Engagement Sessions

My apologies to my poorly updated blog! That being said- may no love be left behind so I'm attempting to catch up from last year ;) 
This entire post will focus on Engagement Sessions! I will be spreading out all of my fall to spring engagement sessions in multiple posts, so here is just the first. :) 

One thing I hate about engagement sessions that I see online is how uncomfortable the guy looks. Half the time they almost seem like they are in pain or something. That being said, I know it is unavoidable and most every guy that comes to an engagement session has the mindset of "getting it over with." I think it is my favorite thing to flip that. I wouldn't see it as a challenge, it isn't as though they're trying to be devious or spite their fiance, they just feel uncomfortable and they don't know me. Plus, cameras are pointing at them and photographers say cheesy things and when it all adds up- lets face it, it really is a nightmare for guys.

So when I shoot an engagement session- I treat my couples like the real people that they are. I want to create a comfortable environment where they feel comfortable making jokes and being themselves. 

I try to always make jokes that catch the couple off guard... generally ending up in the guys laughing, and the girls either worried or give a nice sassy face. My first concern is always getting the guy to trust me that I won't make him feel awkward, girly, or mechanic. Not only is it fun to get to know the couples a bit deeper in their personality before shooting their wedding. 

I also really love when couples bring creative things to sessions, but I understand that can be difficult to come up with. Especially if you or your honey aren't the most creative savvy people. Sometimes people are so unsure of what to even bring, and don't want to do what anyone else is doing. For that I always tell couples that this session is completely about *them*. 

Think about you and your fiance, are you crazy about your pets? Sports? Rival teams? Do you have a snack like Oreos and milk that you both adore? What about any hobbies together, or separately? Are either of you lovers of tea, cupcakes, coffee, or ice cream? What about board games? Wine? Traditional picnic? Biking? Rollerblading? The list goes on and on, and I adore helping my brides find the right location and "props" to match their love.

Miranda and Matthew

Kelsey and Kody

Amy and Minh

Ashley and Jeff