In order to have the best experience throughout your wedding planning and engagement, I have put together some tips and information to help. We’ll start with the engagement session!

Engagement sessions are a *wonderful* investment. I actually include them with each of my collections because I think so highly of them. They allow you to get to know your photographer a little better (they will be with you most of your wedding day and it’s best if they don’t feel like a stranger!) and also give you practice in front of the camera before the wedding day. It’s a fun date, and well, there are a lot of reasons to do one. Perhaps I will write another post on why to do one sometime in the future!

Anyways, once the session is booked there are things to think about that aren’t always obvious. Engagement sessions are a great way to document the beginning of your life together and your relationship. I like to think that they are more than just taking photos at the first nice place you think of!

When starting to plan your engagement session here are a few questions to ask yourself:

•  What locations do I find particularly beautiful?
  • Hiking trails in the beautiful outdoors, cute downtown cafe, greenhouse or gardens?
• What type of aesthetic do I want the photographs to have?
  • Relaxed at home and baking cookies together, casual flannel and outdoorsy, elegant gown and suit in manicured gardens?
• What season works best with the answers to the questions above?
  • A greenhouse in late spring, the shore in the summertime, a wooded area in autumn?
• Are there any places significant to us where we might want to take them?

As you answer these questions, also think about whether or not the location will be crowded. If so, consider a sunrise session. There is a lot less of a chance for a crowd during sunrise than sunset!

What you wear really factors in to the outcome of your session, but that shouldn’t be stressful! Here are a few tips:

• Consider the location and season when picking your outfit.
• Consider the aesthetic you chose. For example, jeans are great for a more casual session, but maybe not so much one in manicured gardens.
• Coordinating your outfits is great! Mix it up a little bit and use one or two commonalities to tie them together.
• You won’t regret getting your hair and makeup done professionally. It will help you feel your best!
• Flower crowns are lovely if you’re planning for something a little more formal. Personally, I would wear one every day if it were socially acceptable.

 

The day of: Remember that the first 10 minutes of your session might feel a little awkward, but you don’t have to worry! As the awesome Abby Grace Photography has said, “Just be in love and I’ll do the rest!”

As always, if you have questions, ask your photographer! If you’re unsure of an exact location, but have an idea of what you want it to look like, let them know! They might be able to help you find somewhere 🙂