What’s that you say?! He FINALLY put a ring on it?! Congratulations!! Pop some bubbly and let the wedding planning begin!
One of the first items to cross off of the wedding to-do list is booking an engagement session. These photos mark the union between a couple that has chosen to spend forever together. They are typically used for announcing the upcoming wedding through save-the-dates or on your own wedding website. In other words, they’re a BIG DEAL! Besides choosing the perfect outfit combinations, another huge consideration is the engagement session location. Have no fear, I’m confident that the following list will give you a few ideas!
1. Location That Holds Sentimental Value
Maybe he proposed along the beach at sunset. Or maybe you took a walk in the park on your first date. Either way, these milestones that you hold near and dear to your heart deserve to be photographed. What better way than going back and taking engagement photos there?!
2. Reflection of Your Personality
Think about your hobbies. Think about what you and your fiancé do for fun. What makes you most comfortable? How can you incorporate that into your engagement session? Well, if you two enjoy hiking, consider wooded areas. If you’re avid foodies, have a picnic with some favorite foods serving as props (and as a yummy snack!). If quality time is your love language, and cuddling under a blanket while watching Netflix is the way to your heart, why not take a romantic photoshoot in your own home? After all, your respective personalities are one of the things that you love most about each other, right? Showcase that in your engagement session!
3. Time of Day & Year
This one may be a little tricky, as Mother Nature always has a few unexpected tricks up her sleeve. Depending on where you live, it may be hot all year round, or you may have four different seasons to choose from. My advice? Aim for a time of year that you’re both comfortable with! If the summer months make one of you burn as red as a lobster or easily perspire, go for a more mild spring or fall session. If your teeth constantly chatter in the winter chill, it may be hard to smile (or kiss!). When it comes to choosing a time of day, I LOVE photographing in diffuse and golden lighting, which occurs about two hours after sunrise and two hours before sunset. It’s also important to think about what the background of your photos will look like. Would you prefer a backdrop of blooming flowers and trees, a landscape filled with colorful fall leaves, or a snowy scene? The possibilities are endless, but choose a time that works best for you!
If I’m willing to bet, I’m guessing that after reading this list, you have an idea of where and when you want your engagement session to be. Now that you’ve pictured the perfect location, let’s make that dream a reality! I would be honored to photograph you & your fiancé in the location of your choosing. I’m a New Jersey-based photographer, but I travel worldwide to capture memories to last a lifetime!
This is your love story. How do you want to tell it?
