Did you recently get engaged and still can’t really believe there is a ring on your finger? Congratulations! This is just the beginning of a wonderful journey and there are so many fun things ahead of you! One of them is of course to properly celebrate this life-changing event with an ENGAGEMENT SESSION.

I know the idea of being in front of a camera (for so many couples it’s the first time ever!) can be intimidating and chances are you are probably a little uncertain of how this is gonna go. As a seasoned engagement and wedding photographer in Raleigh, NC, I have had the opportunity to work with countless newly engaged couples and I wrote this blogpost to answer all your questions, ease all your worries and make sure your engagement session will be a joyful and stress-free experience that you two will always enjoy looking back at.

WHAT IS AN ENGAGEMENT SESSION AND WHY SHOULD WE DO ONE?

It’s a portrait session to celebrate you two, your love and the season of life you are in. We will spend one to two hours together at up to two locations of your choice (the more meaningful to you it is, the better), you can bring multiple outfits and it’s basically just one big fun date for the two of you! By the time we will schedule your engagement session, you are likely already in the crazy midst of wedding planning so your engagement session will be a great way to refocus on what really matters. Engagement sessions are also a great way for you to get to know me and how I work and get comfortable in front of the camera before your wedding day.

Feeling anxious? Are you worried you will feel awkward in front of the camera? I can assure you that it’s perfectly normal to feel that way and I promise you that all those nerves will be gone within minutes! I will guide you through our entire session, tell you exactly what to do and you will feel nothing but happiness, confidence and love.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO SCHEDULE OUR ENGAGEMENT SESSION?

There is no right or wrong time to schedule your engagement session – totally up to you! (For example: Got engaged over Christmas but you absolutely love the beach and summer? Let’s wait until it gets warm!Got engaged in the Spring but you’d love a cozy session when the leaves change colors? Let’s wait until the Fall!)

The only time constraint you might have is if you are trying to use your engagement pictures for your save-the-date. In that case, we would want to schedule your session fairly soon after your engagement so you will have enough time to order and send them out.

HOW LONG IS AN ENGAGEMENT SESSION WITH YOU? CAN WE GO TO MULTIPLE LOCATIONS? HOW MANY OUTFITS CAN WE BRING?

My engagement sessions are one to two hours long! I typically recommend to choose up to two locations and two outfits so we don’t lose too much time with driving from Location A to B and outfit changes. I know so many wonderful locations in the area and am always happy to help you find the perfect spot!
Love the beach? The mountains? Paris? Talk to me and we’ll make it happen, I am always up for adventure!

WE ARE UNSURE WHAT OUTFITS/COLORS WOULD LOOK BEST IN PICTURES – CAN YOUR HELP US?

Absolutely! I am here to help every step of the way. Once it’s time to schedule your Engagement session, I will send you a detailed guide with outfit inspiration and recommendations on what colors work best (I got a whole Pinterest board waiting for you!)

HOW SOON AFTER THE SESSION WILL WE RECEIVE OUR GALLERY? HOW WILL WE RECEIVE OUR IMAGES?

I know that all my couples are so excited to see and share their images and I will deliver your gallery within 7-10 days of our session. All your images will be delivered in a beautiful gallery (hint: light a candle, make a tea or a signature drink and play the song y’all will be dancing to at your wedding when you look through them).

WILL WE BE ABLE TO CHOOSE OUR FAVORITES OURSELVES?

After our session, I carefully select the best images from your session (bye bye blurry and closed eyes pictures!) and will go ahead and edit them. I will then send you a preview gallery with all those pictures and from that preview gallery, you get to choose your 40 favorites that you want to keep.

Once you have selected your favorites, I will do a few finishing touches and then send you the final gallery with a download pin. You can easily download your gallery from any computer or phone and they will be ready to be shared, printed or used for your save-the-date!

WHAT CAN WE USE OUR ENGAGEMENT PICTURES FOR?

The possibilities are endless!

– Use them for your save-the-dates or wedding invitations

– Print your favorite images and decorate your home with them. Or display them at your wedding!

– Make an album that will always remind you two of this time in your lives before you became husband and wife.

– They make for great gifts!

I hope this blogpost was helpful for you and you feel much more more confidant going into your engagement session! If you are ready to schedule your own engagement session, message me here and let’s celebrate this exciting time in your lives. I look forward to hearing from you!