At Photography by Jodi Lynn & Co. we know how hard it can be to plan a date night with your man, especially after you’ve had a kiddo or two. Babysitters cancel, the kids get sick, or just good old fashion life comes up. But we believe it’s important for both of you to still “date” each other even when you’ve been together for years! Which is why we created these creative date ideas for your next night (or day) out. Whether you’re sporty, artsy or bit of both we hope these 5 date ideas will help you and your beau keep your relationship strong and romantic!

Affordable Date Ideas in The Valley

1. Take in some art: Phoenix has tons of great museums to visit around all year round. Make the most of them and visit them on their free admission days. The Phoenix Art Museum has free admission on Wednesdays and The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art is free on Thursday’s. Also, don’t forget about our local artist! You can find some great hidden gems at Downtown Phoenix First Fridays.

2. Find a new restaurant: The Valley of the Sun has an amazing array of dining options. So why not try some place new! Some of our favorite restaurants include, Joyride Tacos, Postino Wine Cafe, and Water Chestnut(open Thursday-Saturday.)Try out one of these spots for your next date night and maybe you’ll find a new favorite restaurant.

3. Have a sweet couples photo shoot: Let’s face it you probably have tons of selfies with your hubby or beau but how many of them do you want to see over and over again? Or maybe the last time you took professional photos was on your wedding day, but you’ve grown into a beautiful couple that goes beyond that first day as man and wife. Schedule a photo shoot and showcase what makes your relationship special today. Make things more personal by picking a fun theme that relates to your relationship like your favorite coffee house. Or pick a location that is meaningful to the both of you like your number one hiking destination.

4. Fever Pitch: With the summer temps rising one way to stay cool is by heading to Chase Field (they close the dome when it’s over 90 degrees outside) where you can enjoy a nice cold brew at The Draft Room and watch the Diamondbacks play ball! Looking for something more interactive? Top Golf is an affordable date that’s fun for the both of you! Tee off and see who can hit the longest range- nothing like a harmless competition to keep those flames going!

5. Cool off in the Salt River: Grab your suits and hit the water! The salt river is open for tubing until the end of September. Don’t forget a cooler and LOTS of sunscreen! Temps are scorching but the water is refreshing.

Why Date Night is Important

Dating, whether it’s your 15th or 150th date, is one of the easiest and most effective ways to keep your relationship healthy and long-lasting. It’s important to remember who you both are and what you mean to each other no matter how busy life gets.

At Photography by Jodi Lynn & Co. we know for most couples that the thought of having their photos taken is a terrifying experience. And we get it! Even as photographers we don’t always love being in front of the camera. But whether you love having your photo taken or not, we want to make sure that we can make the best of your engagement or couple session, and that the images reflect you as you are.

Engagement shoots have been around for several years now and they are so important for so many reasons. For one, they are a great way to spend some quality time together before the big day. They also allow you to get some stunning images of you both as a couple saying goodbye to one stage of your relationship before you become Mr. & Mrs. Many couples get the jitters before their session so to help calm any nerves we created 4 tips to help you rock your engagement photo shoot!

Four Tips to Ensure You Have an Amazing Engagement Session

Tip #1 Tell us all about yourselves!

When booking your engagement session tell us all about you and your fiancé. From what you do, how you met, to where and when your wedding will be. These details not only help us get to know you better but also help you feel more comfortable at your session since we’ll feel like old friends.

Tip #2 Relax! Take it easy

Although wedding planning can be a little (or a lot) stressful try to leave all the unfinished details at home and focus on having some fun! Your engagement session should be enjoyable and about the love you and your fiancé share. Once you relax and start to just be yourselves we’re able to get those lovely candid, real-life moments that we love so much.

Tip #3 Pamper yourself!

Your wedding day doesn’t need to be the only day you get glammed up. We really want you to look and feel your best. At Photography by Jodi Lynn & Co. We offer hair and make-up as a package add-on. Our hair and make-up artist work with you to create the perfect look to naturally compliment your beauty and have you feeling like a radiant brie-to-be.

Tip #4 Dress to Impress

What to wear to your engagement shoot is often the second most important outfit you’ll need throughout your wedding events, but how do you decide what to wear? Our best advice is to keep it simple. Avoid brand name logos or distracting patterns. Choose colors that go together or that are in the same color palette. If the location you choose is appropriate consider dressing up a bit, a dress and heels looks fabulous or slacks, and suit jacket for the guys will help you feel incredible and in turn look incredible.

Visit our gallery or our engagement category to see more Photography by Jodi Lynn & Co. couples and engagement sessions.

At Photography by Jodi Lynn & Co. our team of award winning professional photographers specialize in newborn, couples, senior, and family portrait photography. Their style is timeless and heartfelt leaving your images to become beautiful pieces of art in your home as canvases or luxury prints. Traci and Jodi Lynn are passionate about all forms portrait photography and enjoy working with our growing list of couples, families, and business professionals year after year. Portrait photography is something that is so special and personal. At Photography by Jodi Lynn, we take great care and pride in being your Arizona portrait photographer.

Premiere Outdoor Photography Studio in Arizona

If you’re a fan of our company and follow us on Facebook you may have seen this beautiful lady on our Le Boudoir Studio Facebook Page. Well after years of photographing her and her man, we have the pleasure of featuring them on this week’s blog! We loved capturing their sweet and beautiful connection at our countryside location in Scottsdale, AZ. Check out all the images below and let us know which one is your favorite.

Schedule your Spring Photo Shoot Today!

We absolutely love when we have the opportunity to grow with our clients and capture your family through the years, and this is why we offer an array of unique photography sessions including; maternity, newborn, families, and even graduating seniors! Schedule your Arizona family portraits while the weather is still gorgeous! Contact us to learn more about our packages and options!

This sweet couple’s photoshoot is brought you by Traci! Traci has been shooting with Photography by Jodi Lynn & Co for almost a year now and we couldn’t be more thrilled with the talent and charisma that she brings to each of her photoshoot. Her ability to ease our more nervous client’s through their shoot is incredible and she has a great time getting those natural smiles to come out on camera!

Outdoors Couples Portraits in Scottsdale

Paul is unlike most guys in the way that it was actually HIS idea to schedule the photo shoot as a birthday gift for his beautiful babe, Celeste. When they contacted the studio their outdoor couple’s photoshoot they told Traci that they wanted to feature beautiful bright colors and lush green urban areas. Luckily, Traci and Jodi Lynn knew the prefect spot- Photography by Jodi Lynn & Co.’s newest city location in Downtown Scottsdale! The lovely duo strolled through city streets, cuddled in corridors and courtyards, and shared lots of romantic glances! This was the epitome of a dreamy and passionate couple’s photography session, and we can’t wait to meet more wonderful couples to capture their own love stories.

Schedule some time with your Love!

We would love to talk to you about what makes your relationship special, and how our studio can capture it in beautiful portraits! Contact us or give us a call at the studio at (480)-495-5455 to schedule your session. 🙂