Your engagement session is the puzzle piece to your love story and captures the essence of who you are as a couple right now. One of the great things about engagement sessions is the opportunity for us to get to know one another before your wedding day. Not only are we going to have some fun but you will be familiarized with my shooting style as well as getting used to being in front of my lens which can make all the difference in capturing relaxed and natural images of you and your fiancé.

PLANNING YOUR ENGAGEMENT SESSION

Planning your engagement session can be both exciting and stressful, especially when you’re not exactly sure what to expect. Here’s a few tips to consider when planning your session.

Location:

Your session can take place at any location of your choice. This is the perfect time to think about what truly represents you as a couple. It can be at the place where he proposed or as simple as an intimate meal at your favorite cafe. You can expect a relaxed session with a little bit of guidance from me.

Clothing Tips:

Dress according to the environment. If the environment is more urban, then perhaps, something a little dressier will work. If the location is more rustic, a pair of stylish boots will ﬁt the surroundings well.
Think of 'complimenting' and not 'matching.'
Avoid logos or slogans on clothing.
Choose pieces that are comfortable and fits your body right. Baggy or tight clothing can distract you or take away from the moment during your session.
Dressing in layers would be a very quick way to change the look of an outﬁt without doing a full outﬁt change. Sometimes, depending on the location that is chosen, a changing area might not be immediately available.
Stylish clothing is always the way to go. A polished look never goes out of style, after all, this is part of the celebration so feel free to dress up --- but definitely not required.

You are welcome to choose two outfits for your session if you’d like, but it's perfectly okay if you prefer to show up with just one outfit and ready to roll!

Props:

If you are bringing props, again, remember to be context appropriate. A picnic basket would look out of place in a library for example. If we are planning on shooting outdoors, bring a blanket where you guys can sit on so we can create more variety of poses!

What you can expect from me:

I know it's not everyday that you get your photographs taken professionally. To some, being in front of the lens is such an unnatural feat, but let me take your apprehension and help put you at ease.

Here's what you can expect from me;

I will place you in moments/settings that's natural to you.
Expect a relaxed session with a little bit of coaching from me.
I will be honest with you. If something is off and isn't jiving well with the moment, I will gently guide you to change things up a bit.
FUN. I am naturally a smiley-smiley person, silly at times, and I bring energy to your session.

"But what will my fiance and I do during our session?! How do we pose?", well my friend I've got ya covered! Scroll down and read my tips for a fun and not-so-awkward engagement session. :-)

TIPS FOR A FUN AND NOT-SO-AWKWARD ENGAGEMENT SESSION

I often hear couples say "We’re really awkward and don't know what to do in front of the camera. We've never had professional pictures done before."

Which is TOTALLY okay!

You don't have to be a supermodel to have captivating photos, you just need to be yourselves and in love. Still nervous? Don’t worry, I will guide you and direct you during your session, but here are 6 ways that you can ensure that your engagement or wedding photos ( or any other session with your babe ) is emotion-filled and hang-on-the-wall-worthy.

Oh and no worries, after reading this I promise you that we will still snap a few of the two of you smiling and looking at the camera as well.

1. Hold each other

Hold each other, snuggle, hold hands, kiss. The more snuggly and lovey dovey you are the better!

When you look at an engagement pictures or wedding pictures there is so much story to be told just by a simple touch. When in doubt, wrap your arms around each other and let your interactions between you tell your story..

2. Move

You read this right, yes move!

I know it contradicts everything you’ve ever been told; "Hold still for the camera. Sit still. Look at the camera. Don't move."

Movement creates a story. So walk together, twirl, dance, tickle, give each other eskimo kisses...any of it. All of it.

3. Talk to each other

"But won't we look silly? Won't you get a lot of pictures of us talking that don't look good?"

Yes, and yes. But guess what? For every picture that doesn't really turn out how we want when you're talking, there will be 3 more adorable ones of you talking and laughing and blushing and being totally absorbed in your conversation together. Nothing looks better on camera than actual emotion, genuine smiles, and real laughter.

4. Get close. Like, REALLY close.

"Get a little closer, a little bit more." During your session you’ll hear me say this a lot.

I know everyone is use to "Look at the camera, SMILE!" But throw that out the window. Look at your significant other. Smile at them. There's no way you can get too close to them. So wrap your arms around each other and get a little closer.

5. Be totally, unapologetically silly together!

Be complete goofballs! Don't come to a session with me and act like you aren't completely and utterly goofy people. You wouldn't be marrying each other if you couldn't make each other laugh until your sides hurt! Don't be afraid to show off your silly side by cracking jokes, tickling, making silly faces at each other, because once you start giggling you won't be able to stop!