Want to add a little adventure to your engagement photos?
Perfect, because there’s a fun, thrilling event that will take your engagement to the next level. If you’re done with boring images and want something a little more bold, hot air balloon engagement photos are the way to go!
We recently had the pleasure of visiting Albuquerque, New Mexico for The International Balloon Fiesta. Not only did we get to take incredible photos with an amazing couple, but we also got to explore the festival’s vendors, attractions, and unbelievable shows!
When it comes to engagement photos, we know that there’s plenty of inspo on Pinterest and Instagram; but sometimes, you just want something that feels more like you. If that sounds like your vibe, let’s dive into this breathtaking shoot, and we’ll tell you exactly how to make your engagement photos stand out.
Albuquerque’s International Balloon Fiesta
From New Jersey and North Carolina to Colorado and California, you can find hundreds of vibrant balloon festivals to visit. With the incredible scenery and welcoming vendors, these events always draw in a massive crowd.
So what’s so special about the International Balloon Fiesta?
For starters, Albuquerque’s Fiesta is the largest balloon festival in the world, boasting about 600 balloons on average. With thousands of guests in attendance, this nine-day festival also has a variety of attractions to keep patrons engaged.
After watching the sunrise ascension of balloons, you can check out the chainsaw carving exhibition, car show, musical performances, or drone events. If you find some downtime, we’d recommend trying out their classic fair food, as well as the southwest-themed cuisine onsite.
The Adventurous Spirits
Initially, we met Travis and Sierra when they traveled to Florida for a university conference. What started as a work trip quickly turned into the perfect opportunity for a surprise proposal!
Little did we know, just a couple of months later, these two would reach out to us for their engagement photos. They shared an incredible vision for the photo shoot, including their dream of visiting Albuquerque for the International Balloon Fiesta!
Needless to say, it didn’t take much convincing to get us on a flight to New Mexico. After all, anyone who knows Travis and Sierra knows that they don’t do boring or basic. They’re some of the most adventurous, sincere people we know, and we’d go just about anywhere with them.
As members of the medical field, these two have dedicated so much of their time and energy to helping others. For that reason, it was such an honor for us to capture this special moment for them.
How to get unique engagement photos
If you’re here, it’s probably because you HATE the idea of taking stale, traditional engagement photos. You want an experience that’s completely tailored to your personality, one that you’ll want to remember forever.
Getting unique engagement photos doesn’t haven’t be stressful or over-planned. Take our advice, and you can plan a photo shoot that’s romantic, fun, and captures all the best things about your relationship.
- Stay comfy – When it comes to wardrobe, our number rule is to wear what makes YOU comfortable. The best engagement photos are the ones where the couple is free and flowing in every image.
- Don’t be afraid to travel – If you and your partner enjoy traveling, there are plenty of stunning locations for your engagement photos. Even if the perfect backdrop is a flight away, that means you can turn one photo shoot into a weekend getaway together!
- Go for gold(en hour) – As far as timing, it’s always best to get your engagement photos taken during golden hour–sunrise or sunset. This will help to highlight any unique colors you decide to include in the session!
- Count the cost – When planning your engagement session, you’ll want to start with a realistic budget. On average, engagement photos cost about $750/hr, so you can take that into account when saving up for the big moment.
- Get sentimental – We love capturing authentic, emotion-filled photos, so we always encourage our couples to add a personal touch. Whether it’s taking the photos at your favorite date location, wearing your Mickey Ears, or carrying a hand-picket bouquet, we want this to be your story.
FAQs: Planning a Hot Air Balloon Photo Shoot
If you’re planning your own Hot Air Balloon photo shoot, there are a few things you need to know. With these tips, you can make sure that everything goes off without a hitch!
Q: Is it a good idea to propose in a hot air balloon?
A: Proposing in a hot air balloon can be a fun, intimate way pop the question, especially if you and your partner are thrill-seekers. And it’s guaranteed that you’ll have an incredible view!
Q: Can you take pictures from a hot air balloon?
A: Yes, you can take pictures in a hot air balloon! Professional photographers may need to have specific insurance or permits, so it’s best to check with your balloon pilot before booking a flight.
Q: Can you get married in a hot air balloon?
A: Yes, you can! This is a perfect option for adventurous couples who want a romantic, unique elopement. If you’re planning on inviting guests or vendors, just be sure to check on the maximum capacity of your balloon.
Q: How many people can be in a hot air balloon at once?
A: On that note, hot air balloons can vary greatly in capacity. Some hot air balloons can only fit 4 people, while others can fit as many as 30. Call ahead to make sure that your balloon is the appropriate size!
Q: How much does a hot air balloon ride cost?
A: On average, you can expect to pay $150 – $250 per person for a hot air balloon ride. These rides will typically last 2 – 4 hours. Some companies also offer discounts for groups or specific demographics, so don’t forget to do your research before booking.
Q: What is the best hot air balloon festival?
A: Albuquerque’s International Balloon Fiesta is the largest balloon festival in the world. With a shocking 25 million photos captured each year, it is also recognized as the most photographed event in the world.
In Conclusion
If you want engagement photos that capture your bold, adventurous love story, then this is the PERFECT event. From the brightly colored balloons to the stunning sunrise, this session was better than we ever could have imagined.
Even with thousands of attendees, there’s something about this engagement that felt so sweet and intimate. This allowed us to capture real moments of romance and joy with our friends, Travis and Sierra.
For couples who want authentic engagement photos, it really doesn’t get any better than this. So if you’re ready to tell your story– in all of its beauty and emotion–fill out our inquiry form today!
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