The Engagement Session | Why it's complimentary

It can be easy to dismiss the engagement session and think “I don’t really need that”!

However I offer an engagement session complimentary to all my wedding couples — not just to get those pretty, pretty pictures (although a bonus!) — but for the following reasons: 

1. Getting to know YOU

One of the best parts of being a wedding photographer is I get a front row seat to the couple the entire day.  But if a complete stranger is with you all day during one of the most important days of your life, it can feel awkward.  What are they doing? Why are they asking me to do that?  

During the engagement session it gives us a change to get to know each other- you get see and experience how I work, and I get a sense of how you interact as a couple which helps me capture “you” better on the big day when it really counts!

2. This is probably NEW for you

Most people have not done professional modeling, so it feels weird to try and stand the right away and not look or feel totally awkward.  During the engagement session I teach you some tricks and tips for how to hold yourself, each other and a few easy “poses” that will make you look your best.  Getting comfortable with those directions during the engagement session will make it second nature on your wedding day and there will be less time explaining,  which makes us more efficient with our limited time.

3. You get to SEE the results

Because it can feel awkward to be in front of the camera, it’s helpful to see the result of the advise and direction.  You get to see what you like (or what you don’t like!) so you can be sure to nail it on the day it counts and feel good about how you look and the results.

4. It’s FUN!

If you think of the engagement session as practice, there is NO pressure and it ends up being a lot of fun!  Even my grooms who maaaay not be super into photos, end up having a great time because they just get to be close to their future bride and show all that love and affection!   (and bribing with dinner at their favorite restaurant afterwards is never a bad idea!)  It can make it a fun date night to get away from the planning craziness.

Interesting in more information on weddings and engagement sessions?  Feel free to contact me!

The Anniversary Session

There aren't many people who get married and do NOT have a wedding photographer.  And after it's all said and done, your photos are the one thing you have to remember and relive that magical day.  

But what about after?  Most couples don't get in front of the camera again until kids come along.  But what about that time in between?  Or if kids aren't in the picture?  Those beautiful wedding photos are great but it's still important to document and celebrate the moments and years in-between as you change and evolve together.

Hence the anniversary session!  An anniversary is the time to think back on the time together and celebrate where you are as a couple. 

An anniversary session doesn't necessarily have to take place on or near your anniversary.  It can be anytime to document your love for one another!

It is often much more relaxed and comfortable since the early days of that engagement session or wedding!  It's also a perfect gift at any age for Valentine's Day or an Anniversary gift.  (because who really needs another kitchen gadget??) . Think about something that will last!

You can also get creative on location.  Is there a place that has significance to both of you?  Or have you recently bought a new home?  Why not a session celebrating this new milestone?

And if you have children you can include them or (gasp!) not include them to keep the focus on you guys, as much of the rest of life does revolve around those adorable kiddos!

So many options, and so much fun.   Contact me for ideas or to schedule something!

Beth and John are Engaged!

I am so excited for Beth and John's upcoming March wedding!  We had so much fun at their engagement session last weekend and getting some super cute shots of this easy going and fun couple! (and their little pup Stella!) . Congrats you guys!  Can't wait for the big day!