overlooked, but you can honor memories while creating beautiful new ones during your engagement photo session. The list of significant places in your relationship is endless. The university where you met, the restaurant where you had your first date, the cozy nook at home where you watch the sunrise together! These special locations can offer comfort or spark new romance as your relive memories, and the photos can be cute and quirky!

We might have to work out some logistics with shooting in public places (like acquiring permits or calling ahead to notify businesses of the shoot), but I’ll help make it work.

man and woman hold record folders in front of their faces at record shop in Chattanooga, Tennessee

man and woman kiss and snuggle on leather loveseat in front of brick wall in downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee

man and woman sit in church pew in a small theater with credits on the screen

diamond engagement ring rests inside a street taco in downtown Chattanooga

man and woman hold hands and kiss while sitting on bed of Ford truck in field of grass near Chattanooga

man and woman tear apart margarita pizza in downtown Chattanooga

5. The secret garden – Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center

Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center is nestled on Lookout Mountain. This wonderland is lush with bamboo gardens, bright blooms, a gorgeous treehouse, and peaceful river views. Reflection Riding offers a naturally elegant backdrop and is rarely heavily populated, so we can capture sweet moments with your boo without an audience! The property's paved paths and driving loop make adventurous, outdoor photos very easily accessible.

Reflection Riding does charge an additional photography fee to shoot there, but we’ll have plenty of time and can even shoot after sunset.

man and woman hold hands in front of treeehouse at Chattanooga's Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center

man in light pink button-down shirt hugs woman in green dress at Chattanooga's Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center

man in light pink shirt holds hands with woman in green dress at Chattanooga's Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center

man and woman kiss on a boardwalk in front of a treehouse at Chattanooga's Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center

man and woman hold hands and run through grass at Chattanooga's Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center

man in light pink button-down shirt hugs woman in green dress at Chattanooga's Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center

BONUS: If none of these piqued your interest, I also have personal favorites I don’t share with the public. Inquire here, and I’m happy to share my secrets!

Thank you so much for reading about my Top 5 Chattanooga engagement photo locations! I hope you found an idea that fits your vision for your engagement photos. Congrats again on your engagement!

Hey, Chattanooga! I’m Rachael Crowe of OKCrowe Photography. Tired of scrolling search results and Pinterest for engagement outfit inspiration? I've got you covered there as well! Check out my What to Wear for your Engagement Shoot post for ideas. Needing more options for engagement shoot locations? Look through my recent engagement blogs for inspiration or contact me for other suggestions.

I recently updated my travel schedule for 2020. If you’re on the hunt for your wedding or elopement photographer, my calendar is booking up quickly! Shoot me a note through my contact form so we can start planning.

Editor’s note: This post was originally published in April 2019, and has been revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

Published by Rachael Crowe in Engagements

Tags: Chattanooga engagement photographer, Chattanooga wedding photographer, couple's session, Sunset Rock, tips and tricks

February 4, 2020 — Comments are off for this post.

Fun Engagement Photos at Lake Winnie Chattanooga

I’ve mentioned before that I like when couples do things in a way that fits their unique personalities and styles. So when Carmen and Brian contacted me about doing their fun engagement photos at Lake Winnie (Chattanooga, TN), I was totally into it.

Man in white pants and blue sport coat dances with woman in red dress below rollercoaster for fun engagement photos

Fun Engagement Photos at Lake Winnie Chattanooga, TN

Lake Winnie Amusement Park is just outside of Chattanooga and has been a classic family fun destination for almost 100 years. Besides a few roller coasters and some classic carnival-type rides, they also have an arcade and food stands.

We scheduled Carmen and Brian’s engagement session for a Sunday night in September, a little before the park was closing. The timing was perfect for us because the crowds had thinned out by that point. In the peak of summer, a Lake Winnie photo session might be a bit trickier!

The employees were all so nice and helpful. Because we were there during a slow season, we were able to get on a few of the rides before anyone else so we could get in the shots we wanted. So shout-out to Lake Winnie for making an unconventional engagement shoot even more fun.

Man and woman laugh in blue and red spinning carnival ride during their engagement photos at Lake Winnie in Chattanooga, TN

Man and woman laugh in blue and red spinning carnival ride

Woman laughs in blue and red spinning carnival ride

Man and woman ride a blue and red spinning carnival ride

Man and woman sit on retro stools at a high-top table

Woman reaches across a table to offer a bite of funnel cake to man

Woman kisses man's cheek as he enjoys a funnel cake

Man and woman ride ferris wheel at Lake Winnie in Chattanooga for engagement photos

Ferris wheel at Lake Winnie in Chattanooga

Man and woman kiss next to a metal frame fence near a carnival ride. Ferris wheel stands in the background.

Man and woman hold bean bags in front of carnival game counter as they prepare to toss bags for stuffed animal prize

Man puts his hand on woman's back as they prepare to play a carnival game

Man and woman toss bean bags at stacked blocks at a carnival game

Man tosses bean bags at stacked blocks at a carnival game

Man and woman toss bean bags at stacked blocks at a carnival game

Man flexes bicep next to woman in a red dress holding a stuffed puppy

Man stands beside woman sitting on counter of carnival game with a wall of stuffed animal prizes hanging behind them

Man and woman hold hands and smile while walking on sidewalk

Woman in red backless dress kisses her fiance

Unique and creative ideas for your engagement photos

A lot of times we photographers use words like “engagement portraits” because these tend to be semi-formal photo sessions. But they don’t have to be! Your engagement session can be relaxed and silly as well. In my post about engagement photo outfits, one of my top 5 tips is to CHOOSE COMFORT. And I’d make the same recommendation for where to take your engagement photos! If you have a location where you’re super comfortable, or if you have a creative idea that’s a little outside the box but fits YOU, let me know. We can get as untraditional as you are! As you can see from this gallery, Carmen and Brian really brought some fun into their engagement photos by having them taken at Lake Winnie.

Man holds woman's hand and leads her past carousel

Man and woman stand between horses on Lake Winnie's carousel in Chattanooga, TN

Man holds onto carousel horse and leans into his fiancé to kiss her

Man kisses woman on her cheek as she balances herself between two carousel horses

Man and woman stand between horses on the carousel at Lake Winnie in Chattanooga for their cute engagement photo session

Woman sits on carousel horse and gazes at man standing next to her for their fun engagement photos at Lake Winnie

Woman in red dress sits on carousel horse and leans over to kiss man in blue blazer standing next to her

Man and woman stand near white lattice divider

Man and woman ride in roller coaster with their hands raised.

Man and woman with hands raised in the last car of a roller coaster

Man and woman sit in the first car of the Cannon Ball rollercoaster during their fun engagement photos at Lake Winnie

Man kisses woman's cheek in the first car of the Cannon Ball rollercoaster during their fun engagement photos at Lake Winnie

Man in white pants and blue sport coat dances with woman in red dress below rollercoaster for fun engagement photos

Man in white pants and blue sport coat kisses woman in red dress below rollercoaster framing for fun engagement photos

Woman and man hold hands and walk along the top of the wide curb next to the lake at Lake Winnie in Chattanooga

Man and woman link arms and bite into fried corn dogs during their fun engagement photo session in Chattanooga, TN

Man sits with woman on his lap at the end of Skee-ball game at the Lake Winnie arcade for their unique engagement photos

Woman kisses man's cheek as she sits on his lap on the Skee-ball arcade game for their cute engagement photos in Chattanooga

Woman sits on man's lap on the Skee-ball arcade game for their fun engagement photos at Lake Winnie in Chattanooga, TN

Man and woman on the swing carousel ride for their fun engagement photos at Lake Winnie in Chattanooga, TN

Man and woman reach for each other's hands on the swing carousel ride for their fun engagement photos at Lake Winnie

Woman holds crystal glasses while man pours champagne into one

Woman holds crystal glass, her engagement ring displayed, while man pours champagne into it

Woman holds crystal glasses while man pours champagne into one

Man in light blue sport coat and woman in red dress link arms to drink champagne from crystal glasses

Couple riding in green frog car during their unique engagement photos at Lake Winnie in Chattanooga, TN

Couple laughs while riding in green frog car during their fun engagement photos at Lake Winnie in Chattanooga, TN

Man and woman smile at each other on a green frog carnival ride

Man and woman make silly faces on frog-shaped carnival ride at Lake Winnie

Shadow of man and woman holding hands and walking on a sidewalk

Man and woman holding hands and walking. She carries a stuffed puppy carnival game prize.

Roller coaster car at the top of a steep climb. People raise their hands at the top.

I think Lake Winnie was such a cute idea for engagement photos in Chattanooga. It helped tell a story about Brian and Carmen and allowed them to show their fun sides. If your fun side is something you want to let really shine during your photo session, let me know! We can brainstorm locations together, and I’m always thrilled to run with whatever crazy idea you’ve got, too.

One reason I enjoy doing engagement photos with my clients is to get them comfortable in front of the camera before the Big Day. If you’re on the fence about scheduling a session, contact me, and we can chat through the details.

Hi, y'all! I'm Rachael Crowe of OKCrowe Photography, and I hope this blog inspired you. As you know, I love shooting in and around Chattanooga so much that I put together my Top 5 Chattanooga Engagement Photo Locations for you, but obviously there are countless places in our area for your session. ALSO, I travel for engagement photos, elopements, and weddings! For inspiration, check out Liz and Andrew’s Zion National Park Elopement or Jim and Emily’s Brooklyn Engagement Session. You can see my current 2020 travel schedule on my site, and I’m always ready for adventure if you want to book me to join you out of town.

And if you’re still stressing about what to wear for engagement photoshoot, check out my top tips!

Published by Rachael Crowe in Engagements

Tags: Chattanooga engagement photographer, Chattanooga wedding photographer, couple's session, Georgia wedding photographer, Tennessee wedding photographer

January 31, 2020 — Comments are off for this post.

What to Wear for your Engagement Shoot in 2020

So you’re looking for ideas for what to wear for your engagement shoot. I hear you! When I help couples plan their engagement photos, one of the most asked questions is:

"What should we wear to our engagement session?"

We all feel your pain! I get it--you may be using these photos for Save the Date cards or holiday cards or your wedding website. You want your engagement photos to look perfect, and finding the best outfit for engagement photos may not be as easy as opening your closet doors.

If you’re reading this blog, you’ve probably already been scrolling search results and Pinterest for engagement outfit inspiration. It’s possible your significant other is not quite as interested in choosing the perfect look, or maybe you’re reading through this cuddled up side-by-side on the couch, pinning away. Either way – I’ve got you AND your boo thing covered. So yeah, what to wear to an engagement photoshoot...read on!

I’ve also linked my Pinterest board at the end of this blog for some engagement photo outfit and styling ideas. Make sure to check that out!

Top 5 tips on what to wear for your engagement shoot in 2020

1. Two is better than one.

Can’t decide between outfits? Bring two! Nobody ever said you can’t have casual engagement photos as well as formal engagement photos! Having a choice of two outfits allows you to get the best of both worlds. Going jeans and t-shirt and then changing into a sexy dress for engagement photos is totally acceptable.

Tip: Make sure you plan for a changing location during your shoot – there’s nothing like bonding with bae while changing clothes in the middle of the woods. Another option is to wear neutral base items – a slip, or tank top and spandex shorts – to comfortably switch between your outfits.

man and woman in jeans and casual tops stand below arched tree branches during their engagement photo session

man in blue suit and brown shoes and woman in wrap-around knee-length dress hold hands on a bridge for engagement photos

2. When in doubt, go with a neutral piece.

Your first reaction to this one may be – “boooring!” – but hear me out! Neutral colors (like tan, gray, black, or navy) ensure that YOU are the center of attention in your engagement photos instead of your shirt being the eye-catcher.

Neutrals are great for coordinating outfits for engagement pictures, too! Don’t worry, this isn’t family portraits from the ‘90s. Coordinating is not the same as matching. If you and your partner begin with a neutral base, you’re already a huge step closer to looking like the cute little matched set that you are.

One more thing: Neutrals are flattering for every skin tone, which makes them a good start before you mix and match. So, if you’re unsure or even a bit anxious, this is a great way to go!

man in dark collared shirt cuddles over the shoulders of woman in cream turtleneck sweater during their engagement photos

man in black short sleeve black shirt and black pants holds hands with a woman in amber halter dress next to flowering bushes

woman in black jeans and green jacket with her legs across mans knee as they sit in the grass during engagement photos

3. Go bold with gem tones.

Think ruby, emerald and sapphire. If you’re going for colorful, opt for a gem tone instead of neon colors (lime green or bright orange) to get that punch of color.

These vibrant gem tone colors can be paired with neutrals or color-blocked to add a punch of color without being distracting. Gem tones photograph beautifully, and the color transfers well (a.k.a. the color turns out in photos how you see it IRL).

man in gray sweater dips woman in short red dress and black leather jacket on a pier near Chattanooga Market Street Bridge

woman wearing red dress and man wearing blue jacket and light pants kiss near ferris wheel and carnival rides

man in slim jeans and green t-shirt holds hand with woman in long-sleeve, emerald jewel tone dress

woman in short maroon dress holds hands with man in blue button down shirt next to a flowing creek

4. Spice it up!

If you love to make a daring statement on the regular, you have so many ways to execute in style! Start with your interest pieces – like a bold print, a chunky necklace, a boho hat, or a floral skirt – and build your dream engagement outfit around it.

Warning: Sometimes bold patterns can look unflattering in pictures if they become distorted with your posing, but if bold is your style, then I believe we can rock it!

woman in short, white fringe-hemmed dress and black leather jacket sits on lap of man in jeans and brown leather jacket

man wearing jeans, black shirt, and black cowboy hat holds hands with woman wearing long red dress in front of large red barn

woman in floral sundress and black hat sits with man in blue jeans and black shirt on a large rock. her legs are in his lap.

5. Choose comfort.

Obviously you’ll look your best when you feel your best (there’s probably a scientific law about this). You really want to choose an outfit that makes you comfortable. I promise you, if you’re uncomfortable, it’s going to show in your photos!

While a form-fitting outfit will show off your figure better, be careful that you won’t be counting down the minutes until you can strip out of that dress. Through the session you’ll sit, stand, snuggle, jump, twirl, and more. So be sure you’ve got on comfortable shoes and clothes with some stretch and breathability.

My two cents? Do yourself a huge favor, and when you’re planning what to wear for your engagement shoot, start with comfort.

Tip: Comfort doesn’t have to mean dressed down! It’s really all about making sure your engagement photo outfits aren’t entirely out of line with who you are or what you wear on the daily.

woman snuggles her head on man's shoulder as they sit beneath a shared plaid blanket in a wood cabin

man snuggles his nose in woman's hair during engagement photo session. Chattanooga's Walnut Street walking bridge behind them

woman lays with her head in man's lap on a bench outside a mountain stone cabin with small fire nearby

woman in short maroon dress and man with pants cuffed to his knees cross a rocky stream barefoot

Bonus Tip 6: Picked some options, but still not 100%? Consult with trusted friends, or send me a couple outfit ideas for an unbiased opinion! Your crew and (photographer) are often the best place to go for honest thoughts and confidence-boosting affirmation, so you'll go into your engagement photoshoot feeling like the fabulous duo you are!

Ready to start making your selections? Check out my Pinterest board curated with my top 5 engagement shoot outfit ideas in mind! Then CONTACT ME to schedule your shoot!

Hey, Chattanooga! I'm Rachael Crowe of OKCrowe Photography. Sick of scrolling through Google and Instagram to find the perfect location for your engagement photos? I've got your covered there as well! Check out my top five Chattanooga engagement photo locations. Needing some more ideas for what to wear for your engagement shoot? Look through my recent engagement blogs for inspiration.

I recently updated my travel schedule for 2020. If you're on the hunt for your wedding or elopement photographer, my calendar is booking up quickly! Shoot me a note through my contact form so we can start planning. 🙂

Editor's note: This post was originally published in April 2019, and has been revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

Published by Rachael Crowe in Engagements

Tags: Chattanooga engagement photographer, Chattanooga wedding photographer, couple's session, Tennessee wedding photographer, tips and tricks

January 19, 2020 — Comments are off for this post.

Raccoon Mountain Sunset Engagement | Tess + Webb

I’ll be shooting Tess and Webb’s wedding at The Homestead at Cloudland Station later this year, and if that’s anything like their Raccoon Mountain sunset engagement session, it’s gonna be a good one (see other weddings I've shot at The Homestead at Cloudland Station)!

Man in light blue suit and glasses leans in to kiss woman at golden hour during Raccoon Mountain engagement session

Raccoon Mountain, not just for caving and mountain biking

When Tess contacted me about engagement portraits, she wanted to give me some creative liberty and to style her and Webb a little for the photos. I suggested a flowy gown and more formal outfit and an outfit change mid-session to vary the tone of things a bit. The couple wanted a mix of water and mountain scenery, and I knew Raccoon Mountain offered both features. I knew we also had the possibility of an incredible sunset for their engagement portraits, so we scheduled our timing with this in mind.

If you haven’t been up to Raccoon Mountain, you really need to go exploring. It’s a little tricky to find info online about the park. Raccoon Mountain is technically part of TVA’s hydroelectric system, and the other sort of main draw is the cavern system underground. But above ground is a huge reservoir surrounded by a 1-way loop drive with a couple of unreal overlook spots! You’ll just have to take my photo evidence here as proof that you need to get up there and check it out.

We began the evening with their more formal outfits, and I got some shots of Tess and Webb in the woods. With such incredible scenery coming up, I really wanted to capture these two in a more “neutral” setting, something that wouldn’t be too distracting from the couple. This also helped Tess and Webb get used to my direction and cues.

Man in light blue suit and woman in white lacy dress stand beneath tall trees on Raccoon Mountain

Man in light blue suit and woman in white lacy dress hold hands beneath tall trees

Man in light blue suit and woman in white lacy dress stand beneath tall trees

Man in light blue suit and woman in white lacy dress stand beneath tall trees on Raccoon Mountain

Man in light blue suit and woman in white lacy dress stand beneath tall trees

Man in light blue suit and woman in white lacy dress kiss beneath tall trees

Man in light blue suit and woman in white lacy dress stand hugging, looking at each other beneath tall trees

Man leans over woman's shoulder, almost kissing her neck while they both smile

Mountainside serenade

I always encourage my couple’s to bring something special with them as a way to personalize their session. Webb brought his guitar because he plays a lot of open-mic nights, and Tess is always there to cheer him on. Music is something the two have bonded over, and it was really cute to watch him serenade her as part of their engagement portraits.

Man leans over woman's shoulder, hugging her, while they both smile

Man in light blue suit and woman in strapless white dress sit on large rocks near woods. He plays a guitar while she smiles.

Man in light blue suit and woman in strapless white dress sit on large rocks. He plays a guitar while she smiles.

Man in light blue suit and woman in strapless white dress sit on large rocks. She plays a guitar as he reaches over the frets

Diamond engagement ring sits on guitar frets

A sunset engagement session on Raccoon Mountain

The sky start to change, and we knew it was time to work in some of those amazing sunset shots. This light still kills me. We definitely got in those mountain views that Tess wanted in her engagement portraits with Webb! Haha! I am over the moon at the swoon-worthy close-up shots as the couple leans in for that kiss.

After photos at the overlook, Tess and Webb changed into their less formal outfits. We did some styled, more moody photos on the loop drive around the reservoir. If you ask me, Tess couldn’t have picked a better dress to match that sky.

Man in light blue suit and woman in flowing lacy white dress kiss at sunset with rolling Tennessee Valley hills behind them

Man in light blue suit dips woman in flowing lacy white dress at sunset with rolling Tennessee Valley hills behind them

Man in light blue suit twirls woman in flowing lacy white dress at sunset with rolling Tennessee Valley hills behind them

Man leans over woman's shoulder, almost kissing her neck while they both smile. Behind them the sun sets over several hills.

Man in light blue suit picks up woman in flowing lacy white dress with rolling Tennessee Valley hills behind them

Man leans over woman's shoulder, almost kissing her neck while they both smile. Behind them the sun sets over several hills.

Man leans over woman's shoulder, almost kissing her neck while they both smile

Man in light blue suit picks up woman in flowing lacy white dress with rolling Tennessee Valley hills behind them

Man in light blue suit and glasses leans nose-to-nose with woman at sunset during Raccoon Mountain engagement session

Man in light blue suit and glasses leans in to kiss woman at golden hour during Raccoon Mountain engagement session

Man and woman walk hand-in-hand on Raccoon Mountain's loop drive at golden hour. She carries a bouquet of white flowers.

Man and woman stands hand-in-hand on Raccoon Mountain's loop drive at golden hour. She holds a bouquet of white flowers.

Man uncorks champagne and champagne sprays out. Woman in pink dress stands next to him laughing.

Man drinks champagne from the bottle. Woman in pink dress stands next to him laughing.

Man and woman stand next to each other on paved road near metal guardrail. She holds champagne bottle and laughs.

Man and woman stand hand-in-hand on Raccoon Mountain's loop drive at golden hour.

Man and woman stand kissing on Raccoon Mountain's loop drive at golden hour.

Man and woman walk hand-in-hand on Raccoon Mountain's loop drive at golden hour. He has a guitar hung over his shoulder.

Man and woman walk on paved road at golden hour. He strums a guitar hung over his shoulder.

Man and woman walk on paved road. He strums a guitar hung over his shoulder.

Man dips woman in long pink dress back and kisses her at golden hour on Raccoon Mountain's loop drive

Tess and Webb, thanks for the creative freedom for your engagement portraits! Can’t wait till the wedding!

Researching where to have your engagement portraits taken? We’ve got so many amazing locations within a pretty short drive from Chattanooga! Raccoon Mountain is only about 20 minutes from downtown. And don’t forget, I’m always ready to book tickets to meet you in your dream destination! CONTACT ME, your friendly Chattanooga wedding photographer, so we can start planning!

Hi, there! I'm Rachael Crowe of OKCrowe Photography, and I hope you enjoyed seeing Tess and Webb's engagement photos. In need of your own engagement session inspiration? Consider my Top 5 Chattanooga Engagement Photo Locations. Or interested in a couple’s portrait session out of town? I do that, too! Check out Liz and Brock’s Joshua Tree Adventure couple's session.

Published by Rachael Crowe in Engagements

Tags: Chattanooga engagement photographer, Chattanooga wedding photographer, couple's session, Tennessee wedding photographer

January 18, 2020 — Comments are off for this post.

DUMBO Brooklyn Engagement Session | Emily + Jim

I was planning a summertime New York City vacation when Emily and Jim’s request to book me for their Lookout Mountain Destination Wedding hit my inbox. The couple, originally from the Southeast, now lives in New York City, so I contacted them about doing a “portfolio-slash-engagement session” while I was on my trip. These two were totally on board with modeling for me! I hope you enjoy their DUMBO Brooklyn engagement session photos.

Man and woman sit on large rocks near water with New York City scape behind them

Southeast Meets Northeast

Emily and Jim met while attending Auburn University in Alabama about 7 years ago. They now live in New York City in a ridiculously stylish studio apartment. While planning their wedding, they decided to return to their roots in the Southeast and have a Lookout Mountain “destination wedding” in Chattanooga. You can see photos of their wedding on my blog.

So, back to New York City and this stylish couple. First, we met together at their apartment. I was excited to take some at-home photos of them before our walking portrait session in Dumbo. We chatted about their wedding plans and what they still needed to line up. Planning a destination wedding is tricky, and I was happy to help them with Chattanooga wedding vendor recommendations.

Woman sits on man's lap in front of a large black and blue painting as they laugh. They're surrounded by large plants.

Woman sits on man's lap in front of a large black and blue painting as they cuddle. They're surrounded by large plants.

Man and woman cuddle, holding hands

Man and woman hold hands and cross the street in a zebra-striped crosswalk

Woman in flowing, white sundress holds hands with man in blue floral shirt and white trousers as they walk down the sidewalk

DUMBO Brooklyn Engagement Session

After getting some ideas nailed down, we left their apartment, picked up some champagne, and began our photo adventure in New York City's Dumbo area. Emily works in fashion, and I loved the dress she chose for this shoot! Side note: I’ve sort of always wanted to use the phrase “works in fashion” in a real life scenario.

Sooo, by the way, DUMBO stands for “Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass,” something I’m really glad I Googled. Ha! Got a little bit nerdy researching Dumbo Brooklyn, too. The bridge in these photos is actually the Brooklyn Bridge, not to make things more confusing. Also, Brooklyn Bridge engagement photos in Dumbo New York City...is this my real life?!! I’d love to shoot in New York more, so if you live there or you want to travel there for a session, I’m already on board. *WINK*

We popped the champagne at golden hour in the streets of Dumbo and walked along the edge of the water. New York City is absolutely huge. If you’re looking for where to have an engagement session in New York’s Dumbo neighborhood, just walk down the street! You'll find so many little nooks and crannies and sidewalks and side streets for amazing photos. It’s unreal.

The weather was a dream, not too hot and not too cold, and look at that perfect perfect golden light. I heard that a gorgeous New York City sunset is rare, so I felt especially lucky to have one during Emily and Jim's session.

Man and woman stand in front of glass door refrigerators with various types of wine and champagne

Man and woman hold hands and walk toward waterfront. Sun shines through her white cotton sundress.

Man and woman hold hands and walk between black metal fencing.

Man and woman hold hands and walk in front of a black, metal fence along waterfront. New York City skyline is behind them.

Man and woman pop open a bottle of champagne in Dumbo New York City with Brooklyn Bridge in background

Man sprays champagne on a cobblestone street of Dumbo Brooklyn while woman places her hand on his shoulder, laughing.

Woman in strapless white sundress drinks champagne from the bottle while man watches during Dumbo Brooklyn engagement session

Man and woman hold hands, smiling at each other, while walking down brick street with Brooklyn Bridge in the background

Shadowy side street leads to the Brooklyn Bridget lit with sunlight

Man's arm with silver watch and woman's arm with simple, large diamond ring. Brooklyn Bridge in the background.

Man and woman kiss on a brick street with Brooklyn Bridge in the background

Woman bends backward while man stretches to plant a kiss on her throat

Man and woman run down the sidewalk next to cobblestone street near the Brooklyn Bridge

Man carries woman on the sidewalk during their engagement session in Dumbo Brooklyn near the Brooklyn Bridge

Man and woman hold each other on the sidewalk during their engagement session in Dumbo Brooklyn near the Brooklyn Bridge

Man and woman kiss on the sidewalk during their engagement session in Dumbo Brooklyn near the Brooklyn Bridge

Man and woman cuddle on large rocks at the East River in New York City

Man and woman holding each other under the Brooklyn Bridge during Dumbo Brooklyn engagement session

Man and woman stand gazing at the sunset under the Brooklyn Bridge during Dumbo Brooklyn engagement session

Man and woman stand on large rocks next to the East River under the Brooklyn Bridge during Dumbo Brooklyn engagement session

Man and woman stand gazing at the sunset under the Brooklyn Bridge during Dumbo Brooklyn engagement session

Man and woman cuddle on large rocks beside the East River in Brooklyn New York City

Man and woman sit on large rocks next to the East River with the Brooklyn Bridge behind them

Man and woman stand under a tree looking at each other, their arms looped around each other

Man holds woman in white sundress near water with New York City buildings in the background

Man kisses woman's shoulder while they sit on large rocks waterside with New York City scape in background

Man and woman cuddle on large rocks waterside with New York City scape in background

Man and woman hold hands and walk along large rocks waterside with New York City scape in background

Man twirls woman in white sundress near water with New York City scape behind them

Woman cuddles man over his shoulder during golden hour

Woman cuddles man from behind during golden hour in front of New York City scape

man and woman walking hand-in-hand toward the Brooklyn Bridge

How to feel comfortable with your wedding photographer

I had so much fun giving these two cues during our shoot. As a photographer, it's awesome to work with a couple with an easy-going, fun-loving approach to the portrait session!

I know I’ve said it before, but the trust between a photographer and couple is such a big deal. Some of that comes naturally, just a relaxed chemistry between the three of us, but oftentimes the trust develops from sessions like this one before the actual wedding day. Especially if you’re nervous in front of cameras, it’s so important to become at ease with your wedding photographer!

I always like to invite couples to meet with me for coffee or dinner or a drink before the BIG WEDDING DAY because it helps us get comfortable with each other. It’s nice to be human together for a little bit and establish a bond over common interests outside of the pressure of such an important day. So, yeah. Fill out the form and let’s grab coffee. 😉

If you’re thinking about a couple’s session or engagement portraits--in Chattanooga or New York City or the other side of the world--I’d be thrilled to photograph you and your boo. Contact me, your friendly Chattanooga wedding photographer, so we can meet up and grab that drink.

If you loved looking through Emily and Jim’s “portrait-slash-engagement” photos, you might also be inspired by Liz and Brock’s Joshua Tree adventure shoot. Not sure what to wear to your engagement session, I’ve got you covered!

Published by Rachael Crowe in Engagements, Travel

Tags: Chattanooga engagement photographer, couple's session, New York City wedding photographer, Tennessee wedding photographer

September 21, 2018 — Comments are off for this post.

Liz and Brock | Joshua Tree Adventure Session

First of all, Joshua Tree National Park in California is a DREAM! Doing an adventure session in Joshua Tree... even better. This is one of my favorite sessions of all time, and I'm super excited to share the photos.

Liz and Brock were one of the winners of my west coast session giveaway (keep up with my travel schedule for more giveaways). Both of them work for Disneyland now, but they met a few years ago when Brock's band was touring and visited Liz's hometown. Like every teenage fantasy, Liz caught Brock's eye from the stage and they ended up talking after the show. He friended her on Facebook, and they begin dating shortly after. Liz is also a talented SFX Makeup Artist and you can check out her work on Instagram!

Joshua Tree National Park is known for the giant branching yuccas, known as Joshua trees. They are the funny looking plants in these photos that don't quite look like a tree but aren't exactly a cactus or bush. More like something you would find in a Dr. Seuss book, they are pretty peculiar (which you know I love!). I was also told Joshua trees symbolize the strength and beauty that can arise from dysfunction, which is very cool. Joshua Tree National Park is also known for fan palm oases, seasonal gardens of cholla and ocotillo, and massive rock formations that attract avid rock climbers. Definitely a must see in the national park system.

I had the best time photographing Liz and Brock's couples session in Joshua Tree. I would love to come back for more photo sessions, so if you know someone interested in eloping or looking to book a photographer there, I would be so grateful if you would share my contact info! Sessions can be booked by emailing HelloRachaelCrowe@gmail.com.

Published by Rachael Crowe in Engagements, Travel

Tags: Chattanooga engagement photographer, couple's session, Destination wedding photographer, National Park wedding