When this Nashville engagement session came across our desk, we’d by lying if we said we thought it was a styled shoot. But we were totally wrong. Bringing all the elegance and glam, this romantic, high-fashion engagement session is for sure going to leave you speechless. Like straight from a magazine, Audrey (social media influencer, Affectionately Audrey) and Isaiah (an actor!) put the trend in trendy with their modern, formal attire and killer poses. There are no two photos alike and to be honest we had trouble picking our favorites because Carrie of SWAK Photography knocked this one out of the park. Keep scrolling to see all the beauty and learn more about the couple!
How did you get engaged? Tell us about your proposal!
Audrey: We got engaged this year on April 11. I was in the process of moving to Atlanta, where Isaiah had been living for almost a year, and working non-stop to prepare for the move and wrap up my current job. Isaiah knew I needed a break before the stress of the move so he suggested that we meet half way in Mont Eagle, TN and hike up to a place called The Stone Door. He had been there several times before and thought it would be a nice place to relax for a day.
We met at the starting point and began the hike to the ledge that overlooked the valley below. Once at the ledge we began walking around and taking in the scenery. Isaiah then suggested that we get a picture using a tripod he had brought with him. He set up the tripod and rejoined me for the photo. Once “posed” for the picture (or so I thought…He had sneakily started recording a video instead!) he got down on one knee and popped the question. I was shocked and just stood there for a moment with my hands on my hips. I said “YES!” and we hugged it out in front of the most beautiful scenery, on a perfect day. It was such a perfect proposal for me. Just the two of us with a simple set up and no one hiding in the bushes recording the hole thing. Haha! I could not be happier that I get to spend the rest of my life with this man.
How many guests are you expecting?
Audrey: 200-250
What’s your approach to budgeting for your wedding?
Audrey: We are paying for everything ourselves so we are trying to literally have our cake and eat it too by being super thrifty and budget conscious. I am far from a traditionalist so we are cutting corners in ways that are probably a-typical for most. No bridal party, pizza for food, electronic invitations, minimal seating etc. The wedding is going to be simple, but elegant and chic. I think if you are thrifty enough then you can have both!
Who have you hired for your wedding team so far?
Audrey: We have hired the photographer, hair and make-up, Music DJ, table and chair rentals, and of course the venue!
What’s your wedding style?
Audrey: Very simple but elegant. I just want people to have fun and worry more about enjoying the day than if the flowers aren’t perfect. I want the wedding and decor to have a vintage feel but with modern aspects.
What’s your most fun purchase/hire to date?
Audrey: Probably the venue. We were struggling finding somewhere that was what we wanted, but was still in our budget. So finding our venue was a pretty exciting moment for us!
What aspect of being engaged has surprised you the most?
Audrey: I can’t say that any aspect of it has surprised me. Isaiah and I really make a great team and are just really excited to be together and be getting married!
What have you most enjoyed about being engaged?
Audrey: I think feeling the anticipation of the wedding and that feeling that you aren’t just a girlfriend anymore. Knowing that this person really wants to share their life with you! Feeling the responsibility of that decision and doing everything you can to get ready for the promise you will make to one another.
Tell us about your engagement session. Where did it take place?
Audrey: Carrie is such an amazing photographer. She really captures so much more than faces and outfits in her photographs. I had my eye on this dress where I used to work in Nashville and knew it would be perfect for our engagement session. Once it went on sale, I snatched it up and it truly was the perfect dress for the occasion. Carrie suggested this building in downtown Nashville and I always trust Carrie so away we went! It was exactly the style of shots I wanted for our engagement. A nostalgic feel, but in a modern location.
What’s the significance of the location?
Audrey: Isaiah and I met in Nashville and have lived a large portion of our lives there. It was important to us to represent that time in our lives and celebrate the place that brought us together.
What was it like working with your photographer?
Audrey: Carrie actually took photos of Isaiah and I on the day we met (on a styled photo shoot where we were both models). So I cannot say enough good things about Carrie. She just gets it! She is fantastic and just is always in the right place in the right time for the perfect shot. She is patient and kind and truly loves what she does. I feel so grateful that she is going to be a part of our day because I know she will make it special!
Would you recommend the photographer and why?!
Audrey: 100% no questions asked. Carrie is worth every penny. She is reliable and just wants to get every special moment on film of your special day!
We are so obsessed! Thanks so much to Audrey (Affectionately Audrey) and Isaiah and SWAK Photography for sharing this romantic, high fashion engagement session with us!
