THE engagements
The best way to start thinking about your wedding photos is with an engagement session! This is a wonderful opportunity to capture some candid and casual shots together as a couple, something we rarely find time to do – it’s also a great time to get to know your photographer a little better and learn how to get comfortable in front of the camera. My engagement sessions are about an hour to two in length and by the end of it, you will be pros.
As to what to do during an engagement shoot, that’s completely up to you! While I’m happy to give suggestions, your shoot can be anything you want it to be. Let’s dive in a bit more about your session with activities to do and your outfit choices. Trust me, engagement sessions are one of my favorite things to photograph, and although most of my couples feel the nerves at first, they always disappear within minutes. Once you get your photos back you'll be asking yourself, "How is that us?"
Tips
Activity
Don't forget about what makes you two special. Think outside of the box. If photos are kind of nerve-racking for you, do an activity together that you love. We can, of course, throw in some formal photos for "mom and dad" shots but we are going to find the perfect poses to bring out your personalities and capture your love in the most authentic way.
What do I mean by doing an activity? Do you like to skateboard? Canoe? Or even just eat ice cream together? You can incorporate that into your engagement session! And heck, it doesn't even have to be an activity, but also a location. Where was the proposal? Do you guys have a special place you always go? Ask yourself questions like these and you will have an engagement session to remember.
Nerves are Normal
Please know it’s totally normal to feel a little (or a lot!) nervous at your first photo shoot, but I’ll be there to help – and make you laugh – every step of the way. If you didn't feel nervous, that would be more out of the norm. Give yourself a few minutes for me to loosen you up and you will be a pro in no time. Think of it like having fun with your best friend like always, while someone happens to be taking photos. No sweat. And to top it all off, we will play some music and pretend we are in our own little music video. Soon you will forget the camera is there and it'll just be fun from there on out.
Outfits
Figuring out what to wear can be kind of stressful, we get it! Outfits really can make or break your photos. Don't be afraid to send your photographer (hi, me) a whole fashion show to find the perfect outfits. I will always be honest! Even if a outfit is super cute, it may not photograph the best with my editing style. Neutrals are always the way to go for me as they photograph beautifully no matter what. Patterns aren't always bad; however, they can be a distraction. Overall, wear what you feel best in. If you don't feel confident, that is a big no, no. So let's swap out for something you do feel confident in! Even better find a cute comfy outfit to wear and then a stunning more formal outfit as we will have time for both!
Spring: May is best for spring blooms.
Summer: Plan a summery session between late May and early September.
Fall: Late September through October is best for fall color.
Winter: A winter session can be simple yet magical.
WHEN TO schedule YOUR SESSION
Save The Dates
If you want to use your photos for save-the-dates, I suggest booking around 8–10 months before the wedding. As always don’t stress because you and your wedding are beautifully unique so if timelines aren’t exact that’s is OK. Everything will come together I promise! Whenever you want to send your save-the-dates just note that after our engagement session you will receive a collection of sneak peek photos in the first 2 weeks and then the entire gallery in 4-6 weeks.
Sessions will be booked on a weekday evening and usually around sunset unless otherwise requested.
STYLE inspiration
