Tara and Tom’s engagement shoot at The Industrialist Hotel with Kayla Bri Photography was the perfect warm-up for their wedding day, helping them feel at ease in front of the camera. They posed in cozy booths and at the stylish hotel bar, while the marble interiors, golden accents, and grand architecture of the location were expertly framed by Kayla, elevating simple shots into powerful images. Tara and Tom felt reassured by Kayla’s expert guidance throughout their session, encouraging them to relax and savor the moment. For more dynamic shots, they took a stroll through downtown and shared a champagne toast, capturing candid moments that reflected their personalities. And of course, we can’t overlook Tara’s chic mini dress with delicate shoulder bows, adding the perfect touch of bridal elegance.
About the Couple
Almost thirteen years after their first meeting at a friend’s house, Tara and Tom found their way back to each other. They had always felt there was something more between them, but the timing had never quite aligned. Then one day, they met up for barbecue to chat and catch up, and have been inseparable ever since. Whether they’re attending concerts or events downtown, or simply enjoying wine, dinner, and a game night at home, they find joy in spending meaningful time together.
Originally, Tom hoped to capture the proposal on camera so they could look back on the day. But after picking up the ring, he realized he couldn’t relax knowing it was just sitting in the house, waiting. So, on a casual Monday afternoon in their kitchen, he tied the ring to a ribbon around their cat’s neck. When Tara noticed their cat batting at something, she scooped her up to investigate – and found the ring. Tom was already on one knee. Tara recalls, “No photos or family present was exactly how it was meant to be for us. A moment that will live vividly in my memory forever.”
About the Shoot
From the couple…
We wanted something classic. Being downtown in a swanky little bar, getting hollered at by random strangers, made our awkwardness in front of the camera a whole lot easier to handle. Kayla helped us pick the location, and I’m so thankful for her!
With Kayla’s guidance during our engagement shoot, we quickly figured out what she needed from us, which helped us also relax on the wedding day. Knowing we didn’t have to stress about angles or how we’d look because she knew exactly how to capture stunning shots made all the difference.
