Simple Sophistication

Newport Beach, CA & Gilbert, AZ • Sessions by appointment only

Melrose Engagement Session – Hollywood Photographer

01.26.18

Melrose Engagement Session – Hollywood

We were very excited to photograph Alice and Rich’s Melrose engagement session in Los Angeles. They love Melrose so they wanted to start their engagement session at their favorite restaurant, Spartina. The couple got special permission from the owner to have their Melrose engagement session early, before they opened. The restaurant was so accommodating and even poured them a glass of wine! Next, we headed over to their apartment at The Highland for some engagement photos around their building and rooftop (unbelievable views of Hollywood!) Afterwards, we went to their next favorite place- Target! Come to find out, they love Target. They love it so much, that they wanted a few photos there!

We can’t wait to celebrate with them during their wedding at the Surf and Sand Resort!

Spartina Italian Restaurant on Melrose

Spartina was created by Stephen Kalt, who has been an executive chef for well know restaurants like Corsa Cucina (Wynn Hotel, Las Vegas) Caulfield’s (Beverly Hills) and Fornelletto (Borgata Hotel, Atlantic City). He originally opened Spartina in NYC back in 1993. In 2015, Kalt jumped back into the restaurant owner/chef position and reopened Spartina on Melrose Ave. The restaurant can seat up to 100 and the dining room is open to the kitchen. The patio sits at the front of the building on Melrose.

Spartina is located at 7505 Melrose Ave. in Los Angeles.

About the Photographers

Brian and Jennifer Gilmore are husband and wife photographers that assembled a wedding photography team in Orange County, CA. They have been photographing weddings, families, and corporate events since 2003. Contact us for more info about booking your wedding in the Southern California area. The creative team at Gilmore Studios specialize in wedding photography in Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, Corona Del Mar, Laguna Beach, Dana Point, Huntington Beach, and surrounding areas in OC and Los Angeles, CA. Call 949-698-3968 or email us for more info about booking your 2018 engagment and wedding photographer.

by GilmoreTags: engagement session in LA, gilmore studios engagement, Los Angeles engagement session, Melrose engagement session, Spartina Melrose, Spartina restaurant, The Highland Apartments, West Hollywood engagement session, West Hollywood photographer

Meet the Gilmores:

Gilmore Studios is a husband and wife team that serves Orange County, Los Angeles, and San Diego areas. We specialize in fine wedding photography, family portraits, and newborn photography. Our studio has been in business since 2002.

Fun Facts:

PLace we call home:

Newport Beach

Number of kids:

3 boys

Years in business:

Since 2002

As seen in:

Wedding

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Simple Sophistication

We are on Instagram

Here’s my secret…don’t fight it. You play, you laugh, you follow their lead. The best photos happen when everyone’s relaxed, a little bit silly, and free to be themselves. Real is what you’ll want to remember later.
#FamilyPhotography #TwinsPhotography #GilmoreStudios #OCPhotographer #RealLifeMoments

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Open post by gilmorestudios with ID 17988802880682021

Here’s my secret…don’t fight it. You play, you laugh, you follow their lead. The best photos happen when everyone’s relaxed, a little bit silly, and free to be themselves. Real is what you’ll want to remember later.
#FamilyPhotography #TwinsPhotography #GilmoreStudios #OCPhotographer #RealLifeMoments

1. Keep posing gentle and natural.
At this age, kids don’t need stiff, formal poses. Simple prompts like “look over your shoulder,” “hold your dress,” or “twirl once” help them feel at ease and still keep the focus on the special meaning of the day.
2. Give them space to feel grown-up and little.
Eight is a magical age, old enough to understand the moment, but still so innocent. I like to sneak in a few detail shots of their hair, dress, or tiny hands to capture that in-between.
3. Talk to them like a friend.
An 8-year-old is more relaxed when they feel seen and heard. I always ask about their favorite part of getting ready, or what they’re most excited about. The best smiles come when they feel proud of what this milestone means. #BaptismPhotography #BaptismPortraits #ChildPortraitPhotography #LDSBaptism #ldstemple

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Open post by gilmorestudios with ID 18353093719155535

1. Keep posing gentle and natural.
At this age, kids don’t need stiff, formal poses. Simple prompts like “look over your shoulder,” “hold your dress,” or “twirl once” help them feel at ease and still keep the focus on the special meaning of the day.
2. Give them space to feel grown-up and little.
Eight is a magical age, old enough to understand the moment, but still so innocent. I like to sneak in a few detail shots of their hair, dress, or tiny hands to capture that in-between.
3. Talk to them like a friend.
An 8-year-old is more relaxed when they feel seen and heard. I always ask about their favorite part of getting ready, or what they’re most excited about. The best smiles come when they feel proud of what this milestone means. #BaptismPhotography #BaptismPortraits #ChildPortraitPhotography #LDSBaptism #ldstemple

1. Simple is beautiful.
Soft, neutral outfits photograph best on a white background. You don’t need fancy clothes or lots of props, just pieces that feel comfortable and timeless so the focus stays on you and your little one.
2. The magic is in the in-between.
Don’t worry if your child isn’t looking at the camera the whole time. Some of the most heartfelt moments happen when you’re snuggling, playing, or just being together.
3. It’s okay if it feels a little chaotic.
Kids wiggle, giggle, and sometimes melt down. I’m a mom too, and I’ve seen it all. I’ll guide you through every moment so you can relax and soak up this sweet time together.#maternityphotosession #maternityphotoshoot #maternityphotography #mommyandme

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1. Simple is beautiful.
Soft, neutral outfits photograph best on a white background. You don’t need fancy clothes or lots of props, just pieces that feel comfortable and timeless so the focus stays on you and your little one.
2. The magic is in the in-between.
Don’t worry if your child isn’t looking at the camera the whole time. Some of the most heartfelt moments happen when you’re snuggling, playing, or just being together.
3. It’s okay if it feels a little chaotic.
Kids wiggle, giggle, and sometimes melt down. I’m a mom too, and I’ve seen it all. I’ll guide you through every moment so you can relax and soak up this sweet time together.#maternityphotosession #maternityphotoshoot #maternityphotography #mommyandme

🇺🇸 Happy Fourth of July! 🇺🇸

Today I’m feeling extra grateful for the freedoms we have, the people who built this country, and every brave person who has served — past and present — to protect it.

Wishing you a day of fireworks, family, and a moment to appreciate just how lucky we are to call the USA home. ❤️🤍💙

#4thofjuly #GratefulHeart #USA #Freedom #GilmoreStudios

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Open post by gilmorestudios with ID 18091179136632977

🇺🇸 Happy Fourth of July! 🇺🇸

Today I’m feeling extra grateful for the freedoms we have, the people who built this country, and every brave person who has served — past and present — to protect it.

Wishing you a day of fireworks, family, and a moment to appreciate just how lucky we are to call the USA home. ❤️🤍💙

#4thofjuly #GratefulHeart #USA #Freedom #GilmoreStudios

1. These photos will mean even more with time.
Right now, it might feel like a fun excuse to get everyone together, but years from now these are the images your family will go back to. The ones that hang on walls, show up in slideshows, and get pulled out during the holidays. It’s more than a session, it’s a gift for your future self.
2. Group photos are just the beginning.
Once I capture the big group shot, I break it down into smaller combinations like siblings, individual families, and grandkids with grandparents. You’ll walk away with a gallery that feels like a full family album.
3. I’ve got the chaos covered.
Big groups can feel overwhelming, but don’t worry. I know how to keep things moving, lighthearted, and fun. You don’t have to direct or organize anyone. Just show up and enjoy the moment, I’ll take care of the rest.
#extendedfamily #extendedfamilysession #familyphotographer

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Open post by gilmorestudios with ID 17973183527907105

1. These photos will mean even more with time.
Right now, it might feel like a fun excuse to get everyone together, but years from now these are the images your family will go back to. The ones that hang on walls, show up in slideshows, and get pulled out during the holidays. It’s more than a session, it’s a gift for your future self.
2. Group photos are just the beginning.
Once I capture the big group shot, I break it down into smaller combinations like siblings, individual families, and grandkids with grandparents. You’ll walk away with a gallery that feels like a full family album.
3. I’ve got the chaos covered.
Big groups can feel overwhelming, but don’t worry. I know how to keep things moving, lighthearted, and fun. You don’t have to direct or organize anyone. Just show up and enjoy the moment, I’ll take care of the rest.
#extendedfamily #extendedfamilysession #familyphotographer

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Newport Beach, CA & Gilbert, AZ

Session by appointment only