As wedding photographers, one of our very favorite things is getting to know so many sweet and amazing, happy-in-love, newly engaged couples! From the first information meeting all the way to the drive away after the “I do”…we’re so blessed to travel this beautiful part of their journey with them.
We really encourage our couples to have an engagement session for so many reasons. First of all, we want them to have some amazing pictures to remember this time in their lives! Second, it’s the perfect way for us to all get to know each other. Our bride and groom get to know our style and how Joel and I work, and we see how they interact together. The best part? By the end of the session, we’ve made lifelong friends!
One question we are often asked is where to go for the engagement session. Today we’re going to present you with three tips on choosing a great engagement session location.
Now, there’s nothing wrong with the typical tree-filled parks, downtown scenes, and cotton fields. They work great – that’s why they’re so popular. The goal of this blog post is to help brides think outside of the box a little bit and consider locations that might be a little less well-used.
1. Think of a location that is really special to you or is a part of your love story.
Joel and I are all about your love story. We love hearing how you met, what you love to do together, how he finally popped the question. Every story is so unique and beautiful in its own one-of-a-kind way. We love it when our couples incorporate parts of this story into their engagement session.
Is it your favorite hang-out place? The beach where you shared your first kiss? The tree where he carved your proposal? Think about your favorite special places and have your session in a place that shares your story with generations to come.
One of our couples asked us to come down to Samford University, where the groom was going to pharmacy school. Not only were there absolutely gorgeous locations to stumble into, we heard all kinds of fun stories and memories as we meandered around the campus.
2. Consider a location that matches your personalities.
Are you country all the way? You might want to look into a horse farm or an old barn. Do you spend every possible weekend down at the beach? Have a sunset walk on the beach session. Do you hike on the weekends? Find your favorite mountain.
I love this farm museum session with one of our sweetest country couples! Fun antique farm equipment everywhere.
Are you kids at heart and become giddy in a candy store? Movie buffs who can’t wait for the next blockbuster to come out? Do you love rock climbing? Ice cream shops? Are you obsessed with Piper and Leaf tea? There are fun, creative ways to incorporate all kinds of meaningful locations and props into your session.
One of our sweet brides and grooms had their session on the farm they owned. It was breathtakingly beautiful, meaningful, and matched them perfectly.
3. Don’t be afraid to travel!
If there’s a place that you think would be perfect, do it! This is a super special time in your love story, and you want to do it right. Find the perfect spot, take your photographer along, and enjoy the memories for the rest of your life!
One of my personal favorites was this next session! My little brother! We grew up in South Dakota as kids. He and his fiance decided to have their session in the great white north of the South Dakota river valley. The pictures hold memories and a part of the story that has made him who he is today.
We hope these tips will help you find a location for your engagement session that is both amazing and meaningful. Don’t forget to ask your photographer for advice! They’ve done tons of sessions and can take your ideas and help you find somewhere perfect and beautiful!
*hugs*
Amber
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