Your engagement session is such a great time to get dressed up and feel your best, get comfortable in front of my camera, and have FUN! I love candid, romantic photographs so just pretend you’re on a date! We will begin about 1.5 hours before sunset when the light is most flattering and warm. Your session will take around 1 hour.

WHAT TO WEAR

It’s not everyday you get professional photographs taken together, so I always encourage my couples to dress up! You’ll feel amazing and get even better images because you’ll be more confident in front of the camera. Gowns and suits also photograph beautifully.

www.renttherunway.com Is a great option for dresses!

When choosing what to wear, remember that flowing colors like blush, white, cream, and black photograph beautifully. Feel free to bring options and I can help style you when you arrive.

Be sure to book a hair and makeup appointment before your session. This is a great time to trial an artist before the wedding day too. See my preferred vendors below.

tips to remember

01.

Don’t forget about your nails and to clean your engagement ring.

02.

Have your florist make you a bouquet. Not only will it add an element of elegance and romance to your shoot, but also it gives you something to hold while posing!

03.

Sentimental elements are the best. It could be your vows written in calligraphy, or some chocolate covered strawberries because you had them on your first date. These little details make beautiful props for your session.

04.

Champagne is always a perfect addition for an epic champagne pop at the end of your shoot!

THE WEDDING DAY

Thoughts for planning your timeline:

Your wedding day timeline greatly impacts the types of final images you will receive in your gallery. The candid moments and authentic smiles cannot be rushed or forced. Since light and location also affect the look and feel of your images it is crucial to plan your day accordingly.

GETTING READY

During this time, I will need around 1 hour to document your details while your girls in their matching robes sipping mimosas and you are having your hair and makeup done. All bridesmaids should be done with hair and makeup when I arrive so that only you the bride need to be done. It is also during this time that I photograph all those meaningful wedding day details. This includes your shoes, veil, all rings, bouquet, dress, garter, and any gifts and stationery.

- D E T A I L S B O X -
Please have the following details set aside in a box that I can easily grab once I arrive! This box can include:

Rings (yours + his), Invitation suite, Save The Date, Garter, Perfume, Jewelry, Vows, Shoes, Veil + anything else you would like to be photographed.

FIRST LOOK

This will happen 2 hours before your ceremony. I couldn’t recommend the first look to my brides more for a couple of reasons. You will receive more portrait images, feel much less rushed on your wedding day, and also get an intimate and quiet moment together on your wedding day. The day goes by in such a flurry that it’s so nice to be able to stop and be alone. During this time, no one besides the photographers and videographer (if you have one) will be present. If family is around, we can do family shots too before the ceremony and no one will have to stick around after the ceremony.

NO FIRST LOOK

If you chose not to have a first look, we will need to do your bride and groom portraits, family portraits and bridal party portraits after the ceremony which will take at least 1 hour.

BRIDE & GROOM PORTRAITS

Plan to reserve 25-30 minutes for images of just you two. This is such a fun time of the day! These are the images that will go up on your walls and make up the wedding album and there should be no rush. When this is done right after the first look, there is no rush to get to your reception.

WEDDING PARTY PORTRAITS

Wedding party photos take 20 minutes (more if it is in a different location or with a very large bridal party.) If you are having bridal party portraits done in a different location than your ceremony or first look spot, be sure to plan for transportation for everyone (keeping the group together is the most efficient) and keep in mind that extra time.

BEFORE THE CEREMONY

20 minutes before the ceremony, Bride and groom will be in their separate areas and freshening up. Guests will begin arriving.

FAMILY FORMALS

These photos happen immediately after the ceremony. Family shots are for immediate family only. Be sure to let your immediate family know they will be in portraits so they stick around as others leave for the cocktail hour. My goal is to keep family formals as efficient and fast as possible. The more people you include, the longer it will take and the crazier it tends to become.

Immediate family includes:

Parents, Siblings, Grandparents, Nieces and Nephews

RECEPTION

You’re married and it’s time to party! Most of my brides have me stay for about 1-2 hours of the reception to document the special dances and cake cutting but there is no need to have me stay for more than 30 minutes of dancing. After that, it’s much of the same images.

EXTRA TIPS & THOUGHTS

Although the above is a general guide for you to go by anything and everything can be worked for your wedding vision and plans. After-all, no two weddings are the same!