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Safari Wedding Inspiration from Utterly Engaged + Propel

Safari Wedding Inspiration from Utterly Engaged + Propel

Lucia Dinh of Utterly Engaged + So Happi Together teamed up with Caroline Tran to design an inspiration setting for her workshop, Propel. She imagined a wedding story between a city girl in love with safaris and a groom with Southern sensibilities. The shoot turned out too delicious for words, and you can see it in full in their Issue No. 24 Fizz and Frills.

lounge reception ideas
Left image by Caroline Tran, right image by Isa Pin

About the workshop:
From Caroline Tran: Propel was born from my two passions: teaching and photography. I was a high school Physics teacher before becoming a full time photographer. Though there are many reasons why I chose photography, there are also many things I miss about teaching. I especially miss the mentoring aspects of teaching – I love sharing knowledge and I love helping people reach their full potential. I am so grateful for having the opportunity to teach again.

Propel covers how to establish your aesthetic and approach, marketing and everything in between. The best part, it’s like summer camp 🙂


outdoor reception ideas

wedding table decor

zebra inspired stationery

outdoor wedding ideas

zebra wedding stationery

zebra wedding details
Above images by Caroline Tran

Propel focuses on helping you build a sustainable business, and establishing your style when you shoot. We cover topics anywhere from marketing & branding to workflow. And of course, we always have a couple of beautifully styled shoots for lots of hands-on practice. I walk you through how I approach a shoot, and then give you time to practice. Propel is an experience. Think of it like summer camp or a retreat. There’s no way to fully describe it; you just have to experience it.



outdoor wedding receptions


Above images by Isa Pin


king protea flowers

Above image by Justin Parker

See Also
Philbrook Museum

About the inspiration behind the shoot:
Lucia of Utterly Engaged Magazine: We created a fictional wedding story to help inspire the editorial shoot and design elements for Propel. Inspired by the zebras at Saddlerock Ranch in Malibu, CA they mixed organic blooms and safari inspired graphic patterns to create a modern down-to-earth glamour wedding that’s rich in textures and layers of love. The fictional story: “She’s a city girl, that has a big heart and love for Africa. He’s a southern gentlemen who loves big adventures. Consumed with love they eloped and married among their closest friends and family in an intimate celebration for twelve.”


black white wedding invitations

black white stationery
Above image by Kimberly Chau

View all images from this shoot in the gallery

Event Location: Malibu, CA / Editorial Creative Director: Lucia Dinh Pador of Utterly Engaged Magazine for Propel / Workshop Mentor: Caroline Tran / Photographers: Justin Parker/Justin Snapp, Isa Pin, Kimberly Chau, Kym Vitar, Amelia Plumb, Annie Vovan, Michelle Turek, Ashley Batz, Chelsea Chamness, Caroline Yoon, and Aimee Jobe / Event Venue: Saddlerock Ranch / Head Designer and Stylist: So Happi Together / Floral Creative Director: Inviting Occasion Inc / Floral Assistant: Art With Nature / Wardrobe Styling: Lovely Jubilee / Wedding Dress: Lindee Daniel “Rebekah” via Lovely Bridal / Jewelry and Accessories: Vintage Homegrown and 31 Bits / Bridal Lingerie: Naked Princess / Caterer: Chef Anahita / Cake: A Wish and a Whisk / Desserts: Cake Monkey / Lighting: Chiavari Chair Rentals / Rentals: Found Rentals / Textiles Props: Scalamandré / Linens: Wildflower Linen / Stationery: DL/sh Designs

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