The decision to make a lifetime commitment to someone is a huge milestone. For you, it may have been love at first sight, or perhaps it’s taken a few years to pluck up the courage to pop the question to your beloved. Whichever way your proposal happened, getting engaged is an exciting and possibly one of the most romantic times for both of you.
During those first giddy weeks of telling your nearest and dearest, you’ll begin the search for venues, dresses, shoes, caterers – and of course for your ideal photographer! A great way to see if you have chosen the right person to capture your wedding day is having an Engagement Shoot.
I’ve offered Engagements Shoots to my couples for quite some time now and although the idea seems quite new, it really has taken off over the last year or so. Engagements shoots are like a mini-trial for the big day. The best thing about them is that we get to know each other, usually, somewhere that’s special to you both, in a relaxed and informal way. I love hearing about how my couples met, how did they propose, I like to know as much about them as I can.
Not many of us are completely comfortable in front of a camera, and nerves can make people look anxious and even terrified! By having a chilled-out engagement shoot you have the best opportunity to learn how to be your most natural self, whilst having your photo taken. It’s my job to make sure you don’t freeze in front of the camera. We can work together to come up with poses that feel effortless, and in turn that will really help how you feel on the actual day and make your photographs even more stunning.
Kathryn and Scott recently had their Engagement Shoot. Scott was quite nervous about having his photograph taken, but we met at Wepre Park, the local woods to us and chatted for a short while and he soon felt more at ease. He made Catherine laugh a lot and the pictures worked a treat. Capturing a lovely natural laugh or smile makes me so happy too!
Finding a lovely location can be quite simple. How about a walk through the woods, or a stroll by the river? Or maybe you met at an unusual venue and want to celebrate your love for one another there? It really is up to you.
The shoot is calm and casual, there’s no standing on ceremony (unless that’s your thing!) and I can assure you we will have lots of fun. It’s never too late to have this kind of photoshoot – sometimes couples have pre-wedding shoots done just a few weeks before the wedding.
Couples often use a photo from their Engagement Shoot to put in a signature frame at their wedding. Guests can sign the frame and it makes a gorgeous keepsake for years to come. They can also be used for ‘save the date’ cards to tell your family and friends that you’ve decided to tie the knot.
However you decide to use your gallery of beautiful photos, you won’t regret having such a wonderful memory of a most amazing time in your lives. Getting engaged is truly special and deserves to be celebrated wholeheartedly!
