meaghan + stephen | e-style shoot

here’s the second of three style shoots I photographed last month.  Meaghan and Stephen were such a great couple as well as their pet cows Betsy and Droopy.  Such obedient pets! And then there was Mr. Coyote who was looking for his close up…or dinner?

You guys were fab! I’m saving the bunny topiaries for easter xoxo

isn’t she lovely??

what to wear: top ten favorite tips & tricks

I’ve been on a roll styling many o’photo shoots with couples and dishing out advice about what to wear for your engagement session (eg day of fun).  I’m letting it all out today with a top ten list of simple but super effective ways to personalize your engagement shoot (or any portrait shoot for that matter

So here you have it!  This page will be a section on my new blog (coming soooooon, like next week soon) but for now here goes:

1. Layer your clothes for texture, different looks, and to be comfortable on your shoot.

2. Take the time to iron your clothes and tuck your shirt in. Photographers can do lots of neat tricks in post but ironing clothes or tucking your shirt isn’t going to happen.

3. Wear sentiment jewelry, hairpieces, scarves. You’ll be incorporating your individual style and history into your images, and your look will be truly unique.

4. If you’re not sure what “your” colors are, look around your house and open your closet. If what you see is twenty shirts in shades of blue and green, then that’s where you should be.

5. You don’t have to spend a dime on clothing but if you’ve been eyeing a pair of Mui Mui platforms, well you can wear them again, right?

6. Check for stains! The mustard splotch from that “remember when?” late night at Pink’s need not be documented in your engagement shoot.

7. Ladies: do get your hair and makeup done. Any department store makeup counter or Sephora does it for free. You’ll be so happy that you did. Your hair needs to be camera ready, meaning it needs to hold up while you’re running along the beach, exploring a canyon, kissing on a subway platform. Why have everything perfect to then have your hair frizzed out or flattened in half of the photographs?

8. Put your outfits on hangars and photograph them. You’ll know what they look like together and you won’t second-guess yourself the day of the shoot. You should be thinking about having fun, not what to wear.

9. Don’t forget to pack: a lint brush, lip balm, oil blotting papers, a hairbrush, a sweater or coat, safety pins and a compact mirror.

10. Even if you are a “heels only” gal, pack a pair of comfortable shoes.

Okay one more because it’s most important and doesn’t cost a penny:
11. Your smile is your very best look. Plan ahead so you can be carefree and enjoy your day!

Got questions? Do tell! Do you have any tips or things you learned from your engagement shoot? Post ‘em below.

xoxo,
Marnie

pigtails and pixels

As I am waiting on a few final touches to post the two other style shoots, here are some outtakes from my photo shoot with Miss Ally in Woodland Hills.  She’s a whiz kid for sure: so curious and full of energy.  But knowing that I too spend too much time in front of a monitor, I feel happy knowing that a few minutes after this was shot, we went outside and played with leaves

sneak peek | what to wear style shoots

I recently had the pleasure of guest blogging for Paisley Petunia about “what to wear” for engagement/love shoots. I styled three lovely couples with diverse looks at different locations: classic in the canyon, vintage in the forest, and rock love on concrete.

Up first is Meredith & Jonario in the forest with mom’s handmade quilt, little treasures, a rainbow made of of scarves and some seriously stylin’ clothing. Not pictured: a six pack of red velvet cupcakes that one over more than one heart that day.

I had soo much fun with you both! Thanks Mer + Jonario!

isabelle | baby shower | grand rapids MI

Baby Isabelle was so excited to meet her mom that she couldn’t help joining us a little early. Perhaps she sensed that there was a big family celebration happening in her honor although if you’ve met her incredible mother Lisa, I think it was the former. Lisa’s lovely friends Kelly and Dale organized a sweet baby shower at Grandma Myrtle’s and family and friends from as far as San Francisco came together in love and support of the new addition to the McGilvray family. I had a wonderful time visiting my new family and meeting new friends. Welcome to the world Miss Isabelle! xo Marnie

Check out those adorable cookie lollipops!




Grandma Myrtle having a look at the embroidered message on Isabelle’s dress



Nicholas with an important message for Granny

Balloon boys

Passing Lisa around the room


I would love to see how that photo turned out!

things that begin with mmm..

Melissa’s maternity shoot in Malibu. New marketing materials for a big giveaway for Junior League of Los Angeles’s Legacy Ball. A baby shower in Michigan.  And me?  Well February has been a busy busy month and March is looking super exciting too! I’ve been secretly building a new blog but I will post a few Feb shoots today and tomorrow so check back for some new kids shoots, two baby showers, and a sneak peek of a ginormous style shoot (three of them!) I did for Paisley Petunia.

Dandelion wishes,
Marnie

valentine’s day special!