Why you should have an engagement session, when it should be and where, and what you should wear.
You're engaged!!! Woohoo!! This is such as exciting time, but it can also be extremely stressful. Between setting a date and finding a venue, a dress, a photographer, a caterer, etc. The list goes on and on. The last thing you need is to add yet another thing to stress over. That's why I put this little nifty guide together, to help ease a little bit of the worry & stress that comes along with planning a wedding.
First of all, I want to talk about WHY you should even do engagements in the first place. I've had a few brides opt out of taking engagement photos for various reasons, mainly because by the time they booked me, their wedding was only a couple of months away. Unless you're getting married a week from the day you book me, I suggest we do engagements, and I'll tell you why. They're not just to stick on the save-the-date, or post for an announcement. These are still sweet moments and memories that are a part of your journey that you'll want to look back on someday.
That being said, here are a couple of reasons WHY you should take engagements:
1. It helps you and your S/O get comfy in front of the camera, and it helps us all get to know what it'll be like working together. I truly want to get to know you two as people and as a couple. I want to see what makes you laugh the hardest and what moments from your relationship your hold closest to your heart. The way you react to my prompts tells me a lot about you two as a couple!
2. STRESS. FREE. PHOTOS. Let's be honest here, there's a lot to get through on your wedding day and there isn't an infinite about of time to get it all done. I try my best to carve out plenty of time for just the three of us to take photos the day of, but sometimes there just aren't enough hours in the day and things get a little rushed. That won't happen with engagement photos. There's no rushing around or worrying about guests. It's just the three of us taking photos and having fun.
WHEN & WHERE you should take engagements.
I personally don't think there is a right or wrong answer for WHEN you should have your engagements done. The only instance when time plays a key factor is when you're using engagement photos for save-the-dates. In that case, it's probably a good idea to schedule them asap after you book me. (Save-the-dates are generally sent out four to eight months prior to your wedding).
I've had people ask if they should be taken in the same season you're getting married in. My response? Who cares? YOU DO YOU. You can take them at any time of the year you want.
I have the same mindset when it comes to WHERE you take your photos. It's ultimately up to you, but I do think the location should reflect somewhat on you as a couple. Like to go hiking together? Let's go! Love to grab coffee on a Sunday afternoon? I'm 1000% down. Are you homebodies and you love to snuggle up on the couch? In-home sessions are amazing. Or are you social butterflies and love to get dressed up and hit the town? Let's spend the afternoon jumping around town!
Finally, what to WEAR. Kinda like with when and where, it's up to you and what you feel most comfortable in. I feel like many people view engagements as formal photos, so they think that they have to dress really nice. That's only true if you want it to be. Like I said before, if you want to get fancy and hit the town, then sure, put on a fancy dress and some red lips and let's do this thing. On the other hand, if you and your boo are more casual and you want to wear your favorite mom jeans with the holes and your Vans; go for it!
These photos are for two people and two people only; you and your love. That's it. So, don't worry about what others will think or if they fit the mold. Just forget about the camera, have fun, and you do you!
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