As of late, it seems like everyone getting engaged is on the hunt for out-of-the-ordinary spaces to shoot their Charlotte-based engagement ‘seshes.

We understand: social media is most likely the reason for this. After all, don’t you just love scrolling down your fave social media platform -- minding your business -- to arrive at a location that gives the wow effect in a pic like it’s supposed to give?

We know we do.

Charlotte and surrounding areas do not disappoint when it comes to unique locations for your engagement shoot, like these funky areas (add link to funky article) designed to match any couple’s style. But wait, there’s more! Take window shopping to the next level with some retail buildings that are low-key designed to make a model out of you!

Here are five boutiques throughout the city to consider for your engagement session:

1. Capitol (and Poole Shop)

As if you need another to visit the SouthPark neighborhood, Capitol Boutique -- along with its sister boutique, Poole Shop -- is where nature meets high fashion in an engagement session.

First, the open spaces from the window design throughout the 6,000-square-foot store gives a natural lighting source you didn’t know you needed. Then, the interior courtyard just might make you forget you’re shooting in the city! Finally, the fashions! Capitol brings it with brands like Balenciaga and Chloe, while Poole Shop introduces Charlotte to fresh, innovative designers.

This means that Capitol and Poole Shop join forces to become a one-stop session spot with something for every fashion-forward couple.

2. Apricot Lane

For engagement sessions, you might have overlooked Apricot Lane. Nope, it’s not one of the many Charlotte streets you’ve passed by while walking through Uptown.

Apricot Lane is a Piper Glen-area premier boutique located in the StoneCrest Shopping Center. For those looking for a cute engagement sesh without the drive into Uptown, this store gives a warm, loft-like, non-overwhelming vibe.

Outside — and if you know, you know! — there appears to be a mini park-like atmosphere outside the store, with greenery and black lamp posts fitting for any romantic setting. If you enjoy whimsical things, and wish to stay on the southernmost portion of I-485, stroll down to Apricot Lane.

3. Shine Salon

Located on Pecan and Shenandoah Avenues is Shine Salon, which might work double duty for your engagement shoot.

On one hand, you can get slayed with one or more of the services offered by the Shine Team: hairstyling, skin peeling, waxing, and nail designing. On the other hand, there’s the location, serving looks for the session itself! Shine Salon is a spacious building with all the contemporary feels possible. Inside, you’ll find modern fixtures in a palette of neutral tones, which makes this setting perfect for couples who want to stand out in style. Shines’ attention to the interior walls,  black and white abstract design, makes it the perfect solution for anyone looking for backdrops that stand apart, and, well, make photos shine!

As appointments are usually required for most upscale salons, you’ll want to make arrangements in advance before shooting your engagement session at Shine. 

4. Wine & Design

What’s usually a painting class infused with a drink or three can turn into an engagement photo session!

On Southend’s East Boulevard is one of the first sip and paint destinations to reach Charlotte, Wine & Design. Take advantage of the art exhibit created by past attendees and staff alike to give your session the avant-garde theme art lovers crave. Make your session an even more exciting time by bringing family and friends who are 21 and over to be a part of the background. And, what’s not to love about Southend?

While at Wine & Design, take your pick of one of the many spaces that come photo-ready, no matter what you desire in a shoot. It doesn’t hurt that Uptown is less than five minutes away, either. For those looking for a sip and paint experience outside of the city, Wine & Design has two other locations, in Gastonia and Hickory.

5. Acquisitions

When visiting a furniture store, turning the shopping trip into an engagement session might be the furthest thing on your mind.

That’s probably because you haven’t visited Acquisitions on Hawkins Street. Like Wine & Design, it’s nestled in Charlotte’s Southend neighborhood, giving you even more options for your sesh. But start at Acquisitions, because the combination of finely-crafted furniture, European antiques, and quirky accessories provides enough scenery for a day’s worth of shoots. 

Charlotte continues to understand the assignment when it comes to engagement session ideas.

These five boutique ideas are more ways to accompany your theme or help you create something totally new. Make sure to avoid busy shopping days, such as Saturdays and sale days to help make your engagement session full of imagination and free of drama.