Today, I’m excited to share with you Ali and Torey’s Palm Beach Island engagement session! This day was not only so freaking fun for me to shoot, but it also led Ali & Torey to decide to book me as their wedding photographer, as well! There is nothing better than exceeding a clients’ expectations and having them love working with you so much that they decide to book you again, and for the most important day of their lives! Through Ali and Torey’s engagement photos, let’s dive into some essential tips for planning your engagement session and why timing is crucial when it comes to sending out those all-important save-the-dates.

1. Choosing the Perfect Location

Palm Beach Island offered a mesmerizing backdrop for Ali and Torey’s engagement photos. The pristine beaches, lush greenery, blooming flowers and timeless architectural elements added the perfect touch of elegance and romance to their photographs. When picking your location, consider places that are meaningful to you as a couple or that offer a diverse range of settings. Whether it’s a picturesque park, the beach, or the cozy comfort of your own home, the right location can truly elevate your engagement photos.

2. The Importance of Timing

Many couples wonder how far out they should plan their engagement session. I recommend scheduling your shoot around 12 months before your wedding date. This timing allows you to have your photos ready to create and send out save-the-dates in a timely manner. Depending on the nature of your wedding—whether it’s a destination event, a large celebration, or a more intimate affair—you’ll want to send out your save-the-dates 6 to 12 months in advance. Here’s a quick breakdown:

– Destination Weddings: Send save-the-dates 10-12 months prior (or more).

– Large Weddings: Send save-the-dates 8-10 months prior.

– Small or Local Weddings: Send save-the-dates 6-8 months prior.

3. Coordinating Your Outfits

Ali and Torey chose to coordinate their outfits in a way that complemented both each other and the setting of Palm Beach Island. They opted for one outfit that was a bit more colorful and formal and another that was neutral and complimented the beach and made them feel comfortable and confident. When planning your engagement session outfits, consider:

– Choosing colors and styles that harmonize with your chosen location.

– Having a couple of outfits for variety.

– Prioritizing comfort, as you’ll want to move freely and have some fun moving around.

4. Making the Session Fun and Memorable

One of the reasons Ali and Torey had such a great time during their engagement session was the relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere we created together. Here are some tips to ensure your session is just as enjoyable:

– Be open to spontaneity and trust your photographer.

– Be vocal with your photographer about what is most important to you or if you have a vision for a particular pose to be captured.

– Remember, the best photos are often captured when you’re simply having fun and being yourselves and enjoying your time together. Don’t take this too seriously.

5. Why Booking Your Wedding Photographer for Engagement Photos is a Great Idea

Ali and Torey’s journey from our engagement session to booking me for their wedding exemplifies why having the same photographer for both events can be beneficial. Here’s why:

– Building Rapport: Your photographer gets to know you as a couple, understanding your dynamic and preferences and vice versa. You get to know how I flow and shoot, as well.

– Consistency in Style: The visual narrative of your love story maintains a cohesive look and feel, especially when printing and hanging your images around your home.

– Increased Comfort: By the time your wedding day arrives, you’ll be more at ease and trust the photographer’s process completely.

Ali and Torey’s Palm Beach Island engagement session was the perfect way to get to know one another and get us all excited for their wedding day this winter. I’m so honored to be part of their journey and can’t wait to document their wedding in December! Planning your engagement session is an exciting step towards your big day. With these tips, I hope you’re feeling inspired and well-prepared to create memories that will last a lifetime!

To see sneak peeks from their gallery, keep scrolling!

To see more of my work, click here. To book a session with me, click here!

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Kind Words

“Savannah was a dream to work with! She shot our engagement photos and was fast with communication & extremely helpful with location. Savannah knew all the hidden spots and has a true eye for beautiful photography. Truly can’t praise her enough & hopeful she will be able to capture all of our future milestones.” -Ali & Torey