Once you book your wedding photographer, the engagement session planning begins!
I will guide you through the ENTIRE process and if you need to be styled by me, do not worry, I am here to help. If you booked with another photographer, no biggie, this article is still relevant and will help you and your wedding photographer too!
Let me start off by saying, engagement sessions can seem overwhelming, but they don't have to be at all! So many of the couples I get to work with, overthink it, and it sets the tone to be nervous and "unsure." I tell all my couples, my objective for an engagement session is to just have fun and that's really it. I promise, if we are having fun, your photos will turn out great!
So.. let's brainstorm your engagement session! Pinterest boards ALWAYS help, so be sure to send any inspiration pieces my way or to your photographer.
When do I schedule my Engagement Session?
The timing of your engagement session really depends on what you plan to do with the photos. If you are trying to use the photos for "Save-the-Dates", you are looking at wanting to book your session at least 10-12 months before your wedding.
Some couples want to use the photos for their invitations and that all depends on when you are sending out the invites. If you are planning to send invitations 6 months before your wedding, you'll want to do your engagement session at least 8-10 months before.
Timing for your engagement session is very flexible if you are not needing photos for "Save-the-Date's" or invitations. If you want prints to have on display at your wedding, you'll want to make sure you have your engagement session done at least 2 months prior to your wedding to allow time for you to obtain your prints without the stress of rushing.
My turn-around time for engagement images is 7 days from the session date, so knowing that information will help you determine your timing as well. I have done many many "last-minute" engagement sessions, some were even 1 month before the wedding, but these couples were not needing the photos for the reasons listed above.
Determine a Location
I always like to ask the couple if they have any special locations that have meaning to them. Some couples have "their spot" of where they met, or where they got engaged, so it's important you ask the couple first if they have a preferred location. If the couple has their location picked out - awesome!
If the couple doesn't have a location in mind, here's how to help them brainstorm on what to do -
What is the couple into? By this point you should have a feel for the couple's personalities and what they are into. If not, this information is important to collect during your initial wedding meeting. Knowing their hobbies will help brainstorm on where to go!
Make Suggestions based on what the couple is into. If the couple are avid hikers, suggest a hike, but make sure you can handle it too! Adventure engagement sessions are always fun. If the couple is into bar hopping or breweries, suggest a date night and be the couple's personal photographer for the evening! The sky is the limit and here is the opportunity to get creative!
What do I wear?
I will be honest, your outfit DOES matter and will set "the tone" and "theme" for your engagement session, but again, don't overthink it, ask for help before becoming overwhelmed!
Some women are confident with fashion and know what looks good on them, whereas a lot of women struggle with this. Here's where I come in and can help you if needed! If you need me to style you, I will! I have worked with so many couples and helped with their outfit choices based on the "theme" and scenery. Styling is fun for me!
Neutrals are always a winner, no matter where you go - so when in doubt, stick with neutral colors! Keep it simple, make sure to wear colors that compliment your skin tone and most importantly, wear something that YOU are comfortable in!
- Connect with a Wedding Photographer
Your wedding location will have so much beauty to offer for stunning backdrops on your wedding day, and of course, you will want these moments captured. As photojournalist wedding photographers in Northern California, we capture all the smiles and all the raw feels as each moment happens. My goal is to relax, have fun and most importantly, make your wedding day vision come to life.
Call us at (530) 401-0509 or get in touch through our website's contact form. I will be touch with you within 24 hours. You can check out my blog to see more of my wedding photography style and my Instagram has all of my work too, don't forget to follow me! I can't wait to meet you and hear all about your wedding vision!