So you just got engaged???

The next step should be your engagement session!!!

First off let me start by saying CONGRATULATIONS! I know this is such an exciting time to look forward to. There is so much excitement and hope about what the future holds. Dreamy that’s the word I use to describe an engagement session. Your wedding photos will be planned and everything so meticulous and perfect.

Unless you elope and we just fly by the seat of our pants doing whatever you want all day. Totally up to you either way. The engagement session is a place where you can get as crazy and wild as you want… with the location also. This helps to not have to stress about anything but the wedding. Here are some tips to help you prepare for an engagement session. I want to make sure that you can get the most out of it.

Why engagement sessions are so important

I know some people choose to opt out of the engagement session which is totally up to you. However, I would be remiss if I did not tell you the reasons why that is not a good idea. The first reason it’s important to have an engagement session is that you want and need the photos for your announcement, and invitations to all your guests. Especially if you are eloping because your guests most likely won’t be there to celebrate with you. This is an easy way to make them feel like they are along for part of your journey.

The second reason an engagement session is so important is to really get to know your photographer before your big day. Usually when the photographer walks in the bride is already in the full swing of running around like a chicken with her head cut off. It feels very chaotic and the day is a little all over the place, even with all the best laid plans. This way you already know the photographer and you are comfortable with her and have gained some trust to let her do what she does best.

Let’s talk about the engagement location

The first thing to think about is picking a location. This is a chance to make one of a kind, wild, free and romantic photos. You want to pick a sort of exotic location so that they are unique. It’s a great time to think outside of the box.

Waterfalls, secluded caves, or even the side of a cliff. If you aren’t really the adventurous hiking type maybe something a little less extreme like a tall rooftop access, an old library, or even an abandoned house has a bit of mystery and beauty. There are so many endless options I would love to help you choose the perfect one for you. I do a lot of location scouting so I have some really good ones in my pocket.

When should you book your engagement session?

The next thing to consider is the time of day to schedule your session. This will mostly depend on the location you choose. Usually sunrise and sunset are the most opportune times, unless of course you choose an indoor location. The times for those are much more flexible because we have more control over the light.

That being said I do like to shoot indoor locations in the middle of the day. Some outdoor locations are more covered by trees so the sun will appear to set earlier so we just have to keep this in mind. I personally love a sunrise session with the fog rolling in before it starts lifting off the ground. Or silhouetting a couple against the mountain top backdrop of the sun setting over the horizon.

What should you wear?

The last thing to consider is your outfit. I think even if you tend to be a more laid back, relaxed dressing person this is an event to dress up for. For the guy a tux, suit or even just a blazer with slacks would look super sophisticated. For the girl I think a nice floor length gown would add movement and depth to the photos. Bonus they are super flattering for all body types!

The colors I think will depend on the location and the season but keep in mind softer more neutral tones look great in nature. I think you should also bring a casual outfit to change into that way you get the best of both worlds. Click here for a copy of my styling guide for extra tips!

Hopefully all these tips will come in handy when preparing for this oh so special session. I want you to be able to focus on each other and the love you share. While I run around and capture it all for you. I am so excited for you both and cannot wait to meet you.

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