Engagement Sessions

Whether he just popped the question or you’ve been wearing that ring for a few weeks, a few months; I hope you’re still full of excitement and butterflies for the phase of life that you’re in right now. Maybe you’ve already secured your venue, and that’s a big step already done! Maybe you’ve booked your photographer, or you could still be looking. It’s time to figure out all the little details that come along to create your wedding day. This process includes your engagement pictures. Maybe this is overwhelming for you and you have no idea what’s in store and how to prepare for an engagement session.

Engagement sessions are my absolute favourite. It’s an excuse to dress up and spend some time with the love of your life, literally just loving on them. I also love to educate couples that the point of the engagement session is actually not frivolously just for casual photos! It’s actual purpose is to practice with the same photographer who will be photographing you on your wedding day, more than it is about the images (even though that’s an epic bonus). This is why it’s included; it’s an essential part of The Wedding Experience – it’s the sole reason I get the natural wedding day portraits that I do. It’s about connecting with your wedding photographer so that you’re relaxed and comfortable, and they know how to get the best side of you on your wedding day. Additionally, you know how they direct, you already know how to pose, and it makes the wedding day portraits go by so much sooner and get so many more!

Remember, the sun sets much earlier during the colder months of the year and much later during the warmer months, so make sure to factor that in when choosing your engagement session date, especially if you’re taking off work or have evening plans afterward. We’re only able to shoot when natural light is still in the sky, so we’ll want to take advantage of every minute we have together before the sun goes down. The sun waits for no one!

Choosing your location is actually endless. The first thing to decide is whether you’d like to feature your local area, or if you want to travel somewhere you know is beautiful; we’re always up for exploring a new spot together.

After choosing a location, the first step is choosing the outfits you want to wear. You should wear something you feel beautiful in but isn’t too fussy. Same for the groom, something he feels handsome in but isn’t too tight or uncomfortable. We always recommend 2 outfits as well, usually one that’s a bit more dressy and one that’s more casual.

Professional hair and makeup is on the top of most of our brides’ checklists because it looks amazing and removes the stress of getting ready on your own. Whether it’s lash extensions or blown-out hair, professional hair and makeup will give you an extra boost of confidence in front of the camera, and it always photographs like a dream. If you’re working with a makeup artist, have her apply your makeup in natural light, if possible, so that it looks fresh and not too heavy.

The last thing you should do to prepare for an engagement session is to have fun! The nerves may build up but always remember that the goal is for you to relax and have the best experience possible! There’s no expectations and you’re not suppose to know that to do! Your photographer should know how to show you the way, no matter who you are.

Even if you’re in the early stages of wedding planning, I’d love to chat with you to hear your ideas and thoughts for your dream wedding. Throw me an email, I can’t wait to grab a coffee with you and chat!