Your engagement session
How exciting! Engagement sessions are such a wonderful way to capture the love and excitement leading up to your big day. It is a perfect opportunity for you to understand what your wedding photography will be and look like. Here are a few tips to help you prepare:
Choose a location
Decide on a location that reflects your personalities and vibes as a couple. It could be a favorite park, cityscape, beach or even the first place you guys met. Be as unique as you want to be. Some social media platforms can be used for inspiration but keep it original to you.
Outfit coordination
Select outfits that complement each other but don't necessarily match exactly. Consider the location and season when choosing colors and styles. Solid colors or subtle patterns tend to photograph well. Consider hiring a custom designer and/or stylist for your session. This allows you to truly have a session that’s unique to you. It's a task for sure thinking of the perfect outfits for you and your partner. We recommend starting with the more formal outfit first.
HAIR AND MAKE UP
If you're planning on getting your hair and makeup done professionally for your wedding, consider doing a trial run on the same day as your engagement session. This will give you an idea of how it will look in photos. Remember your engagement ring will be a special feature during your session so do forget to get a manicure. Gents, try to shoot for a clean trim and line up within a day or two of the actual session to stay looking fresh!
Props and accessories
If you have any meaningful props or accessories, like a bouquet of flowers, a vintage car, or your furry friend, feel free to incorporate them into your session.
Plan for weather
Keep an eye on the weather forecast leading up to your session and be prepared with appropriate clothing or umbrellas if needed. We recommend postponing to another date if the forecast is above 50%.
timing
There is no perfect time for your engagement session. A favorite season that represents your personality is a good choice to start with. Whether you choose autumn, spring, winter or summer - each season will make perfect pictures. I'll also recommend having your shoot early, so you can have enough time to prepare for your wedding.
I always encourage my clients to come in at least 15 minutes earlier than the set time, this will give you enough time to relax and set up the things you came along with. I'll be there early as well to look out for the best locations that'll make your photos unique. If possible schedule your session during the golden hour, which is typically the hour after sunrise or before sunset. The lighting during this time is soft and flattering, creating a romantic atmosphere.
