Santa Barbara Wedding and Portrait Photographer » Santa Barbara and destination wedding photographer,Melissa Musgrove, captures and creates timeless photographs with a fresh approach to classic moments.

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Tips for Planning your Engagement Photography Session.

Destination Wedding Photographer

When planning your engagement session there are a few things to consider.

This session is about the two of you. The first thing we’ll want to know is;

Who are you?

It helps us to know what you do you do for work, fun, play and relaxation? Do you have any hobbies? Our goal is to reflect your personalities in the images we create.

From the photographer’s stand point, the engagement session is a great way for us to get to know you. We can gauge your comfort level in front of the camera. And make adjustments to our approach as needed. Personally, I can tell within minutes how much direction I will  need to give to you.  I’ll quickly be able to tell if you need more or less direction.

How will you be using the photos?

 Save the date? Guest Book at the wedding? Framed as part of the decor of the reception? Gifts? All of the above?

Are we branding, or matching this photo shoot with your wedding design?

 If so, we’ll need to know your wedding vision. Elegant, casual, vintage, modern, classic, etc…? What are your colors? Do we want to use props?

What to wear?

Unless we’re doing some kind of theme, keep clothing simple and unfussy. Dress “photo worthy” from head to toe, so your photographer isn’t limited to head shots. Coordinate your colors. You don’t have to be “matchy, match” with each other, but do wear colors that are complimentary. If one of you is wearing a bold pattern, it’s typically better if the other wears solid. Casual dress is most popular, but you may prefer to be more formal and that’s just fine too. If you are having your make up professionally done for your wedding, now is a good time for your trial make up session.

Where do we want to do the engagement session?

Indoor or outdoor? Beach, Park, Architectural, Historic, Studio? Or, your secret place. Knowing the answer to this question will determine the best time of day for the shoot. Your photographer will be able to advise you that.

Most important, have fun with it. 

 This is the perfect time to relax and be playful amidst all the planning for your wedding. If you’re feeling slightly overwhelmed, leave it to the photographer to make suggestions for you.

I’d be delighted to help you with it. Please give us a call at 805-563-5050, if you have any questions or would like to schedule a photo shoot.

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~Melissa Mugrove, Santa Barbara Wedding Photographer

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My daughter’s Santa Barbara Wedding.

I have never felt so loved by friends and associates as I was the day I announced my daughter’s engagement.

Almost instantly I was offered the talent and skill of many of my friends in the events business in Santa Barbara. I was secretly hoping of course, that one or two might offer to help. But it never occurred to me that I would have to make decisions between this one or that. I sincerely appreciate all the love and generosity I was offered by my peers. But alas, decisions had to be made. The top consideration being, who is the best match for my daughter, Dana and her fiancé Michael. I’ve learned that the decisions made aren’t always based on “who is the best”, because everyone I know and work with has their unique qualities that make them the best in their particular style. It turns out, that it’s the match up of qualities, and personality that is of upmost important in finding the right vendor team for the couple.

Dana and Michael live in NYC, so the planning of the wedding naturally settled into my lap. I’m delighted to have that role, though I do wish Dana was here to share the joy of planning. She came out once for hair – make up trial,  food and cake tasting, and to see the beautiful location. Thanks to our fabulous event planner, the internet, and text messaging, everything has been smooth as silk.

Here’s our team.

Colette & Kaitlin Lopez, LaFete Weddings

Laura Sangas, Cody Florals

Stephanie Hogue, Stephanie Hogue Photography

Dmitry Rogozhin, Melissa Musgrove Photography

Rich Tobin, Officiant

Seasons Catering

Tracy Chegwin, Lazaro Press, Custom Invitations

Scott Topper Productions  Disc Jockey

Riviera Productions, Videographer

LunaBella Makeup Art

Bella Vista Design, Lighting Design

Santa Barbara Exclusive Property Rentals

Ventura Party Rentals

Christine Dahl Cakes

LaTavola Linens

EOS Shuttle

Dana and Me at Seasons Catering for food tasting.

A stroll in Santa Barbara

On a February day with 75 degree temperatures, it’s easy to forget it’s winter. Shannon and JP wanted to do their engagement session at a local park. So we decided on Alice Keck Park. When we got there, there wasn’t much in bloom. Oh yes, that’s right, ~ it’s winter, it only feels like spring.

No matter, we had a lovely late afternoon stroll around the park and then headed into the neighborhood, where there is always texture and color.

S t a y   C o n n e c t e d