Congratulations!!! You are engaged!!!
This is a celebration of the next step in your relationship. Do it together and you’ll have beautiful memories you’ll be proud to show off!! What’s the theme for your shoot? Formal? Casual? Christmas Card? Classic poses or Candid moments?
Relax. You don’t have to choose just one. BUT - make choices!!!
Consider using the engagement session as a trial run with your favorite photographer. Comfort and a connection between you and your photographer is essential for a fun and relaxed session. Your pictures will be more natural and authentic.
Timelines
8-10 months for Save the Dates and wedding invites
2 Months before wedding if pair with your Pre-Hair and Make-Up appointment. Get a preview of how fabulous;ous you will look on your wedding day!!!
Plan Ahead
A picture is worth a thousand words.What do you want YOURS to say about you? Your partner? Your relationship?Have a theme for your pictures. Make it relevant for you both.
Make a day of it. Have fun!!! Think “Date Night”. This will help you mentally get in the mood and spirit of the day.
Enjoy a meal. Have a drink. Key word - ONE drink! You want to fully present in your photos.
This is about you, your partner and your life!! Got fur babies or real babies that are ready for their time infant of the camera - bring them! Props or anything else you want to add, just let your photographer know in your consultation meeting - not the day often shoot.
Picking a photographer…
That is the million dollar question and one of the reasons why you are here. However, the answer is not complicated at all.
Do. Your. Research.
Look at their portfolio, website, social media to get a feel for their work but also of the person you’ll be spending a good portion of your wedding day with as well as the time before and after. That can be up to 2 years! Cost is irrelevant if you don’t like the work or can’t stand the person. Most photographers will offer an engagement shoot within a package.
Meet with the photographer BEFORE your shoot. Its vital that you and your photographer have a high level of comfort and trust so your vision for your shoot produces beautiful memories. That meeting would be a good time to bring up any other “must have” shots, body issues etc. Consider using the same photographer for your engagement and your wedding so you have a seamless visual style to your photos as your relationship progresses.
Location. Location. Location.
Pick somewhere special and unique to you and your relationship or be adventurous and go somewhere new! Go where you started dating? Where you got engaged?
What do you like to do? Hike in the woods or a night on the town? You’ll be having so much fun the you’ll forget you are getting your pictures taken - which is the plan BTW!
Try to shoot somewhere OTHER than your wedding venue.
While thinking about WHERE but also WHEN?? High noon might not give the best light. Beach shots in June may be too crowded. Ask you photographer about “golden hour”photos. You’ll be glad you did.
If in doubt, ask you photographer. They may know some places that you didn’t know about that would fit your theme perfectly.
Hair and Make-Up
Ladies - get your hair and make-up done by a professional. There WILL be ring shot. Get your nails done. Pamper yourself. SPA DAY!!
Kill two birds with one stone! Book your engagement shoot a couple days after your Pre Wedding Make- Up appointment. You’ll get to see how you’ll look in the wedding pictures.
Gentlemen - Get to the barber or stylist. Don’t forget the ‘stache and the beard. Again, try and go a few days before your shoot.
Score some points with the fiancé, go with her to get a facial and a mani/pedi. She’ll love it, you may too.
What to Wear???
Wear something nice, especially if you are going to use these pictures for the Save the Dates or putting them on display in the house.
Wear something that makes you feel like a million bucks!!! Go shopping if you like. Wash and wear that outfit once BEFORE your shoot.
Wear something comfortable and dress for the weather if you’ll be outside. Dress for your skin tone. Keep the jewelry simple and complimentary. This is about you and your mate, no distractions necessary.
Solid colors are best. Avoid busy patterns or logos. Avoid all black or all white. Stay away from overly trendy clothes IF you wish your photos to appear timeless.
No need to be twins, but do wear something that complements your partners outfit.
During the shoot ….
Have. FUN!!!!
I know its been said before, but this does bear repeating so……. HAVE FUN!!!
This is about the happiest time in your relationship to date. Let your love light SHINE!!!
Focus on your partner. These pictures are all about PRESENT you for FUTURE you. If you get stressed, focus on your partner.
DO NOT focus on the photographer. You’ll look more like a couple in love, not striking a pose.
DO NOT worry about how you look like in the pictures. That’s the photographers job. Trust you photographer!You did the research, you pick the right guy for you you… now let them the job you are paying them for. Be present. Be in the moment. Usually that crazy pose that feels like you are playing Twister is actually very beautiful in camera.
Get CLOOOOOOOSE!!! This is a perfect excuse to hug, kiss, cuddle and get intimate with your partner. PDA encouraged.
Practice the “almost kiss”. When in doubt….KISS!!!!
