Choosing a Location for Your Engagement Session
As a wedding photographer, I get so many questions about WHERE to take engagement photos. Want to know the hardest part? There are so many possible locations here in Wisconsin, just too many gorgeous options. The best advice I give to my clients is to find a location that speaks to you, your relationship, and your unique story.
I want your engagement session to reflect who you are as a couple and what better way then choosing a location that has value to your relationship, it adds so much more to the photos. Did you guys met at that quaint coffee shop downtown? Maybe a weekend out in the woods heaven to you. Do you enjoy taking your dogs out for a run on a sunny day? Or maybe camping out by the lake is more your style. Whatever it is, lets make your engagement session about you! So here's a couple things to get you thinking about the best place to capture your engagement:
CHOOSE A LOCATION THAT IS MEANINGFUL TO YOU
The best location for an engagement is one where it makes you feel at home. Maybe that is the place where you went on your first date, maybe it's your favorite restaurant, your most hiked trail, the place where you had your favorite picnic, or the location where you proposed! Think outside the box and let's go somewhere that means a lot to you.
GO WITH OR AGAINST YOUR WEDDING DAY STYLE
Getting married in the city? Choose a location that features the great outdoors. Having a outdoor tent wedding? Why not head into the historic downtown district for some engagement photos on the streets. Although on the flip side, it can be a great way to highlight your wedding style. If you are planning a barn wedding, an engagement in the similar location will give your guests an idea of what to expect for your wedding day.
DON'T FORGET ABOUT PERMITS AND FEES
It's not the most fun thing to have to remember, but many parks and museums have fees or permits that have to be paid before we could schedule your engagement, and that is totally fine! If they are charging a fee, it has to be worth it, and it will be no doubt. Check their website for more information, but we'll talk through this and I will help you a permitting process. For places like coffee shops and restaurants, it's always safe to ask ahead of time! Usually they don't mind, they think it's pretty awesome.
MOTHER NATURE HAS HER OWN WAY
With Wisconsin, comes unpredictable weather and it's hard to know how each day will be. I ask my clients to be flexible as things could always change on a dime. Luckily with an engagement session, there is always an option if we need to reschedule...say an ice storm rolls in through spring, or ten feet of snow fall the night before your winter engagement. But with that weather comes embrace, taking it all in and highlighting the season for your engagement session just makes it more unique!
TURN IT INTO AN ENTIRE DAY AWAY!
If your ideal location is an hour or two hours away, make a day of it! Take some extra time to put the wedding planning aside and invest in each other. I'll meet you at your favorite place, we'll capture those awesome portraits, and you can continue to enjoy the rest of time with each other after.
Just a few things to think about when planning your engagement session and they are all things I'll help you consider as we go through the process together. Are you ready to book your engagement and get some awesome photos? Contact me to start the adventure!