We had the opportunity to photograph Elizabeth and Smokey’s engagement session at a truly unique location—The Snug, a bar in downtown Sacramento. This session was unlike anything we’ve done before and brought such a cool and intimate vibe to their photos.

The bar offered a moody, low-light atmosphere with warm tones coming from the bar lighting and cozy interior. We started the session right at the entrance to take advantage of the natural light coming through the windows. The contrast between the soft window light and the rich shadows inside created a dramatic and romantic look that worked perfectly for their vision.

As we moved inside, the bartender offered them one of the signature cocktails, which added a fun and candid touch to their session. Even though the space was small, we made great use of it, capturing moments at the bar, near the booths, and in between the soft glow of the lights. We added a bit of flash to highlight their connection and style, while staying true to the ambiance of the space.

This session was very much inspired by Elizabeth and Smokey’s idea of a laid-back, stylish evening together, and I was excited to bring that vision to life with my touch as a photographer. It felt more like a date night than a traditional photo session, which made everything feel natural and relaxed.

We had such a great time creating these images, and I can’t wait to capture their wedding day soon!

A romantic silhouette of a couple embracing in a doorway against ornate wallpaper in black and white photography.
A romantic couple shares an intimate moment in a vintage-style restaurant with exposed brick walls and industrial lighting.
Romantic couple sharing an intimate moment at a stylish bar with vintage brick walls and shelves of liquor bottles.
A silhouetted couple stands intimately in a doorway, their dark figures framed by natural light through a window.
A couple in vintage-style clothing hold hands while standing in a train car doorway in black and white photography.
Two people toasting with cocktails at a contemporary bar counter, one drink appears creamy and one appears pink.
A couple shares an intimate moment at a rustic bar with exposed brick walls and shelves of liquor bottles.
Romantic couple shares an intimate moment at an upscale bar with exposed brick walls and shelves of liquor bottles.
Hands holding up elegant cocktail glasses for a toast, featuring one creamy and one pink beverage at a bar.
A couple sits together on a vintage couch in black and white, with an ornate mirror on the brick wall behind them.