Engagement Photo Sessions

Engagement photo sessions are an excellent opportunity for couples to capture the excitement and anticipation of their upcoming wedding. Not only do these photos serve as a visual record of this special time in a couple's life, but they also provide a great opportunity to get comfortable in front of the camera before the big day.

However, planning an engagement photo session can be overwhelming, especially for couples who are new to the process. To help simplify the planning process and ensure a successful photo shoot, here are some tips for couples to consider when planning their engagement photo session.

2. Coordinate Your Outfits

Your engagement photos are a great opportunity to show off your personal style as a couple, but it's important to coordinate your outfits to ensure that your photos look cohesive. Choose colors and styles that complement each other, and avoid wearing clothing with logos or distracting patterns.

4. Consider the Time of Day

The time of day can have a significant impact on the lighting and overall mood of your engagement photos. Consider scheduling your session during "golden hour," which is the hour before sunset when the lighting is soft and warm. Alternatively, early morning sessions can also produce beautiful lighting.

5. Bring Props

Props can add a fun and personalized touch to your engagement photos. Consider bringing items like a chalkboard with your wedding date, a bouquet of flowers, or props that reflect your shared interests.

In conclusion, planning an engagement photo session can be a fun and exciting process for couples. By considering the location, coordinating outfits, hiring a professional photographer, considering the time of day, bringing props, and being yourselves, you can ensure a successful and memorable photo shoot that captures the excitement of your upcoming wedding.

1. Choose the Right Location

   The location of your engagement photo session can set the tone for your photos, so it's important to choose a location that's meaningful to you both. Consider places like your favorite park, the spot where you first met, or a location that reflects your shared interests. Keep in mind that some locations may require permits or have time restrictions, so be sure to do your research ahead of time.

3. Hire a Professional Photographer

While it may be tempting to have a friend or family member take your engagement photos, hiring a professional photographer is worth the investment. A professional photographer will have the experience and expertise needed to capture high-quality photos that you'll cherish for years to come.

6. Be Yourself

Finally, it's important to be yourselves during your engagement photo session. Relax, have fun, and don't be afraid to show your personalities. The more comfortable and natural you feel, the better your photos will turn out.

What to expect from your wedding planner.

When hiring a wedding planner, you can expect them to provide guidance on all aspects of the wedding, including venue selection, vendor selection, budget management, and timeline creation. They should also be able to negotiate contracts with vendors and handle all logistical arrangements on your behalf. A good wedding planner will listen to your vision and work with you to bring it to life, while also providing helpful suggestions and solutions along the way. Ultimately, your wedding planner should help to alleviate stress and make your wedding day as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

Whether or not you need a wedding planner depends on your personal preferences and budget. A wedding planner can provide invaluable assistance with planning, coordinating, and executing your wedding, but if you are comfortable with taking on these tasks yourself, then a wedding planner may not be necessary.

Best Places to Elope!

In my life I have had the opportunity to visit some truly wonderful places. I have lived in Indonesia, Italy, Guam, Mississippi, Virginia, Missouri, and of course Iowa. I truly love to travel and have designed our destination wedding prices to not break your budget and give you the opportunity to have the photography or videography you desire at the location you desire. At times I even offer FREE or No Travel Charge destination wedding photography or videography.

For 2022 if your planning to elope or a destination wedding here are some great places to consider:

1. Las Vegas, NV

   1. Who else but Elvis should marry the two of you? Well there is more to Vegas than Elvis and the Little White Chapel! Want to know How to Get a Marriage License in Nevada click the link for more details.

      My top 5 Las Vegas Wedding Spots in no favorite order:

      1. Neon Museum

      2. Seven Magic Mountains

      3. Weddings at Bellagio Fountains on the Strip!

      4. Valley of Fire

      5. Lake Las Vegas

         If your planning a wedding in Vegas we would love to film or photograph it for you. We offer discounted travel fees for Las Vegas weddings. Just ask!

2. Vancouver Island, BC

   1. Just check it out! WOW! It’s where Harry and Meghan first lived in North America. It has great outdoor activities for pre and post wedding fun and enjoyment. Photos of your wedding along the Pacific Coast or hidden within the grand Douglas firs and cedars in Avatar Grove!

3. Washington D.C.

   1. If you can handle the traffic and occasional political gridlock, the nations capital is a great place for a destination wedding or elopement! DC recognizes self-uniting ceremonies so no need to hire an officiant. If you love the Smithsonian Museums then look into booking your event there!

4. Nothing is boring about weddings in Bora Bora!

   1. So let’s really get away from it all for your wedding. Bora Bora is a definite destination wedding location! A Romantic and Tropical Private Island Elopement in Bora Bora great information!

5. Palm Springs, CA

   1. Back in the good ole USA. This SoCal desert town is a perfect location for a quaint destination wedding. Here are 14 Palm Springs Wedding Venues for Every Style and Budget

6. Promise Ridge in the Pocono Mountains!

   1. Here is the guide to weddings on the ridge!

7. Chugach Mountains, Alaska!

   1. Are you up for a real wedding adventure? Why not book a ski plane or helicopter to take you to the Chugach Mountains for this epic wedding experience, then fly back to friends and family to warm both your hearts for the reception! Plan your Alaska destination wedding today!

8. Savannah, GA!

   1. I love Savannah and frankly will not charge and travel fees for weddings in Savannah! Please visit our Wedding Photography page to see examples from Savannah! Here is a local guide to a Savannah wedding

   Here is a quick list of other great places for a destination wedding!

   1. Key West

   2. Hawaii

   3. Guam

   4. Bali

   5. Sicily

   6. Rome

   7. Rocky Mountains

   8. Chicago

   9. New Orleans

   10. Big Sur

   11. New River Gorge National Park

   12. Iceland-YES!

   13. Dunluce Castle

   14. Tulum

   15. San Francisco

   16. The Dolomites

   17. The Brooklyn Bridge

   18. Paris

   19. US Virgin Islands

   20. South Beach, Miami, FL