I love love love this time we get to spend together. It not only gets you a chance to get in front of our camera but, it gives us a chance to get to know you as a couple. We feel honored to be let in to see such a beautiful love story unfold. You’re going to be married to each other for the rest of your future. What a blessing! We are so excited to be able to create something so special together. This is the only period in time that you will be able to call each other your fiance. We have created an Engagement Guide just for our cmbrides but, we are going to share a few pieces of that guide with you here for getting the best out of your engagement experience, so let’s get started!
We begin all engagement sessions an hour and a half before the scheduled sunset. Hello, golden hour! The sun provides the dreamiest light at this time. It highlights the trees, grass, flowers, buildings or whatever your backdrop is. It really makes everything beautiful. Once you and your photographer have selected a date that works best for you, the time can be calculated on google. It’s google awesome?! Simply ask it what time sunset is, and calculate backward and hour and a half. Also, daylight savings can get confusing so take into consideration what time of the year it is when planning your date.
To get the most out of your session, plan to start getting ready earlier than what you think you should. The goal is to arrive early. This will come in handy when traffic is heavy, or your hair took longer to fix than you thought. And if you arrive a little early, it will give you both a minute to chat and get relaxed before we start.
The choice is all yours! Do you like a city feel, field, park, etc. This is the time to think outside of the box. Are there any unique locations that you might have special access to that most people don’t? Maybe a family member has a membership to a country club, or a friend owns a private estate that they wouldn’t mind you using. Options are endless! Of course, if you get stuck, we can always make suggestions or you can browse our blog to get a few ideas of where our past clients have had their sessions at. We are always up for a destination engagement session as well!
To go pro or not to go pro? Professional Hair and Makeup is on top of most of our brides’ checklist for several reasons. It can help remove the stress of getting ready on their own, act as a trial run for the wedding day, and looks great in camera. Crazy fun fact, in 1998 I had my hair and makeup done for prom but in 2009, I didn’t for my engagement shoot. Kinda funny. Luckily with youtube and a daughter in cosmetology school, I can decently put on makeup now. ha! But I absolutely love to have my hair done. It’s so nice to feel pampered!
Want your engagement images to look more editorial? Bring details to add like hats, blankets, fresh flowers, a bicycle, picnic basket, etc. Or you can even think big like a classic car or a rowboat.
Ladies, it’s time to dress it up! Don’t be afraid to have some fun and show off your beauty! Long, flowy dressed and skirts look amazing on camera because they bring extra movement to the photos. We recommend avoiding pants and shorts for your session, and saying yes to the dress!
Guys, it’s time to go dapper and debonair! Try mixing a suit coat, blazer or sport coat with a different pant color. Layered looks are always a great idea. Try googling stores like the Gap Men, J.Crew Men, or Nordstrom Men and click on images. You will find some great examples to meet your style and preference.
When choosing colors for your outfits, avoid ultra-bright, bold colors. By choosing softer and more muted shades, it will help bring all the attention to your eyes and faces. Days are gone that everyone wears the same color. The camera loves it when you aim to wear a different dominant color but stay within a similar color family. Brides, choose your dress first, then piece together your soon to be hubby’s outfit. In our style guide, we go into great detail on how to look your best and ideas on how to pick the best outfit for you both.
Details like necklaces, bow ties, earrings, vests or suspenders can add an extra oomph to your images. And brides, don’t forget to freshen up your beautiful ring. Giving it a little cleaning whether it’s professionally or with at home cleaner, it will give it the extra shine and sparklies to really make it stand out.
You guys did great! Now you are all dressed up, so why not plan a dinner date. Things can get a little busy with wedding planning. It’s time to relax, enjoy each others company and have some fun. You deserve it!
I hope this helped give you more ideas about your engagement session. When you become a CM Bride & Groom, you will receive a more detailed version of this engagement guide. We invest in our couples and want to give them the best experience possible. Enjoy this season of life and enjoy each other. If you would like more information about us, send an email at hello@cindymedickphotography.com or browse our website for the experience, galleries, and prices. Happy Everything!
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In August, my husband, Philip and I will be celebrating 8 years of marriage and I know what a blessing marriage can be. Celebrate this season of life and enjoy every moment with each other. I want you to relive your wedding story every time you look back on your images and feel the emotion you felt when it was all unfolding into your unique wedding love story.
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