YAY you’re engaged! I love a good sappy proposal story. You are about to have a fun and tiny bit stressful (#realtalk) journey of wedding planning, but no fear I am here to offer a little help.
Your engagement session is where your wedding planning will start to feel real and it’s the first time you really get to work with your wedding photographer. I think engagement sessions are great because it’s like a trial before your wedding day. We all get to feel a little awkward and get to know how to work together in a really relaxed way. If you’re not sure where to start or what to expect read these tips to help your engagement session run smoothly.
Talk to Your Photographer About a Location
Photographers usually have a few go-to locations that they really enjoy shooting at. We know them, we know what to expect and we have a system. If you have a specific kind of location in mind or a “look” that you want your photos to have then communicate with your photographer. I personally love collaborating with my couples about their engagement sessions. It gives us all fun project to plan together and gives me an insight into their style. Don’t be afraid to tell your photographer what you’d like, these are your photos after all.
Pick Up to Two Outfits and Try to Coordinate Color and Style
I tell my couples to pick one or two outfits for the engagement session. This gives options and adds some fun to the photos. One casual outfit and one a little dressy work just fine. Many engagements sessions here in Florida happen at the beach so bringing a bathing suit is also a great idea. A good rule is that outfits aren’t to matchy but have a color combination or similar style so you and your partner look like you’re at the same event. Pinterest boards are great for planning and if you need help I have a board (here) that you can see for some ideas.
Bring Bug Spray
I made this mistake during my first beach engagement session on Honeymoon Island. The weather was gorgeous, and we were all set to start… then a huge swarm of no-see-ums came and ate our legs. It was pretty terrible. We powered through the entire session, but my legs were so itchy for a week after. The same with mosquitoes. Florida is just bug heaven, so I bring bug spray with me now. To stay comfortable, prepare for any elements that may be out of your control like bugs, sun, rain, and if you’re on the beach a towel can be helpful.
Don’t Stress Too Much Over Weather
You can’t control the weather. Sometimes you just have to embrace it. The way I obsessively watch the weather radar I could probably have a career one day as an amateur weather lady. If weather gets too bad I will reschedule the shoot, but sometimes weather that seems not ideal at the time makes for some great pictures. I’ve had an engagement session in Atlanta while it snowed and a beach engagement session in Florida after it had just poured but all of the pictures turned out beautiful and we weren’t hot! Win win.
You will Feel Awkward at First – That is Why You Hired a Professional
You will feel awkward. Everyone does. Heck, I even get weird in front of a camera. No big deal, that’s why you hired someone that is a pro in taking awesome photos. Not only do I know how to use a camera, but I also know how to break people out of their shell. I have had dozens of brides-to-be say, “my fiancé hates having his photos taken he never smiles,” perfect! Challenge accepted! Usually in the end the guys are the ones who had the most fun. A big key to getting past this as a couple is making sure you hire the right photographer for you. I cannot stress that enough. Don’t just look for pretty photos or a cheap price tag actually get to know them. Find someone you get along with and can relate to. That is how those epic engagement photos you see all over Pinterest are really made. It’s a connection behind the camera that makes a huge difference.
Help other couples you know with stress free wedding planning and share this post with your friends.
If you have any other questions, feel free to send an email or DM me on social media I’d love to help in any way I can – Joyelanphoto@gmail.com.
