Today we’re featuring the engagement photo session of Nick and his beautiful bride-to-be, Janet. Taken around Loring Park–the historic, 35-acre park that graces downtown Minneapolis–these photos serve up a beautiful blend of  rustic charm and urban energy.

From the rugged, exposed textures of brick, wood, and iron, to the vibrant pops of red on the bench, garden flowers, and Janet’s sweater…well, I have to admit: I love every single snapshot!

As working professionals who love both the city and the outdoors, Janet and Nick did a great job at capturing their personalities on camera–thanks to the photographic talents of Jodi Ann Photography.

Read below as Nick talks about their engagement photos and Save the Date Magnet.

Engagement Photo Session Details

Wedding Date: June 9, 2012
Photographer: Jodi Ann Photography
Save the Date: MagnetStreet Weddings
Wedding Colors:  Black, White, and Tiffany Blue
Wedding Style: Classic–with an urban, rustic twist

 Save the Date Magnet – “Field of Love”

About Their Engagement Session:

Some of your photos have an urban/industrial look, while others look rustic and country. Where did your photos take place? Was it one location, or multiple locations?
We wanted a balance of urban and ‘outdoorsy’ type photos. They were taken at Loring Park in Minneapolis. We had seen the alley in another engagement shoot and we loved the rustic feel that it gave the photos. Luckily Loring Park was right across the street from the alley so it was easy walking from one location to the other!

Why did you choose that location? Any particular memories or meaning?
The two locations really represent us well. I’m definitely an outdoors person and that’s typically when I’m most comfortable. Janet is definitely more urban than I am, but I think we’re both comfortable in each setting when we’re together.

What was it like working with Jodi, your photographer?
Jodi has a very bubbly personality, which I think made the entire experience very easy and enjoyable. I think after only a few minutes she was able to get a feel for which poses we preferred. I think she also helped us relax by giving very detailed instructions on potential poses and backdrops.

Prior to the engagement shoot we did take some time to meet Jodi and look through different engagement sessions that she had previously done. I think this helped to get the wheels turning in our heads on what we wanted within the session.

What sort of style and mood/tone were you wanting your photos to convey?
Ha, I think we knew going in that we wouldn’t do well with any “serious” photos (and this was confirmed  after reviewing the very few serious photos that we did take!). I think we wanted the photos to show the emotions that Janet and I feel when we’re together. I think the laughing photos particularly show this well.

What  was your moment during the photo shoot?
Oddly enough, just sitting on the bench. The park was very scenic and since Janet and I love taking walks around the park near our home in Maple Grove, I think it really felt like home to us (and we think it made for a great picture).

Alright, Nick: let’s talk wardrobe. You’re looking rather dapper in your lilac button-up and half-zip sweater. Did you pick out your own outfits, or did Janet help you out? (be honest!)
Ha, I definitely chose the light lilac button up and first set of jeans. However, I was overruled on the second outfit. I wanted something even more casual, but I was told it wasn’t formal enough! And even though I’m not married yet, I definitely know that if you end up winning half your battles, you are doing pretty good…

Haha, good point. So what was your favorite part of the day?
We actually did a couple photos of Janet running into my arms and me lifting her up (i.e. almost Dirty Dancing style). Although the photos didn’t make the cut for the save the date, we had a blast taking them and they bring a smile to our faces every time we take a look at them.

Any advice for other guys prepping for their engagement photo shoot?
Relax and enjoy the experience. In reviewing some of the photos I felt like I didn’t relax enough.

About Their Save the Dates:

You chose Field of Love for your Save the Date (great choice, by the way!). What did you like about this design?
We knew we wanted something well-balanced (relevant details vs. photos). We knew we also wanted to incorporate our wedding colors. We looked at a number of different options and when we incorporated this design with the colors, we knew it was the one.

How did you decide which engagement photos to use on your Save the Date Magnet?
We definitely used something I like to call the “veto process”. We took a pass through all the photos and we narrowed them down to about 20 photos that we both really liked. From there we knew had to select one that was a portrait and one that was a landscape, and we also agreed that it would be nice to have one photo that was candid (e.g., walking towards the camera). After we added the photos to the design, we were really happy with the way it turned out.

 How did you feel when you opened your Save the Dates and saw them for the first time?
They definitely exceeded our expectations. When you’re looking at them online, you’re still not positive of what they’ll look like in person. Will they be large enough? Will the font be big enough? It was a big relief once we opened up the package and saw them!

Have family or friends commented on your Save the Dates?
We’ve received tons of feedback and all of it positive. I believe I’ve heard the phrase “Super Cute!” on numerous occasions…

Last but not least: What are you most looking forward to on your wedding day?
Spending the day with our closest family and friends.

Thank you, Nick, for opening up and giving us a “guy’s take” on engagement photos and save the dates. Congratulations to you and Janet on your upcoming wedding!

Are you a groom-to-be that got engagement photos or save the dates? We’d love to hear about your experience, too!

Rachel — writer for MagnetStreet Weddings

Did you know that MagnetStreet sends free samples of their wedding stationery? Yes–because quality matters! And, it’s really the only way you can be 100% sure of the products you’re considering. It’s simple. Quality matters! 

See the color, feel the quality and experience the difference!

We invite you to take us up on this …

Request your Free Samples here! And when you get your samples … look for vibrant-rich colors and print clarity. Check out the quality of the stationery item–check out the textures of your Invitation Suite items and adhere the Save the Date Magnet to the fridge! If you have a specific stationery or color request, we’ll do our best to fulfill them! See the colors. Feel the quality. Experience the difference!

Also available … Personalized Samples

Did you also know that you can order a Personalized Sample of your exact Save the Date design–personalized with your colors, your photos and with your wording on it? Personalized Samples are $6.99 each–this cost would be applied to your full Save the Date order. Available in Classic Magnets, Mini Magnets, Large Magnets & Photo Booth Magnets.

Shop Save the Date Magnets

Hello everyone–today we’re thrilled to debut our new Wedding Program designs–available in 6 unique sizes: Rectangle, Square, Tea-length, Gate-fold, Tri-fold and Half-fold. As with all of our wedding stationery, our Wedding Programs are easily personalized–from front to back–and side to side–with your colors, photos, fonts and wording!

What are your thought on wedding programs? Are they necessary? Our thoughts below…

{click to enlarge}

We think Programs are an important part of your wedding stationery! Here’s why …

First impressions count! More than a pretty accessory, programs are pretty smart tools that help guests feel included and welcomed at the wedding–right from the start. Programs provide an important opportunity to care for your guests in unique, subtle ways. A timely tool, programs set the stage for joining families and friends {probably unfamiliar with each other} and for creating a warm and friendly atmosphere.

Wondering what to put on a wedding program?

8 Content Ideas for Your Wedding Programs

1. Order of events- Guests love to know what’s happening next! Create anticipation as well as keep your guests organized with an order of the service. 

2. Wedding party bios- Short and sweet introductions of your party will help create an air of familiarity and warmth, right from the beginning. Plus, guests are curious about these special people in your lives.

3. Fanfare+ Processional/Recessional Music- From Pachelbel’s Canon in D, to J.S. Bach, Vivaldi, The Beatles or Bryan Adams–your guests will appreciate knowing which songs you’ve chosen for those magical moments!

4. Special Readings- If there is a special reading, verse, or poem you’d like guest participation with, have it printed on your programs–so everyone can read along.

5. Acknowledgments- Use your program to give a shout of thanks to those special family/friends who performed a special service i.e. song, reading, playing the piano, etc.

6. Explain a Ritual- Is yours a multi-cultural wedding?Are you celebrating a custom that may be unfamiliar to most? You can put your guests at ease, comfortable and even get them involved with a brief explanation of the ritual.

7. Translations- Are there meaningful words or phrases that need to be translated into another language{s}? Add them to your program.

8. A beautiful keepsake A beautifully-designed program that coordinates with the rest of your wedding stationery, is a treasured keepsake–a souvenir for your guests and a detailed memento for you–of one of the most important days of your life!

Which Program Size is Best?

Choose the program size and type that fits your wedding style and ceremony needs the best. Do you have a lot of information to share–readings, wedding party bios, explanations … roomy program types like the Half-fold, Tri-fold, and Gate-fold Programs may be just perfect for you! Browse the Tea-length, Rectangle, and Square sizes too!

How Are Programs Distributed at the Ceremony?

Programs can be cleverly arranged in pretty containers–ready to for your guests to pick up themselves. They can also be handed out by your ushers seating your guests. Or, they can be sitting pretty in the seating areas–just waiting for your guests to sit down. It’s your choice!

What are your thoughts on Wedding Programs?

The joy and emotion is so evident in George & Katina’s lovely September wedding. Theirs was a classic wedding–complete with modern elements to complement their style and personalities. A gorgeous couple, Katina looks amazing in her stunning asymmetrical gown with beaded trim and hot pink platform pumps. And George–looking quite debonaire in his all white tux. Enjoy this elegant wedding–so tender and sweet and beautifully captured.

Wedding Style – Traditional
Wedding Colors – Sage green, Gold, Ivory
Ceremony St. Andrews Episcopal Church, College Park, MD
Reception Martin’s Crosswinds Greenbelt, MD
Photographer Michael Clark Photographers
Videographer: Video By Design
Wedding Thank You Cards- MagnetStreet Weddings

Highlights of the day – Seeing my husband to be standing at the altar, waiting for me with a smile on his face was priceless!
Advice you’re glad you took – Take your time planning!
Advice you’d like to give – Take your time and enjoy every moment of the day because there are no do-overs!
Best part of the day – The reception and seeing all my hard work come together…seeing how beautiful everything looked was amazing!

Perfect for their color scheme, George & Katina personalized “Eternal Roses with picture” Save the Date Mini Magnet and “Green Hue” fold over Thank You Cards. And, music to our ears, here are a few sweet words from Katina regarding her experience with MagnetStreet …

“Shopping MagnetStreet for our Save the Date magnets and Wedding Thank You cards was one of the easist tasks while planning my big day! Being able to personalize our magnets & cards was a great touch! Our shipment arrived within days and they looked fantastic! I will definitely use MagnetStreet again and encourage any Bride to shop here first! It’ll be your first and last stop! Kudos!!!”

Such a beautiful and stately wedding! Congratulations! Thanks George and Katina for sharing it with all of us. We wish you every joy and happiness … always!

xo