Looking to plan an engagement session of your dreams that is as magical as the love you share? Keep reading for ten ways you can add more of your story to your engagement photo session.
The options are endless when it comes to planning you & your love(s) engagement session. When it comes time to making the final decisions, I want– above all else– your session to feel like it speaks to your love story. My number one priority in my sessions is to create a space for you to be seen & celebrated. When my muses (that’s y'all!) are immersed in the moment, seen and celebrating together, the beautiful photos and dreamy snapshots come effortlessly and naturally.
The secret to all of that: planning an engagement session that is unique to your expression of love. While I’m here for all of the beautiful photos in an expected location– let’s add a little bit of spice, if you will, to tell more about your journey. Sometimes it’s including an activity ya'll love to do together in on the session (basketball, board games, battleship?!), or it means that we’re photographing on location of your first date! Don't feel limited by all the ideas the come up -- I'd love to hear them & see what we can create together!
An engagement session is a complimentary portion of all of my wedding and elopement packages— and for good reason– it’s important! It’s a space where we can get comfortable and learn more about each other. I love meeting my marriers before their wedding day, and I love that they’re able to get a feel for my style of photographing before (usually it calms a lot of nerves and jitters, I’ve heard). While it’s no big deal if we’re meeting when you’re walking down the aisle (that IS fun too), engagement sessions are my lil creative pleasure, and I encourage everyone to lean all the way in to making this session about their love in WHATEVER way that means for y’all.
To get the creative juices flowing on how to tell your story, take a look at the 10 ways you can make your engagement session unique to your love story. The inspiration is endless, and I would love to help you & yours brainstorm how to memorialize this moment in your love story.
1. Lean into what makes your love yours.
If you & your love spend gentle time reading together and intentional time crocheting or knitting– emphasize that in your handmade sweater at the library, giggling between the bookshelves. What ever fills your time, colors the world with joy, feels like home or a normal Tuesday night can be a whole beautiful, telling session capturing this era of your love story.
2. Take me on a timeline tour of your love story.
Is there a neighborhood that just so happens to be the spot of some of your big moments? Take me on a tour! Show me your first date, your fav people watching spot, where you proposed, and wherever means something to your story.
3. Make it a date.
While a picnic is optional, planning a date that just happens to be your engagement session is always fun, even with a camera around. It helps immerse lovers into the moment, hopefully easing some anxieties about being the focus of the camera. Maybe you've been wanting to propose to your partner as well? *winkwink* Also, pro-tip: the date does not need to begin or end when I’m there!
4. Share a treat- everything is better with a treat.
Bringing a treat into any session instantly elevates your experience. Facts. Sharing a stunning cake post-tandem bike ride really tells a story, as does the process of actually making said treat. Food can be a whole love language, and I love the story these photos tell.
5. Just stay at home.
I’m a firm believer that everything is better at home. Your engagement session can be, too! Whether it’s sharing popcorn in your special place or showing off your green thumbs, there is always ample stories to tell about your love in your home. In the theme of coming exactly as you are, remember that your home can be too.
6. Let me in on your favorite traditions.
I would love to be a part of your favorite traditions– and what a unique and fun way to capture a bit of your love story. Decorating for the holidays and cozying up on the couch for hot cocoa or checking out the lights on the circle every year are wonderful ways to wrap the winter charm, but don’t be fooled– any holiday or any tradition (holiday or not!) can make for a magical session unique to y’all.
7. Capture this once-in-a-lifetime moment.
Life is full of really cool moments, big and small, and we can really hone in on one of the many reasons to celebrate. Maybe you just moved into your new home, and have decided to turn painting in the empty space into a playful session, complete with ordering pizza and dancing with your dog? I can’t think of a better time to keep forever in photos. My dream? A new puppy or kitten has been welcomed into the family, conveniently around your engagement photo session planning.
8. Get real fancy with it.
Rent the hottest mansion in central Indiana, and pretend it’s all yours. Dress in your fanciest of garb, and sip champagne like the royalty you were (clearly) meant to be. If you and your love(s) spend some time with your head in the clouds, this is always a dreamy time with quite a story to tell.
9. Stop by your neighborhood spot.
We can end the session at your favorite diner, where you share a milkshake and fries. I’ll be real impressed if the waitstaff knows your names, and we can get all of the cute photos of your natural habitat. Where do you lovebirds spend time at? Your favorite grocery store could be the ideal space for the perfect engagement session.
10. Experience somewhere or something new together.
Cross a state park or cool spot off your list of must-visits during your engagement session. Experiencing something new with your love(s) is always an adventure, and capturing that wonder and curiosity is a dream! Don’t be limited by locations, either– what about activities? Throw some clay together as newbies? Never go-karted? I know some spots.
I am most inspired by my clients - so let this be my invitation to come as you are. I cannot wait to see what you come up with.
Warmly,
Jas (she/her)
Intuitive Storyteller
