The fact that you’re getting engagement photos done means two things: 

1. You’re engaged!
2. You’re one step closer to getting married!

All of this is so exciting, but it can also become very overwhelming very quickly. You might be thinking “Where do I start with the planning? What do I wear? Where should we get photos done? When should we take the photos? What should our budget be?” YIKES! I’m starting to get overwhelmed just thinking about it…but, don’t worry that’s what I’m here for! After reading this post, my hope is that you will feel much more excited about taking your engagement photos and a lot less overwhelmed! So let’s dive in!

First off, engagement photos should be about showcasing how in love the two of you are and documenting this huge milestone in your lives. But, don’t forget, it’s also about showcasing your personalities and what makes you the couple that you are! So don’t be afraid to show that. Engagement photos don’t have to be cookie cutter, one size fits all type of thing. They should be fun and loving and 100% YOU! So if a major part of your relationship is built around eating donuts and surfing all day, then maybe you should think about incorporating those things into your photos! Okay, it doesn’t have to be exactly those things, but you get what I’m trying to say. I’m just a little biased towards donuts! 🙂

When considering the things that represent you as a couple, that also includes the outfits you wear. For my engagement sessions, I include one outfit change and a complimentary Style Guide to help my couples pick the perfect outfit and style they are going for. I usually recommend to my couples to wear one nicer outfit that might be a little bit fancier than their normal, everyday attire so that we can capture some elegant photos for any Save the Dates or invitations. But then I also tell them to choose a second outfit that feels more true to themselves. So if you love your blue jeans and a white T with some flip flops, I’m here for it!

Now let’s talk location. This can be a little bit tricky when you start to consider things like time of year, when sunset is and if the spot you like is super touristy or even super remote. All of these factors can play a huge role in the outcome of your photos, which is why it is super important to get your photographer involved when you start thinking about the location. When it comes to the time of day, golden hour is always the best – either right before sunset or right after sunrise. But, during different times of the year, the exact timing will be different. Also, if you want your photos done next to a huge mountain rather than the beach, then the mountain is going to block the sun much earlier in the day than if you were to take photos at the beach, so considering the landscape where you take your photos is very important, as well. 

If you think you found a super awesome location to do your photos by looking on a celebrity’s Instagram, chances are that location could blow up and become very touristy. The last thing you want is a million people in the background of your photos, likewise, the last thing your photographer wants is to have to edit out a million people from the background of your photos, so I would say to choose the vibe of the location you want (beach v. mountain or urban v. outdoorsy) and work with your photographer to determine the exact location that will be the perfect backdrop for your photos. 

Budget. No one likes to talk budget, I know, but I have some good news for you! Before paying for engagement photos, check with your wedding photographer to make sure she/he doesn’t already include them in the wedding package. I, personally, include a complimentary engagement session in all of my wedding packages so that I can get to know my couples before the big day! I’ve found that it makes a world of difference when I get to meet you before the wedding day, so that we can get comfortable and goofy together without the pressure of the wedding, so by the time the big day comes around, we’re ready to roll and there is no awkwardness! 

My last takeaway is Pinterest is your friend! I know dang well that every girl has a Pinterest account and has an entire board devoted to their wedding day and the picture perfect engagement photos. So, don’t be afraid to show your photographer any ideas that you might have for poses or anything else because I think I can speak for a lot of photographers here when I say that our number one goal is to make sure that you receive the most beautiful photos that you will absolutely fall in love with and meet all of your Pinterest dreams!

XOXO, Savannah