We are officially 7 months away from our Bali wedding ceremony and post elopement celebration! This sweet time is just flying by way too fast. Our save the dates went out just a few weeks ago and it was so exciting to hear that everyone loved our photos. The super positive feedback inspired me to share more about our engagement shoot along with some tips for future brides!
I first have to tell you the back story about how my engagement shoot came to be because it is truly a testament to how the universe works its ways!!
We originally decided that we were going to skip the engagement shoot and put those funds towards our elopement and reception. A day later, Ashly Brown , the sweetest wedding photographer from Arizona, DM’d me on Instagram letting me know she was planning to visit Chicago that coming weekend and asked me if I would be interested in a complimentary couples photo shoot. ARE YOU SERIOUS!? She didn’t even know we were engaged! She had come across me through a Chicago hashtag. Our engagement shoot took place only days after Jake popped the question and I think you can really see our happiness and excitement shining through.
Finding Your Photographer
If you don’t already have a photographer in mind, or if the universe doesn’t magically deliver one to you like it did to me, you are going to have to find one!
What I found to work best when I was looking for my post elopement reception photographer was to search #chicagophotographer #chicagoweddingphotographer. Just swap out Chicago for your city to be able to find local photographers and view their work to make sure they match your ideal style before reaching out to inquire about their rates. There are also sites available that will allow you to search for local photographers based on the city you are wanting to shoot in.
How To Choose The Perfect Location For Your Engagement Shoot
When it came to deciding where Jake and I should take our engagement photos two spots came to mind; The North Avenue lake path that we take strolls on at least once a week, and a bench in Lincoln Park that we sit on while enjoying grill-cheeses from the farmers market. Both spots had a special meaning to us but we ended up making the decision based on which location would look best with the formal look that we decided to go with. I would recommend everyone to try and come up with a location that has meaning to you as a couple!
What To Wear To Your Engagement Shoot
Deciding what to wear was probably the toughest decision for me. Some engagement shoot packages will come with an outfit change, in that case I recommend that you choose one formal look and one casual look. For our shoot we were only going to have one outfit so we decided to go with a formal look, mainly because I love Jake in his suit!!
Color Coordinate Your Outfits
Make sure to coordinate so that the colors you are wearing complement each other! I would also recommend staying away from matchy matchy looks. For example, if you decide to go with a casual look don’t show up for your shoot in the same wash of jean or same exact color top. It sounds great in theory but will look awkward and almost too coordinated in photos.
Wear What You Feel Confident and Comfortable In
Your engagement shoot should be a reflection of who you are. If you don’t feel comfortable or like yourself in a suit and formal dress then don’t do it! Your engagement shoot is also not the time to experiment with a new look or trend. You will not only feel awkward but your photos will not look timeless or like yourself when you look back at them.
Keep The Seasons In Mind
I say seasons because when planning for my shoot I kept in mind the season I was in (Fall) and the season that the save the dates would be going out (Spring). I choose a dusty rose colored dress that I felt reminded me of Spring time which is when my save the dates would likely be landing on my loved ones fridges.
Engagement Shoot Tips
Schedule your Engagement Shoot Sooner Rather Than Later For This Reason…
My sister’s future sister in law is a wedding photographer and she recommends that couples take their engagement shoot within the first 4 weeks if possible. The reason being, she genuinely thinks the couples always look happier and most excited while it’s still fresh and new! Don’t get me wrong I am still SUPER HAPPY and EXCITED but looking back at our photos captured only days later, there is no denying our excitement. The thrill and happiness of finally being engaged was 100% written all over our faces!
Come Prepared With Photo Ideas
Go onto Pinterest and start saving shots/poses that you know you absolutely want. Prior to your engagement session share your Pinterest board with your photographer or send them a list of must have shots! You will probably be so excited and in the moment that you will forget all about your list so your photographer will have you covered if you share in advance!
Relax and Have Fun!
It will show in your photos if you are tense and nervous. Be yourself and have fun while taking your photos. Don’t over pose – Avoid the awkward prom poses and let your photographer help you if you get stuck on what to do. If all else fails hold hands, smile, and laugh.
Make Sure To Get Horizontal Shots You Love!
You are likely planning to use your engagement photos for your wedding website. Pretty much all wedding websites are formatted for horizontal photos! These days we think more about wanting vertical shots for Instagram but in this case make sure to get plenty of horizontal photos as well.
Have A Back Up Plan
If you are planning on shooting outside, make sure to have a backup location in mind that fits your look if the weather isn’t cooperating!
