Should we do an engagement session?
Should we do an engagement session?
I think if I could choose one question that I get asked repeatedly when I book new couples, it would definitely be: “Should we do an engagement session?” Some couples know they want one, some couples know they don’t and others have no idea what it even is and why it would benefit them. The simple answer is, you do what works for you (orrr, you do YOU! :)… but I strongly recommend doing one!
To say I absolutely adore shooting engagement sessions is an understatement. It gives both of us a chance to work together ahead of time in a laid-back setting (which is a big plus for your wedding day, especially if you have a limited time for photos. I find shooting an engagement session is quite helpful for people who are camera shy and who think they don’t photograph well. I can get to know the couple ahead of time and the couple gets to know my shooting style (and have some laughs!). I’ve often had couples who thought they didn’t want an engagement session change their mind and be very happy they did afterwards. Couples are surprised by how laid-back the atmosphere is at an engagement session (compared to the often rushed timeline of weddings!). They love that shooting an engagement session prepares them (and me) for their wedding day and feel confident in their ability to relax more on the day of their wedding.
Engagement sessions are also great for guest books, picture frames at the wedding or save-the-date cards and invitations. More so, they are great for printing and putting on your walls! They give such a nice perspective of who you are at this time in your lives .. and they are so natural! The session takes two hours and is shot at a location of your choice. I’m more than happy to give you suggestions, but I will first ask you what your style is and what you like. I recommend doing something different than your wedding. For example, if you want to do your wedding photos at the beach, my advice would be to find buildings, artistic scenery, mountains or a farm style setting for your engagement session. Same applies in reverse.
If you are doing an engagement session simply to become comfortable with me and the shooting process, you can do it as late as a month before the wedding! If you want to use the photos for a guest book, invitations or save the date cards, I recommend leaving more time (as long as a year, to give your guests enough time to respond). Of course, each situation is different and you’re welcome to contact me if you’re not sure. My favourite places to shoot engagement sessions are remote beaches, parks, forests, farms … places with unique backdrops and not a lot of crowds. The good thing is that we have much more flexibility here than your wedding, so if you have a favourite location, now’s the time to bring it up!
If you can schedule your engagement session on a weekday, I recommend it for several reasons. The city is much calmer, a lot of the popular locations (such as Granville Island) are easier to get around in and my schedule will allow for much more flexibility. I’m also often asked what couples should wear during the sessions. One thing I recommend is staying away from white (you’ll be doing that soon !). Colour, and patterns are great! Don’t be afraid to dress up! Also, make sure that you coordinate without wearing the same thing as each other! A change of clothes is highly recommended (sometimes something as simple as hats, scarves, shoes, shirts, etc.) as it adds variety. Props such as balloons, flowers, bikes and chairs can also add some character to the session. If you have a puppy or a child together, bring them along!
At the end of the day, engagement sessions are wonderful for making sure you’re relaxed on your wedding day. See my engagement portfolio below or here and send me a message if you have any questions at all, of if you’d like to schedule your own!
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