7 Things every bride needs to know about their engagement session
7 Things Every Bride Needs to Know about their Engagement Session
I love wedding season! Booking sweet #JBcouples bring joy to my heart. Photographing weddings is such an amazing experience and I feel I cannot even call it a job…it is more of a joy than a job…but there are many things that lead up to the wedding day that make my heart sing and bring about connection with my couples. The engagement session is one of the most important parts of the Jennifer B Wedding Experience.
So, my friend, the day has arrived…you’re engaged to the one person that makes your heart sing. Perhaps you have already found your photographer. If you haven’t you may click here for my previous blog discussing things to consider when selecting your wedding day photographer.
What happens after you have your wedding day photographer booked?
Once you are official with your photographer, one of the first things to schedule is you engagement session!!! (YES! It requires this many exclamation marks because it is that important). Why? Well let me explain…this is often the first time I meet my couples face to face (not on Facetime, but in person). It allows both you and your fiancé to spend time with your photographer before your big day. During this time, you will learn how to relax and have fun while a camera is pointed at you. Your photographer will learn more about the two of you…do either of you have a preferred side? Are there areas that you want to focus? Are you shy, outgoing, or are you engaged to the “class clown”? (this was my husband during our engagement session…and every session since then). The engagement session increases your comfort level and helps you grow in your confidence. By the time the wedding day hits, you two will be pros…it allows you to feel more comfortable. You will know exactly what to do and your photographer will know what to focus on to help you relax (as best as possible on your wedding day)!
So are you ready? Well here it goes! Here is a list of 7 planning tips for your engagement session.
Tip 1: Picking a Date
I have some engagements that are over a year out and some that are only a few months (I actually had 2 weddings in 2018 that was planned in a month, but that is the Military). So when should you have your engagement session. It will depend on if you intend to use this session for you “Save the Date”. If so, then make sure you get it on the books prior to when you plan these out in the mail. Ask your photographer the turn-around time and plan from there. I deliver within 1 week of the session, so I advise my clients to plan on having the session 2 weeks prior to creating the “Save the Date”. Aside from this, I usually recommend scheduling your engagement session no more than 2-3 months after booking (or no less than 2-3 months prior to your wedding).
Tip 2: Picking a time of day
The next step is the time of day. When it comes to the time of day, this may depend on your schedule, your photographer’s schedule and style and when they like to shoot. I have shot engagements early in the morning, later in the day, and most hours in between. My favorite time, however, is the golden hour. This is when the light is soft and glowy (sorry if that isn’t really a word). I generally will look at the time of sunset and then back that time up by 2 hours to determine go-time!
Tip 3: Determine your Location
Are there spots that are special to you two? Where would you like to document this season of your life? There are times when my couples are certain where they want to have their session. They may choose it based on where they met, where they spend their time, or just because they love the beauty of a certain location. I have had some that will leave it entirely up to me, which I may search out a new location, or may go to some of my favorite spots. If you are choosing the location, make sure you call the area to see if there are events going on that day. Ensure your photographer knows where to meet you (particularly if it is an area only familiar to you and not to your photographer). Also be aware that if there is extensive travel, you may have to pay travel fees for your photographer. Ask your photographer.
Tip 4: What should you wear?
This is one of the biggest questions I get…I has also gotten texts with different clothing options. I love giving input so no worries (just make sure your photographer is okay with texts prior to sending pics of your wardrobe). This is such a special time. You want your engagement photos to represent who you are. I recommend up to two outfits…a dressier outfit and then a more informal/fun outfit.
Remember that this is your session and these are your images! This is a fun and exciting stage of life…the beginning of something wonderful. You are only engaged for a short amount of time. So feel free to go all out and have fun! If you need advice on what to wear, please refer to my blog post here.
Tip 5: Have a preview party with your fiancé
If you’re a bride that is a little anxious about how your groom is going to react to this whole “picture” thing, you’re not alone. I receive many emails from brides who are worried that their groom won’t be into it and I have great news for you.... you both are more photogenic than you think! We are constantly surprising couples by discovering their hidden modeling skills and our most common response from my Grooms is “That wasn’t as bad as I thought! It was actually fun.”. Boom! Mission accomplished! When the groom says that taking pictures was FUN, we have done our job well! Your engagement session is supposed to be fun and relaxed and not forced or awkward. As you prepare for your shoot, there are a few things that you can do to help your groom know what to expect. First of all, I highly recommend sitting down with your guy and showing him an engagement session that I have photographed. Spend some time together scrolling through a couple blog posts, this will allow him to gauge what his expectations should be. I also recommend that you allow for plenty of time to get to your shoot! There is nothing worse than when a couple shows up late and they have been arguing in the car! That is definitely going to put your groom in a bad mood! Last but not least, remember to have patience with him and don’t assume that he’s not going to have a good time...I think you’ll be surprised how much you will both enjoy your session!
Tip 6: Tips during your Session
The day has arrived! How can you make it an extra special day? Come prepared. Arrive on time. I tell my couples to arrive 10 minutes early. I am a fan of buffer time. If you plan to arrive when the session begins, but run into traffic or make a wrong turn, you will start feeling tense…perhaps this starts a small argument…definitely not a great way to start the session. Planning to arrive 10 minutes prior to your start time, allows you to not rush. I arrive 20-30 minutes early to look at the light so I will happily greet you when you arrive.
Be sure to let your photographer know important information…is there is anything you are self- conscious about? Is you fiancé name Bob but everyone calls him JR…do you have a preferred side? I will ask these questions in the beginning and often spend the first 20-30 minutes educating my couples on how I shoot, to include some foundational poses and what I look for in terms of lighting and location. This time is important and help my couples feel at ease in front of the camera...I mean it when I say, my couples are pros by the end…and it will all come back to you on your wedding day!
If you have something specific in mind, discuss this with your photographer. I have had a few brides send me their Pinterest boards. Just keep in mind that photographers are naturally creative. We will use what you give us as inspiration and not imitation.
Tip 7: What to do after your session
The sun is setting. You and your fiance (as well as your photographer) have had a wonderful time. What’s next? Your photographer should have explained the next steps from here. I email my couples a week out on what to expect and a timeline for when they receive their images (along with when to expect the sneak-peak on my blog). If you are unsure, just ask your photographer.
So go out and celebrate! Your hair is done and you are dressed up. Your fiance’s stomach is starting to growl. It is time to head out to dinner, just the two of you, and enjoy the rest of the evening. So celebrate
Enoy this season as much as you can. Go out to your favorite restaurant, go for a walk, talk to eachother (but don’t feel you have to talk about wedding plans) and remember…the best is yet to come.
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Jennifer Beeman
Jennifer B. Photography.
Wedding and Portrait Photographer of the Carolinas