As an Atlanta wedding photography studio, we were SO excited when our couple mentioned they would like to do aquarium engagement photos at the Georgia Aquarium! This venue has definitely been on our Atlanta wedding photography wish list of awesome places to shoot in the city! We started shooting as soon as we got there, the first couple of images taken right at the entry way. As we progressed throughout the different exhibits, we stopped multiple times to take more aquarium engagement photos along the way. On a weekday evening, just a couple of hours before closing – was the PERFECT time to shoot when there weren’t tons of other patrons trafficking through! Without further ado, we’d like to showcase some of our favorite highlights from the aquarium engagement session as well as a quick interview with this dynamic duo!
The Georgia Aquarium Entry Way Area
Indo-Pacific Barrier Reef – Coral Reef at the Georgia Aquarium
How did you meet?
Bride: We met on OKCupid, and my first impression was that he had very kind eyes.
Groom: On our first date, we clicked really quickly. We chatted really easily, and the night seemed to fly by.
How/ when did you start dating? What attracted you most to each other?
Bride: Ability to converse easily. I was nervous, in fact I thought he ditched me at the restaurant, and I got grumpy with him on the phone because I couldn’t find him, but he was already inside 🙂
Groom: Our first date was at Cafe Intermezzo. Also our first kiss 🙂 I was nervous at first, but got really comfortable when we started to realize we had a lot in common.
Tell me about your relationship. Were you nervous about one another meeting your family? Who said I love you first?
Bride: He accepted me for who I am. I was nervous to meet his much more traditional family. I remember the way he looked at me when he told me he loved me, and it made me feel wonderful.
Groom: I said I love you first. We had been to a scotch tasting event with some of my friends, and I just loved how she was able to keep up with the guys and have a blast with us. I wasn’t nervous about her meeting my family – I knew they’d love her.
The Acrylic Tunnel at the Ocean Voyager (at the Georgia Aquarium)
How did the engagement happen?
Bride: We were in the hotel room in Germany. I knew that it was going to happen I just didn’t know when. I was definitely surprised in the fact that he had pretended several times before that he was going to propose and tricked me so i thought that it was another one of his tricks.
Groom: I proposed in Germany. It wasn’t a surprise at all – we had even picked out the ring together a month before. She knew it was going to happen on our trip to Europe, but she still acted surprised and cried when I put the ring on her hand.
The Whale Shark at Manta Ray Tank Wall
Last Questions! What’s the one thing about each other you couldn’t live without?
Bride: The greatest companionship I’ve ever had is with him, and I could not give that up.
Groom: Any time I’m traveling or away from home, when I wake up without her, I feel like part of me is missing. I love starting each day with her, and ending each day at her side.
Anything else you’d like to share?
Bride: We have two dachshunds that we’re obsessed with, and a cat that we love very much.
Groom: We totally have the same sense of humor, and we’re constantly lightheartedly teasing each other and play fighting.
When Jyll & Kass requested for their engagement session to be shot in and around their home, we were SO EXCITED! As an Atlanta wedding photographer, the opportunity to capture Buckhead engagement photos is such a thrill! It’s so much fun to shoot in the heart of the city. We met at the couple’s condo as a starting point and ventured from there. As we walked down the streets towards their wedding venue, we stopped along the way for some beautiful city shots. We ended the session in the comfort of the couple’s home with their super cuddly canine Ryker! Needless to say, he stole the show! I’ve never met a dog who posed so well for every shot! Below are a couple of highlights from the engagement session as well as a quick interview with the Trendiest Couple of 2016 – Jyll & Kass!
How did you meet?
We met in a bar, both recently single. We are both tall so our eyes locked from across the room. It was not love at first sight, his friends holla’ed at us and were loud but in the end got us to come over and talk to them.
How/ when did you start dating?
I gave him my number after we left the bar and he texted the next day (Sunday) and we went on our first date at Cafe Intermezzo that Tuesday. I don’t think either of us were super nervous.
Tell me about your relationship
Every time I met or interacted with Kass he was genuine, didn’t play games, and was always looking to make me happy. We met in March 2015 and took things kind of slow, but by July 2015 we were already pretty serious. Kass said he loved me first, to which I responded ‘thank you’. I don’t think I expected it so soon. But everything fell into place and we just love being together!
When did you know this person was the one?
I think a year after we started dating we both kinda knew this was it. He started hinting that maybe he would propose and after he started that I was expecting it at almost every turn!
How did the engagement happen?
We were on a vacation to Universal Studios, not the most romantic place, but I really wanted to go for my birthday. He proposed at a near by park that had nice restaurants and a small lake nearby. He was very nervous and I could tell he was acting weird. The whole proposal took 15 seconds and afterward Kass said, that’s it!?!
Last Questions! What’s the one thing about each other you couldn’t live without?
The part that I love about Kass that really sets him apart is how much of a doer he is. I mention something in passing and he is on it to make it happen. And whenever I have had a bad day or don’t feel good, the first thing he does is ask “What can I do to make Bae happy?” So he takes great care of me and our relationship.
Anything else you’d like to share?
We are just so enjoying being engaged and really looking forward to getting married!
It was an absolute honor to capture these Piedmont Park wedding photos for this gorgeous couple! This micro wedding elopement ceremony was a short and sweet micro wedding, and the couple were surrounded by their loved ones in an intimate circle under the gazebo at Piedmont Park.  Below are the highlights from the day.
Planning a courthouse wedding or a cozy indoor ceremony? Our Atlanta Elopement Packages cover both ceremony and portrait sessions. For portraits without ceremony coverage, explore our Wedding Portrait Packages.
If you’re looking to take engagement photos at Piedmont Park, it is perhaps one of the most scenic parks in the downtown Atlanta area! With Lydia & Duk, we got to take a couple killer night time skyline photos with the city lit up. Definitely an Atlanta wedding photographer favorite! Special shout out to Megan Quintana Artistry for a beautiful makeup job well done!
Engagement photos at Piedmont Park with Lydia & Duk
Below is a quick interview + engagement photos highlights with Lydia & Duk!
How did the two of you meet? What were your first impressions? Was it love at first sight?
We met through an online app that linked us through mutual friends. We started chatting back and forth for over a month. There was definitely chemistry between us. We were both pleasantly surprised at how easy it was for us to just talk and how down to earth the other person was.
What attracted you most to each other? How long before you started dating? Where was your first date? Were you nervous?
There were several things that attracted us to each other, but mainly it was how similar our values were. We could talk for hours! When we met online, we chatted with each other for over a month but hadn’t officially met face to face. When we finally did meet, our first date was lunch at Whiskey Bar Kitchen in Augusta. We were both nervous because we already loved this new friendship, and we didn’t want to do anything to mess it all up. Duk’s long drive all the way to Augusta certainly didn’t help his anxiety. We met for our date around noon, then sat outside a Starbucks and talked and talked well into the night. We ended up staying there until almost 4 a.m. By the end of that date, there was no question we had found something very special.
Tell me about your relationship
Duk: This person was different because of how she comfortable she made me feel. I know how weird I can be, but she would see it as me being dorky or cute. I was nervous about meeting her family because her parents are missionaries and I was wondering how much we would have in common, or if they had expectations that I couldn’t live up to. Lydia is not a big fan of the words “I love you”, because she believes that they would lose their meaning when overused over time. But one day I realized that I do really love her, and I told her so. She started crying. I sat there confused, wondering if I had done something terribly wrong. I’m glad to know that it wasn’t the case. She was happy and she loves me too.
Lydia: I can say with certainty that he is different from anyone I’ve dated because he is pretty much everything I thought I would never date. He’s a Florida Gator (I’m a UGA Bulldawg), listens to gangster rap and actually really likes math. He has a weird yet adorable sense of humor, and he makes me laugh even when we’re in the middle of an argument. I didn’t feel too nervous meeting his parents because I figured he turned out pretty well, so his parents can’t be that bad, right? And I was right… I told Duk later that I like his parents more than him 😉 As for the “I love you” part, that was somewhat of a dramatic affair that Duk mentioned in his section. I’m learning now that “I love you” only gets better with time when it’s coming from the right person.
When did you know this person was the one?
Duk: I knew she was the one when we hit about our 6-month dating mark. I realized that living life with her, the conversations that we have, and even the fights that we have were things that I could envision myself doing for the rest of my life. When I came to that realization, I thought to myself, “Finally! I feel like I’ve been in so many different relationships and life circumstances, and none of them made me feel the way I do now.”
Lydia: I’m not sure when exactly I knew, or how I knew. It was a gradual thing, he just grew on me and before I knew it, I was placing him in my plans subconsciously. It was like he just naturally became a part of my future.
How did the engagement happen?
Duk: We decided to take a trip on the last week of March. I’m pretty sure she knew that it was coming but I knew that she didn’t know how I was going to propose. For the proposal, I took and modified Dr. Seuss’s classic book, “Oh, The Places You’ll Go” and added pictures from our times together. The last page of the book had her engagement ring tied to it with a ribbon with the words “So will you please marry me?” as the last sentence of the rhyme. We had initially decided to go to Rome for this trip, but plans changed and we ended up in Key West, Florida. Already, things were not going according to plan. I was nervous because originally, I had wanted to propose at sunset at the beach, but it was a cloudy day and there wasn’t a single area of secluded beach that I could find. Also, I was carrying the book and the ring around in my bag, so I kept thinking that she was going to find it by accident.
Lydia: Regardless of what he says went wrong, I think it was the most perfect proposal that could have happened between us. Of course I knew it was coming. Duk made some comments slip a few months earlier that helped me put two and two together… I think it was just as hard for me to act surprised as it was for him to propose! 🙂 The ring was gorgeous, the book he re-wrote for the proposal was so sweet, and he looked so happy… there isn’t a thing that I would have changed.
Last Questions!
What’s the one thing about each other you couldn’t live without?
Duk: The accountability. I love that she keeps me accountable for the things I do, the things I say, and the way I think. Although I don’t always respond in the most positive ways, I know for the most part, she’s right and she’s saying those things because she ultimately loves me and she wants me to be at my best. That’s how I know that I couldn’t live without her in that sense because she makes me better than I am.
Lydia: He is one of the most patient people I have ever known. I know I have a lot of insecurities and it surfaces a lot, sometimes making me either really depressed or really defensive. Duk has a way of working through both, saying words of encouragement that go straight to heart of what’s wrong… and he genuinely tries to learn something new and improve his understanding of who I am. I know it’s hard, I know it takes patience and I know he bites his tongue a lot, and I appreciate that and love him for it.
Selecting the perfect attire for your engagement session is one of the most exciting parts of planning! While we have plenty of tips and tricks to elevate your photo session, our number one priority is to ensure you feel confident and comfortable. After all, when you look good, you feel good! Whether you’re searching for outfit ideas for couple photoshoots indoors or outdoors, your engagement photo outfits should reflect your personality and make you feel amazing.
What to Wear for Engagement Photos: Outfit Ideas for Couple Photoshoots
To add variety to your session, we recommend selecting two outfits (if your session time/ package allows it): one formal and one casual. These pieces should not only look great but also feel comfortable to wear. Choose 2-3 complementary colors and build layered outfits around them. Instead of matching outfits exactly, aim to coordinate colors and styles for a cohesive look. Here are some of our favorite tips for putting together the best engagement photo outfits.
6 Tips for the BEST Engagement Photo Outfits
1) Use Layers and Textures, Be Mindful of Prints
Layers bring depth and richness to your photos. Fabrics like wool, corduroy, denim, and satin have beautiful textures that photograph well in both color and black and white. However, avoid large, bold patterns or graphics that can draw attention away from your faces.
2) Wear Heels but Bring Flats
Heels are perfect for elongating the legs and creating an elegant silhouette. However, bring a pair of comfortable flats for walking between locations. Your feet will thank you, and you’ll still achieve that polished look in your photos. Ideally, they should be heels and flats that are relatively quick and easy to change between.
3) Get Professional Hair and Makeup Done
Investing in professional hair and makeup can make a significant difference in your confidence and the final images. While not mandatory, it’s highly recommended.
When it comes to lipstick, be sure to wear a transfer-proof option. Engagement sessions often involve close-ups and kisses, and transfer-proof lipstick prevents unnecessary delays or touch-ups caused by smudges on your partner’s face. It’s a small detail that can make a big difference in keeping the session smooth and enjoyable.
4) Bring Essentials for Touch-Ups
Pack a small kit with touch-up essentials, including a mirror, makeup, hair spray, a comb or brush, hair ties, and bobby pins. These items will help you stay picture-perfect throughout the session.
5) Accessorize Thoughtfully
Accessories like jewelry, hats, scarves, and watches add interest to your photos. If you’re unsure about certain pieces, bring them along and experiment during the session. Accessories can be swapped out for added variety.
6) Choose the Right Bag
Bring a spacious, organized bag to store your second outfit, accessories, and touch-up essentials. Ensure the bag is roomy and easy to navigate—avoid overly compact bags where items can get crammed, making retrieval difficult. A larger bag prevents outfits from becoming wrinkled or crushed and allows for quick and efficient access to items during the session. Lightweight options with compartments or wheels are especially convenient, saving time and stress.
Conclusion: Outfit Ideas for Couple Photoshoots
Finding the right outfit ideas for couple photoshoots can feel overwhelming, but with these tips, you’re well on your way to creating a stunning and stress-free engagement session. For more inspiration, take a look at what some of our past clients have worn. Ready to book your session? Contact us today to get started.
For even more guidance, visit our Engagement Posing Guide to help plan your perfect session. We can’t wait to help you create memories that last a lifetime!
Hi! We're Jaimie & Kyle (+Associates) with Jaimie Dee Photography. We're Atlanta photographers based in the metro area and service clients all over the globe. Jaimie Dee Photography was established in 2008. We're primarily a wedding and portrait studio. Our images are crisp, clean & colorful and strike a balance between classic and candid styled portraits. Aside from the photography, we help you craft the perfect photo experience - from the beginning planning stages to the finished artwork hanging on your walls. When you're in front of our camera, we'll also offer you gentle guidance through a combo of stationary and movement based poses. We'll help bring out your inner diva too - even if you're shy! If you're looking for a photographer in the metro Atlanta area or beyond, we'd love to meet you!
