Jessica & Jeff Engagement | Jetton Park | Cornelius, NC

I just love Jessica & Jeff! We met out at Jetton Park in Cornelius for some engagement session fun! It was a beautiful day out and we definitely took advantage of the weather.

This is the 3rd time for Jeff meeting me now which made him relax and give much more natural smiles this time around.

Jessica & Jeff are getting married at a super cool new venue with a lodge. It's almost all outdoors but the ceremony space is still covered, the best of both worlds. The outdoors definitely fits them as a couple!

Jessica is a little goofy like me so it was fun to pick on Jeff a little bit with her. He's a great sport.

Then I let him have some fun & steal some kisses.

As the sun began to set we moved over the lake section of the park.

Jessica actually inspired me to buy a battery pack for my studio lights, after showing up late to our first engagement session and only have about 20 minutes of sunlight left. So naturally, I broke it out on this session and we rocked out the low light!

In fact, these may be some of my favorite images from the day.

Thanks so much for choosing Head Over Heels Wedding Photography, I can't wait for your big day! It will be beautiful, just like the two of you!

Anastasia & Bryan Engagement | Romare Beraten Park/Tega Cay Windjammer

Anastasia & Bryan's engagement session began on a chilly & windy Saturday at Romare Bearden Park. Anastasia looked stunning in her hot pink heels and Bryan looked so dapper too! We dodged the other 4908329478 photographers and rocked it out! 

They look so classic in Black & White.

The shots below are two of my favorites from the day...although it's hard to choose because we had so many great images!

Anastasia & Bryan are so in love, it's adorable to watch. 

I know it looks like Bryan has something really funny to tell Anastasia below, but I'll let out a secret. I MAY or may not have tripped over a spot light sticking up out of the ground and made the best AHHHHH sound as I fell backwards. Totally worth it though! Don't worry, no gear was harmed in my clumsiness. 

I'm sure you've seen the walking away photo trending on Pinterest, well let me just tell you, they nailed it! 

We are officially just about 8 months away from the big day. 

The couple drew a crowd with this pose, but they weren't afraid to rock it out in their own little bubble anyways. 

A few quick kisses before we wrapped it up in uptown Charlotte, to head towards Tega Cay where Bryan proposed.

First thing on our to do list at the Windjammer Park was to pop bottles! 

Bryan proposed right on this dock just a few months ago.

A few more snuggles and the sun began to set!

It was one absolutely beautiful sunset that night to celebrate the couple.

We broke out the studio lights and had some fun after sunset. I just love the sultry look of the amber skies! 

Congratulations Bryan & Anastasia! I can't wait for your wedding in December, we are going to have so much fun together! 

Stitch Fix VS Wantable | The Subscription Box Showdown

If you haven't heard about Stitch Fix or Wantable you have been living under a rock! No really!! Stitch Fix & Wantable are subscription boxes that come in the mail full of fabulous clothes for you to try on & potentially buy. Basically, it's shopping with a personal stylist without having to leave your house! Personally, I love it. & I think you should too.

I don't have the time (or patience) to go to the mall and search endless racks for something that is both my size and style. With both Stitch Fix & Wantable you fill out a fashion survey, pay the $20 styling fee (which is applied to any order you make) and stalk the mailman.

For my engaged clients, this is your solution to the age old question "What do I wear to my engagement session?". This blog is to compare two of the most popular, and best, subscription boxes. If we start with just the boxes, Stitch Fix gets the first point in the subscription box showdown! Stitch Fix rocks it out with their adorable mint logo and custom tape. (I'm a big fan of branding!)

LET THE SHOWDOWN BEGIN...

Stitch Fix continues their awesome branding with the inside of their box as well. You have two days to try on the clothes and decide if you want to purchase any of the pieces. But alas, onto the clothes..

The Stitch Fix box came with 5 pieces including 3 shirts, a pair of jeans and an infinite scarf. The stylist was pretty right on for my style! Flowy shirts are great for my industry, I can't work in anything too tight or form fitted. The jeans fit like a glove and were a great dark color. (I do wish the ankles were a little more fitted.) I am not much for bulky scarves because I have a tiny face and don't want any accessory to overpower me. But, accessorizing and layers are super important in photos!

Overall, my Stitch Fix box had bold colors, perfect sizing & all pieces were versatile and comfortable. All of the items were affordable. I do wish there was a little more variety when it came to the fit on the shirts. I ended up keeping the outfit on the left and have worn it as shown several times already!

When you open the Wantable box you see a little more of their branding. The instructions make it very clear on how to order the pieces you love. Wantable gives you five days to try on the clothes and decide which pieces you would like to keep and purchase. #winning

Wantable also sent 5 pieces including two shirts, two jackets and a pair of jeans. They always send me the BEST jackets & know I usually purchase them so I always get at least one in my box. One leg up, in my opinion, is that Wantable typically gives higher end, name brand clothes. The downside is they usually come at a higher price point as well. 

The two shirts did not fit me well, at all. The stripped shirt is was way too wide and a funky stretchy material. I love the bold color of the tee but it was far too see through to be realistic. The jeans fit great and I loved the wide cuff. The black blazer is an awesome staple piece! It's tight on the arms but stretchy, very comfortable. The back of the blazer even goes up in a little point, showing off the booty. The taupe faux leather jacket folds open in the front, adorable! I'm not going to lie, I actually bought this piece on the box before this one. My mom loved it so much she asked for me to order it in a size up for her. So now we both own this great jacket! So I kept two jackets and the jeans!! 

Wantable nailed my style and gave me figure flattering pieces but at a higher price point.

Do yourself a favor and try at least one, but you really deserve BOTH, subscription box companies. & when you do make sure to use my referral link ;)

https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/3223987

https://www.wantable.com/?invite_token=vqF3IxY5Wos

Renee & Dave Engagement | Daveste Vineyards

I had the pleasure of meeting Renee & Dave through a fabulous wedding planner, Erin Padgett! (Thanks lady!!) They are so much fun and so very much in love. 

Dave proposed to Renee at Daveste Vineyards in Troutman, NC. Naturally, we thought it was a great idea to do their engagement session there. They love the vineyard and go there often for date days. BTW- How cute is her dress?! (stitch fix)

Their dog is a big part of their lives together and wanted to make sure to bring him and incorporate him in their engagement photos. Renee's friend came along to help wrangle the cutie, thanks!

Even though the vines weren't in season, they will be on their wedding day. We took advantage of the fabulous building, giving us a country woodsy vibe.

Tip: Make sure that you bring along dog treats if your pup joins in on your engagement session.

This outfit was probably my favorite, I NEED that vest! You looked absolutely beautiful Renee & Dave you're not so bad yourself!

While we were waiting for the sun to go down, Renee & Dave enjoyed a bottle of Daveste wine.

Once the sun started to come over the trees we ventured out to the field for a couple more shots.

I am such a sucker for Black & Whites. These are TWO of my favorites from this session! 

I can't wait to photograph you both again in 6 months at your Vesuvius Vineyards wedding! 

Thanks for choosing Head Over Heels!

<3Amanda

Hernandez & Biga Say I Do | Foundation for the Carolina's | Charlotte, NC

Not only was this wedding one of my last of 2015, it was also at one of my favorite venues with one of the most beautiful couples, inside and out! 

Especially since this couple did not have me photograph the getting ready process I thought a first look was very important. The first moments they saw each other on their wedding day, just the two of them, were breathtaking. The venue had the most amazing vertical garden located on a patio many floors up hidden amongst the skyscrapers, incredible! 

Foundation for the Carolina's is nestled amongst the Charlotte hustle and bustle yet is serene and full of class. I absolutely loved how the venue is entirely indoors, except for the small garden area, yet natural light flowed in from all angles. The touches of purple really popped amongst the natural wood in the ceremony space. 

After a few more snuggles and kisses between our couple, I snuck the bride away for a few photos in the city streets. 

She was so glamourous, and everyone who passed by on the busy Friday evening made sure to tell her!

All the chairs were filled with smiling faces ready to watch the love pour during the ceremony. 

There was barely a dry eye in the house during their hand written vows.

During the cocktail hour which happened in the art gallery below the ceremony space, we escaped to Romare Bearden Park for a few photos of the newlyweds. Their love for each other was evident.

The weather couldn't have been more perfect either! Everything just fell right into place.

After the sun went down, it was time for the couple's first dance as Mr. & Mrs. Biga! The groom's father sang and played the accordion, it was such a great personal touch. 

During dinner, I snuck away down to the art gallery to grab a few photos of the rings with the art pieces. There were so many amazing options! I could have stayed down there all night. 

The cake cutting was sweet, no smashing in the face that night! The couple had a small chocolate cake for themselves and a homemade dessert bar for their guests. 

The bride's sister and the groom's best friend each gave a toast to the couple. The bride was tearing up almost the entire time. It was clear how much of a connection the girls shared which will only continue to grow later in life. 

After all the dances were danced and drinks were drank, it was time for the couple's grand exit with glow sticks! Then they were headed down to the epicenter to party!

Congrats Mr. & Mrs. Biga!!