CONGRATULATIONS...NOW LET'S CAPTURE IT!

Congratulations on your engagement and upcoming wedding! Your engagement session is actually the most important part of your photography experience because it allows us to really get to know one another and it allows both of you to get familiar with the way that I work! This is so important because this is the secret to creating a ton of gorgeous, genuine portraits on your wedding day! Once we are done with your engagement session, you will both be pros at this! I will guide you through the entire process, so don't worry about a thing!

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SCHEDULING YOUR SESSION:

AVAILABILITY.

My weekend availability is limited due to my wedding and event photography schedule. Engagement sessions are available Monday-Thursday. Weekend booking is subject to availability and not guaranteed. 

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PLANNING TO USE YOUR PORTRAITS ON YOUR SAVE THE DATE?

When scheduling your session, think about if you might like to use your portraits on your save the dates. If so, make sure you schedule your session so you have plenty of time to receive your gallery and order your cards before your "deadline".

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PREPARING FOR YOUR SESSION:

OUTFIT INSPIRATION & TIPS.

I recommend a maximum of 2 outfits for your engagement session to ensure that we have plenty of time to capture both looks before sunset! I recommend a more formal outfit and a more casual one so that you have plenty of variety to choose from later! Not all locations will offer a public restroom for changing, so keep this in mind, you might need to do a quick change in the back seat of the car!  The goal is to coordinate instead of matching! I also recommend avoiding both of you wearing white as a top. This won’t allow for any contrast in your images. Neutrals such as blush, tans, link pinks, faint blues and teals, creams, grays and whites will always result in more of a light and airy look to your images. These colors photograph softer and more romantically!

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GUYS.

I recommend that you avoid patterns that are smaller than a dime! These small patterns can create strange visual effects in a digital camera. Close-toed shoes photograph well and I recommend avoiding graphic tees and tennis shoes!

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LADIES.

I recommend that you wear something that flatters the parts of you that you love the most and also allows you to be extremely confident! If you are uncomfortable when you look in the mirror (having to suck in and only like the way you look from one angle), then that probably isn’t the best outfit choice for you. I want you to be so confident in your outfit because I know that you will love your portraits so much more if you’re not worrying about how your clothes fit! If you’re really looking for a soft, feminine look, I recommend a flowing, maxi-length dress or skirt! The movement of this type of fabric photographs beautifully!

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WHAT SHOULD WE BRING?

Other than you smiling faces, I suggest bringing a few things to keep you both feel comfortable. First, please bring comfortable shoes for walking from one location to another. Feel free to change into your "good" shoes for your portraits. If it's warm, I reccomend bringing a water bottle and if it's chilly, and you don't plan to wear jackets in your portraits, I suggest bringing them so you can warm up in between sets.

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CLEAN YOUR RING! 

I will be photographing your gorgeous diamond! This means that this would be a perfect opportunity to have your ring cleaned so that it’s clear of dirt and build up that may be visible through a macro lens!

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HAIR & MAKEUP.

Splurge a little! If you were considering getting your hair and makeup done, this is the perfect opportunity to treat yourself ! You will cherish these images forever and so investing in professional hair and makeup can be an extra fun way to celebrate the occasion and allow you to be super confident during your shoot! 

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HAVE A PREVIEW PARTY.  

In the past I have found that it is incredibly helpful for my brides to sit down and have a little preview party with their groom before their engagement session. Take ten minutes and sit down together to scroll through my website or social media. This will allow your groom to be prepared for what he is about to experience!

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THE DAY OF YOUR SESSION:

PLEASE ARRIVE A BIT EARLY & DO A ONCE OVER.

I am always a few minutes early to engagement sessions so that I can scope out the location and find light that will be flattering on my couples! Because we are racing the sun and cannot shoot after it has set, I recommend arriving 10 minutes early, and giving yourselves a quick once over. Please remove athletic watches and hair bands from your wrist. Please remove all items from your pockets (keys, wallets, phone, etc.), we certainly don’t want any extra bumps! You might want to bring a small bag to put your essential items in.

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TAKE A DEEP BREATH.  

You’re going to be amazing models! I always tell my couples that the best models are the ones who have never modeled professionally before!  And I mean it! The couples that are usually most nervous are the couples who totally rock their session! So be encouraged! I have worked with every personality type and every body type and I always create images that my clients love! Get excited!

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NEED TO REACH ME?

My phone number is 804-248-2567, please call or text if you are unable to find me at the portrait location.  

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FOLLOWING YOUR SESSION:

SNEAK PEEK WITHIN 24 HOURS.

Within 24 hours of your session you will see a sneak peek of your session on Instagram and Facebook (with your permission, of course).

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GALLERY DELIVERY.

Your full gallery of proofs will be delivered within 7-10 days (sometimes sooner) of your session. You will receive a link to your private online gallery via email and will have the opportunity to choose your favorites and select your images for printing. I will also provide a sharable link, so go ahead and share the joy!