Planning your engagement session
Congrats! You’re engaged! Deciding to spend forever together is the first step in the very long planning process of getting married. Scheduling an engagement session is an excellent way to kick off your engagement and start celebrating your upcoming wedding. It is also beneficial for “Save the Dates” and getting comfortable in front of the lens as a couple. Did you know, though, that your engagement session isn’t just about photos showcasing the ring? Your engagement session is meant to highlight your relationship, your individual personalities, and the love you share. In order to successfully capture the essence of you and your partner, your engagement session requires some planning.
Three things I encourage my couples to consider for their engagement session are style, location, and wardrobe. Let’s take a look at what I’m talking about.
Style
What do I mean by style? The term “style” in regards to engagement photography is used to describe the aesthetic of your photos. Are you a formal couple? Or are you more casual? Are you bright and whimsical? Or sultry? Do you like to have fun? Are you more laid back? Are you summer or winter? Think about who you are as a couple, and what that looks like. Jessica and James are cute and fun. They are a summer picnic in the park, a stroll through the city, soft and romantic.
Location
Location is probably the easiest to plan. Most couples have places they hold near and dear to them. Perhaps, they are choosing a location that is linked to a fond memory. Maybe, the location that represents their relationship the most is where they call home. If my couples are unsure about where they want their session to take place, I suggest choosing somewhere that complements the style they want. Jessica and James live in Boston, and many of the things they like to do together take place in the city. The Boston Public Garden was a must because it’s where James proposed to Jessica! We savored the moment with a champagne picnic, then strolled through other parts of the city. These two genuinely love being with one another, so I embraced that and focused on capturing how the beauty of Boston highlights the beauty of their love.
Wardrobe
I LOVE planning outfits! However, I’m aware choosing a wardrobe is not always as fun as I think it is. Some tips to make it a little less stressful are: 1) circle back to the style of photos you want and your style as a couple, 2) consider the location and the time of year, 3) choose materials and silhouettes that are flattering to your body.
Let’s take a look at Jessica and James for inspiration. Because they scheduled their engagement session during the summer, Jessica donned a lightweight and flowy dress with a floral pattern. A dress that can produce movement is a wonderful choice if you’re after a soft and romantic style. Mixing patterns and colors adds visual interest, and keeps the vibe fun. James went with a comfortable, yet classy, pair of slacks and a button-down shirt. He made it clear he does not wear jeans, and he’s very confident in what colors and styles he looks good in and feels comfortable in. Ultimately, that is what makes a successful wardrobe choice. If you feel comfortable and confident in what you are wearing, you’re going to feel confident in front of the lens.
One more thing to keep in mind for your engagement session outfit: always overdress. These are special photos. You want them to look special. You want them to feel special.
they are a summer picnic in the park
a stroll through the city
soft and romantic
Happy planning!
with love from the lens,
ashley
