1) Plan in Advance!
Picking out your outfit(s) takes both time and money. Keep in mind if you order online, it may extend the time frame. Also, if you're wanting to use your engagement images as save the dates or anything similar, you're going to want to book in advance.
2) Book with your Wedding Photographer
If you've already booked your wedding photographer, you know you already like their style of editing. So, to make the process of finding a photographer easier, go ahead and book your engagement session through them too! If you have booked with me, an engagement session is already included in your wedding package. YAY! Not only does this take away the stress of finding a different photographer, it also allows for you and your spouse to get any pre-wedding jitters about your photographer out of the way.
3) Wear Something Comfortable!
This is the most important part of your engagement session. If you're uncomfortable because of your outfit, you're going to be able to tell. Not only that, but every time you look at the images, that's what you're going to remember. You're going to want to remember your excitement to marry your very best friend. You can find more outfit information in my Styling Guide.
4) Clean Your Ring
There will be pictures and close ups of your new diamond, so having it cleaned withing the week before your pictures is ideal. A fresh cleaning will have your diamond sparking just right.
5) Consider a Manicure
Guess what, close up pictures of your new ring, mean close up pictures of your hands too. So, consider getting a manicure within one week before your engagement session. Go with a neutral nail color to avoid taking the focus off your ring.
6) Hair + Makeup Trial Run
Take the stress out of getting ready for your engagement pictures by booking a trial run for wedding hair and makeup on the day of your engagement pictures. You're going to feel seriously pampered by doing so!
7) Minimal Sunless Tanning
Keep sunless tanning to a minimum. If you must, no less than 5-7 days before your engagement session. You want the color to have enough time to settle into your skin, without causing you to look overwhelmingly orange.
8) Haircuts + Colors
For the ladies, I recommend getting your haircut and colored no later than 7 days prior to the session. This allows your new cut and color to settle in. On the other hand, for guys, I recommend getting a haircut within two days of the session, so their cuts are fresh and look nice.
9) Set the Scene...
Choose a location that means something to you. Do you have a favorite place to hike? eat? etc. Let's include that in your engagement session to make these images more about you!
10) Eat Beforehand
Even if it is a snack, something is better than nothing.
11) Be Prepared!
If we are hiking to a specific location, definitely bring tennis shoes. Come prepared with an extra outfit, just in case we get muddy. It's also a good idea to bring something to drink. We will be moving around quite a bit, and you don't want to be thirsty.
Extra Credit!
Your dressed nice. Your hair is done. Your makeup is gorgeous. Make it a date night! Cap off the evening with a movie, dinner, or both. Visit one of my favorite places to eat near Greenwood, IN.
