Bailey & Kendall wanted something unique, classy, and fun for their engagement session! They opted for something different than the desert scenery of Arizona and went for something a little more modern… A Cocktail bar engagement in Downtown Phoenix.

Downtown Phoenix just made sense and was a fun way to capture candid and editorial photos of the two of them! Downtown Phoenix offers a variety of stylish and trendy cocktail bars that can serve as a perfect backdrop for your engagement photos. Here’s a guide to planning your engagement session in downtown Phoenix:

Start Your Cocktail Bar in Downtown Phoenix Research

I did some investigating to find the perfect bar for this engagement session. There are tons of cocktail bars downtown Phoenix, and this is one that just so happened to answer my call and give us the green light to shoot here! Research cocktail bars in downtown Phoenix that have an aesthetic that matches your style. Look for venues with visually appealing decor, good lighting, and a unique atmosphere.

One thing to keep in mind is day and time. Most bars probably won’t be stoked to have a couple and photographer taking up space on a busy Friday or Saturday night. Also, you don’t want to feel pressure with strangers’ eyes all on you during your engagement session! With that being said, I recommend scheduling your shoot for early midday, either on a weekday or a weekend when there’s less of a large crowd.

Out of courtesy, I highly recommend contacting the chosen bar and discussing your plans for the engagement session. Make sure to inquire about any fees or restrictions related to photography in the establishment. Some bars may require advance notice and permission.

Plan Your Outfits

Coordinate your outfits to match the style of the cocktail bar and each other. Make sure your clothing complements the venue’s aesthetic and lighting! Checkout this Pinterest board I have created for downtown engagement session outfits. I love the bridal look, or incorporating something a little more black tie for a cocktail bar session. If you haven’t heard of Untamed Petals, check them out! They have such fun dresses and accessories that would be so fun for this type of photoshoot.

Discuss the Cocktail Bar Engagement Session Vision

Before your Cocktail Bar Engagement in Downtown Phoenix, talk to your photographer about what you have in mind! Communicate your vision and photography style preferences with your chosen photographer. Discuss whether you want candid shots, posed photos, or a mix of both. I send out a questionnaire to my couples before their session so that I can get a better understanding of them as individuals, as a couple, and what they want their photos to look like.

Take advantage of the urban landscape of downtown Phoenix. After the cocktail bar, you can explore the nearby streets and alleyways for more photo opportunities. There are so many neat spots all around downtown, and I have a list of spots that make perfect backdrops for photos.

Enjoy the Moment

Remember that an engagement session is not just about the pictures but also about celebrating your love and the moments you share. Have fun, enjoy a few drinks, and let your personalities shine through. As a photographer I firmly believe that you should walk away from your engagement session excited, relaxed, and feeling even more excited for your wedding!

To find out more information about how to book a session with me, reach out here!