If there’s one thing brides on a budget are unwilling to compromise on, it’s usually their wedding photos. Everyone wants to remember their big day through high quality images they can keep for ages, but the same isn’t necessarily true for engagement photos.

How important is it to take professional engagement photos for your save the date cards? What are acceptable alternatives to including professional photos? Would you ever cut them out of your budget? Does the idea of NOT having professional engagement photos make you want to rant or rave?

Digital cameras might be all the rage, but that doesn’t mean film is dead just yet. There are a ton of artistic photographers who are dedicated to giving film a comeback, and the results of their work are truly dazzling.

Many of you may have noticed how Dan & Julie’s Real Wedding was full of unique photos, bright colors and interesting shots—that’s right! It was all shot on high quality film, printed and then scanned in to create digital prints.

You Look Nice Today Photography is a big proponent of film photos. I know it might be scary not to have the benefit of instant digital feedback, but it might be worth a try if you want truly unique photos with a fresh, artistic flair. Just look at how gorgeous some of these shots from You Look Nice Today came out:

Will you be giving film photography a try? Why or why not? Let us know!

I love the rustic charm of this elegant photo shoot from Photorange Photography. Kylee and Austin used simple props to transform the shoot from cute and sweet to chic and charming as well.

I absolutely adore the chalkboard “Love” sign and think it would be the perfect motif for a multi-photo save the date card like this one from Wedding Paper Divas:

Did you use any fun props in your engagement photos? What are your favorite ideas for props?