Engagement sessions... A must! Why do engagement sessions?

Sometimes couples hesitate about engagement sessions because they do not know much about them or they just do not know why they should engagement session, so I wanted to write a little about it because I simply love them!

What is an engagement session?

An engagement session, e-session or engagement portraits are a set of pictures of just the engaged couple before the wedding. A session normally takes 1 hour or 2 hours, depending if you are changing location or if you want to change to another outfit.In my terms: A fun time to hang out, laugh a lot and be awesome with occasional  hand-holding and kissing while a photographer snaps some pictures of you.{Back in time} Engagement portraits used to be done formally in a studio, the purpose was mainly so the couple could choose one picture and make an announcement in the local paper.The new ways are more fun! Engagement pictures are more personalized. You get several pictures, you go outdoors, which is more relaxed and even if you pose a little, in a session you definitely get more pictures that are genuine.In a session, I will mostly give direction, less posing; my purpose is to capture your real smiles, those moments when you are perfectly comfortable with each other. I will do a couple of shots looking at the camera, but mostly I will be looking for candid shots and ask you to love each other :)

Why should we do an engagement session?

There are many good reasons!

Most importantly, to have awesome pictures of yourselves.  You will have unique pictures that are more casual than the ones you will have from your wedding in your wedding attire.You will have a good time. I promise. Even if you are nervous, your nervous laughs at the beginning are always fun to capture too! It is a great excuse for you to be all smoochy with your loved one. It is a great time to look into each other eyes!  It is a perfect occasion to get away and be all about you as a couple, and how cool is that? There is a practical use for the engagement sessions. Think of it as a rehearsal shoot. This is a real good reason to get your portraits because it lets you “prepare” and get the feel of the experience before your wedding day, how you feel around the camera and how you “look” in the camera. You will get to know how your photographer works and the photographer will get to know how you are in front of the camera.  This allows you to feel more comfortable with the camera and more confident about your wedding pictures, it will prepare you for an overall more relaxed experience during your wedding day. We are constantly striving to take the best shots so to get this “chance” to shoot your pictures in a relaxed environment is a super PLUS! The photographer also gets a feel for your photographic style, if you feel more comfortable looking away or looking at the camera sometimes, if you are comfortable kissing or you are more of a hugger. I spend this hour or two getting to know you, ask more about your story, and trying to capture your personalities at their best!

When should we do an engagement session?

The sooner the better!  It is very nice to have pictures to announce it or to send early save-the-dates. If you can, avoid leaving it too close to the wedding date since most likely you will be VERY busy. You can also book it for your favorite time of the year, for example: the fall! Always fun to mix it up. Or if you have a very “summery” wedding, book it in the spring so the theme is kind of similar.

What should I wear ?

I always send tips and clothing advice for your session. The most important is to wear something that you are comfortable with, something that you like how you look and that looks good on you two together. I suggest to go with your style, if you like casual, go for a short dress and sandals, combined with a polo shirt and jeans for him, this is just an example, try to find what you like too!

Do you choose the location?

I can always send suggestions, and ask you to tell me if you prefer something urban, something natural like a park or a lake, or something more rural like an open field. I do ask my couples to think of a place that goes with their personality. I can help them decide between a couple locations they like if they have doubts.

One thing t I ask them first is if there is a place that has some meaning to the two of them. This could be where you went on your first date, where you were engaged or where you like to go a lot!

Do we need to bring anything?

Up to you! Some sessions include a clothing change so you can bring stuff you can easily change to. You can also bring things that are fun to incorporate to a shoot, things you like to do, shared hobbies and activities. For example, some biking, music, having a little picnic, cupcakes and fishing. You can also bring your doggie! The pictures are about you two and I like you to be free to express your style and personalities. Depending on the location, consider how easy it is to bring stuff and carry it around as well. If you are going to a place with a bit of a hike maybe clothes hangers and stuff is something we do not need to bring along!

Extra tips!

Research for ideas if you are interested in something different send me what you are planning to wear and I will be more than glad to help! Do ask if you want any special shots or even a couple of traditional ones.

Fun things you can do with your engagement pictures: 

Book you Esession now or Get a free session by booking you wedding with us!

Make a gift for your parents, engagement announcements, put them around in your house, and put them on Facebook! Create a save the date or invitation with them. In the reception: have a personalized guest book for the reception, have pictures of you on the reception tables, print a large photo in order for guests to sign, create or add to a slideshow, have a little setup with your engagement session pictures!  (Text by Laura Alpizar) 

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