If you're reading this, it's probably because you are engaged!! Am I right?
Well, let me join in on wishing you a huge CONGRATULATIONS because this is such an exciting time for both you and your fiancé!
Fellas, the hard part is over, she said yes! (Insert happy dance and normal breathing lol)
Ladies, I know you're in complete awe over the new gem on your finger 😉
So what now other than planning a wedding?
Well, if you have already booked your photographer then most likely you will be getting ready for your engagement session.
If you don't know what an engagement session is, no worries. I'm here to explain it to you.
An engagement session is exactly what the name says. It's a photo session of you and your fiance celebrating you both as a newly engaged couple.
Engagement Sessions are a way of capturing the love between you and your partner and a way of showing off that gorgeous new ring letting the world know that you two will become one soon. 🙌🏼
So, whether you already have an engagement session planned or you have made the decision to do one. There are ways to prepare for it.
Choose outfits ahead of time
Planning your outfits ahead of time will definitely save you the last minute stress of having to rush to pick outfits or going shopping the week or day before your session.
I also tell my couples to bring at least 2 outfits:
• one comfy/casual
• one formal
This will give you more variety and bring more personality into your photos. Still feeling stuck on what to wear, read my tips on how to dress (Insert link)
Getting Hair and Makeup professionally done
Ladies, your engagement session is a perfect time to have your hair and makeup trial. Your trial will allow your hair stylist and makeup artist to sit down with you and plan your beauty look for your wedding day.
This is a WIN WIN situation for everyone! Not only do you look and feel beautiful and get some killer photos out of it but your vendors get to work with you beforehand which helps them plan accordingly to ensure your wedding day is as perfect as can be
Need a hair and makeup stylist? Visit the link below to learn about the special offer we have with professionals
• Michelle Murphey - Makeup By Michelle Murphey
• Jennifer Davis - Hair by Jenn
www.portraitsbypriscilla.com/weddings
Choose a good location
Choosing a good location to have your engagement session is just as important as choosing your outfits. My advice is choose a location that means something to you and despite what you think, your engagement session doesn't have to be in a studio or outdoors. Your engagement session can be held anywhere..
• Favorite coffee shop
• Beach
• Mountains
• Local brewery
• Inside your home
• Destination
The list goes on and on.
Make sure that ring sparkles
Other than you both, your engagement ring is one of the most important parts of your engagement session so you want to make sure that baby sparkles and shines for it's big photo op. Ladies, your man spent a lot of time and money choosing the perfect ring for you, do him a favor and take care of that beauty. Plan to have your engagement ring cleaned before your session. The camera is going to love it 😉
Plan for a morning or evening session if having your session outdoor
If choosing to have your session outdoors, typically the best times to have your engagement session are when the lighting is at it's best. Around sunrise and sunset are ideal because the sun begins to create soft evening lighting and gives off such dreamy look in photos. While photographers are able to photograph you mid-day if need be, we prefer not to place you in the hot sun where it's at it's highest and beaming down harsh light creating unflattering shadows all over your faces and body.
There you have it! All of these tips will help you in preparing for your engagement session and if you still need more direction, speak with your photographer and get some insight on their opinions for prepping.
*BONUS*
Here is a list of items to bring day of
• Water to stay hydrated
• Makeup touch-up kits : lip kits
• Mints for fresh breath
• Bug Spray for those pesky little critters
• Comfortable Shoes
• Cute Umbrella just in case of rain
• Napkins or Handkerchiefs for sweat
