Preparing For Your Engagement Session | Wedding Photographers

We are so excited to share tips on preparing for your engagement session and also if you are a wedding photographer, how to help your couples prepare for their engagement session.

The main things we need to figure out for an engagement session are location, timing and season. We always ask our couples what season they would like to have their session. From there we select multiple dates for them to choose from and then we get it on the calendar. We do most of our sessions either two hours before sunset or right about when the sun begins to rise or a little bit before if they opt for a morning session.

Outfits

When it comes to outfits we suggest that every couple at least wears one dressy outfit. This is one of the only times in your life that you’re going to dress to the nines and look your absolute best. So why not look completely classic and have timeless photos! How dressy? We recommend going for a “black tie wedding look or black tie optional.”

For your other outfit options you can either do one outfit or you can do two outfits and have one that’s more casual and one that’s dressy. What you choose is totally dependent on the two of you. If you are more of a casual vibe then make sure that you have at least one outfit that fits your typical style. Some of our couples’ not as dressy looks would still be similar to a “cocktail or business casual” attire.

Locations

When we are selecting locations we consider what style you want first. If you were looking for a city look, we can go somewhere with that vibe.  If you were looking somewhere for a more outdoor look we can go to a park or a garden. If you were looking for beautiful architecture we could go somewhere with a big beautiful building.

We love locations that have a little bit of both so you can have a great variety. Depending on where your photos are we will walk through and help you find those perfect spots.

We always want to keep in mind what season it is when we are selecting a location. A garden or a park is not going to look as good in November or December in Ohio as an architecture location might look. Be sure to keep that in mind when you select your season. There are still stunning locations to select even when the trees are not so great.

Other Valuable Tips

Have your ring freshly cleaned and get your nails done. This is  a great time to have your hair and makeup trial. If you’d like, you can also bring a couple of fun items such as a bottle of champagne to pop with a few glasses, this is a fun way to celebrate the two of you. You can also do a bridal bouquet trial  and test out those beautiful flowers during your engagement session.

We highly encourage couples to set up a date night after their session! This is such an essential part of your planning and it’s so much fun. Come ready to learn, get over your nerves and enjoy the two of you together. By the time you leave you will feel like pros and ready for your wedding. Since you are already dressed up anyways, head out and enjoy a date night together to celebrate your engagement.

 

THE QUICK RECAP: 

Season & Date/Time – Consider the season and the time of day that will offer the best light. Golden hour in the fall or spring evenings creates the most stunning, flattering photos.⁣
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Choosing a Location – Think of a location that reflects your style as a couple. Whether it’s a scenic park, downtown architecture, or a meaningful spot, the setting plays a big role in telling your story.⁣
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Props – Bring along a few props to add a personal touch. A bottle of champagne is perfect for a celebratory pop during the session.⁣
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Outfit – Wearing black tie attire elevates the elegance of your photos. A formal look creates timeless images that will stand out for years.⁣
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Date Night – Plan a date night afterwards to celebrate this special moment. Not only will it give you something to look forward to, but it also extends the celebration of your engagement.⁣

 

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Cleveland, Ohio Wedding Venues | The Cannons Photography

ABOUT THE CANNONS PHOTOGRAPHY:

We are the Cannons: were kind hearts and honest moments never go out of style. Husband and wife wedding photographers. We believe in grace, grit, giving more than you take, and that there are still kind-hearted people in this world. We believe in honoring the generations that came before, and that your grandmother’s pearls are not just a fashion statement or a box to check of “something old” but a reminder that the best new starts stand on the firm foundation of love passed down through the ages. Courtney and Robert are Wedding Photographers, located in Ohio and serving Cleveland, Columbus, Chicago, Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, NYC, and beyond who are on a mission to provide a one-of-a-kind experience through service that goes above and beyond from the moment you say hello, for years to come!

 

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