We truly adore a good love story, and since engagement photos tell the story of a newly engaged, much-in-love couple, we tend to swoon over almost every one we see. This one, shot by Heather and Grayson Glasby of Jagger Photography, is particularly fantastic. The couple’s flawless style, combined with Heather and Grayson’s creativity, made for some seriously magical moments. Enjoy!

As you plan your wedding, we’re sure that you can imagine just how special it will be to wake up next to the love of your life the morning after you tie the knot. In most cases, it’s your first opportunity, in the light of day, to look at your partner and revel in the fact that you get to spend the rest of your life with him or her. We adore that Pam Cooley has captured that emotion on film with this morning-after shoot. This couple is beyond adorable, curled up in bed in their wedding attire. Her loose locks and his disheveled tie make us infinitely happy. It’s an unforgettably gorgeous collection of moments caught on film, and it makes us think that all couples should consider a morning-after shoot.

Throw out preconceptions of those tired, dusty engagement photos reminiscent of high-school senior pictures. Today’s top wedding photographers have replaced them with edgy and artistic engagement shoots that ooze personal style. Here, we explain why you should think twice before axing it from your to-do list and how to make the most of this fleeting opportunity.

Put Your Best Photo Forward
Not only will the resulting photos be a great addition to your family album, but you’re probably also building a wedding website or possibly using an image for your save-the-dates, and you know your folks want to send an announcement for print in the local paper. For any or all of these, you want to look your best. Having professional photos will give everything a finished look.

Know Your Ally
For many couples, it’s tough to get comfortable and loosen up in front of the lens. Engagement sessions are an excellent time to assess and get to know your wedding photographer, while also giving him or her an intimate glimpse into your style as a couple, an essential step on the road to preserving your best wedding moments on film.

The Best Backdrops
Some photographers will have you meet at their studio, which means that you don’t have to worry much about location, but if your photographer is coming to you, you want to be sure to scout the best backdrops. Seek out settings that speak to the overall aesthetic you’re going for: If you’re going for edgy, look for old, funky buildings and industrial settings like railroad tracks; if you want a more classic, romantic feel, find a field of tall grass or whimsical garden and set up a picnic.

Engagement Ensembles
Coordinated outfits? No. Timeless ensembles? Yes. From casual to formal, it’s nice to run the gamut and bring a couple of different outfit options. You don’t want to match in his and hers white T-shirts and jeans but you do want to express your personalities through your clothes. Don’t be afraid to take some risks with daring colors and dramatic silhouettes, but avoid patterns, plaids, and overly floral garments, as they don’t photograph well.

Final Tip
Consider what you love to do together and incorporate props that represent those activities. For example: If you love sharing literature, surround yourselves with books and read to each other while your photographer snaps shots.

Recently we had the pleasure of adding Coral Pheasant Stationery + Design to our wedding Invitations & Stationery Photo Gallery. It was not only a pleasure to browse the images before uploading them for you; it was a total joy to interact with owner and designer, Nichole Michel. She brings a clean, fresh look to the world of wedding invitations with fun fonts and beautiful papers, while also offering ways to use stationery throughout your décor that you may not have otherwise thought of. Tiny pennant flags for your pie, beautiful accordion “will you be my bridesmaid” books, cupcake toppers, and tiny messages for your stripey straws – we adore it all!

We look forward to featuring more of Nichole’s work in the future, but for now, head on over to the Coral Pheasant website and get your fill of her fun style. Also, watch for her “will you be my bridesmaid” accordion book giveaway coming to www.eleGALA.com’s Subscribe & Win!

Poppies & Posies, New York City’s freshest boutique floral and event design firm, has been blooming on the scene for quite some time, so we feel a little bit late to this pretty party. But that does not lessen the full-body chills and general excitement we felt after seeing what these brilliant, charming, and stylish ladies are up to.

Co-founders Sierra and Juliet met in New York City in 2007. Sierra’s event planning skills and reputation paired with Juliet’s experience working for Martha Stewart and general knowledge of all things floral was a match made in wedding industry heaven. The two creative ladies combined a deep love of design, flowers, and parties, giving birth to Poppies & Posies. Their work is soft and gentle with a brassy, bold style that sets it completely apart from the competition. The blooms are stunning, the ideas are original, and the combinations are classic, creative, and totally unforgettable. We look forward to featuring more of their work in the future!