Ahhh, the engagement session. It’s included with the signature AWP wedding collection, and for good reason! For most couples, this is your first time being professionally photographed together – or maybe even at all! It’s a chance for us to work together before the stressure (that’s stress + pressure) of the wedding day, and for you to feel confident and celebrate this milestone in your relationship. As a sweet bonus, the end result is beautiful portraits that aren’t in wedding day attire, and that ultimately may feel more natural and true to you.

If you’re feeling a little nervous before the engagement session, rest easy – that is totally normal! Read on for three tried-and-true tips to ensure your engagement portraits are exactly what you want them to be. 

Secret 1: You Can’t Mess This Up

Lemme just take alllll of that weight off your shoulders right now: I am responsible for 100% of what happens at the session. Literally, everything. And trust me, I got this! I will coordinate with venues, monitor weather (and postpone if necessary), weigh in on wardrobe, and provide gentle, effective posing direction which results in images that are authentic and NEVER stiff or boring. A reluctant fiancé doesn’t faze me and I’ve got tricks up my sleeve to flatter every body. You two just show up in love and ready to play, and I’ll take care of the rest!

Secret 2: The First 15 Minutes Are Practice

I know this is totally new to you. The last time you were photographed might have been at high school graduation. This experience is going to be totally different than that! We’re going to move around, snuggle up, play games, and keep things dynamic. Posing authentically is my expertise, and we’ll take a few minutes in the beginning of your session to practice a few basic moves and general tips to ensure you guys feel totally prepped. Once the session starts, I’m constantly interacting with you, providing reassurance and guidance and before you know it, we’ll get in a groove and it’ll feel totally natural! 

Secret 3: Bring Multiple Outfits

An easy way to add variety to your gallery? Change up your look! If you want to, I suggest planning a more formal outfit and a casual outfit, but still within the same color palette to keep the gallery cohesive. See how Stacy and Austin styled their session for inspiration:

Layers and jewelry are another great way to add more visual interest to your portraits. A long, flowy dress always photographs beautifully, especially in chiffon or lace!

I hope this helps you feel totally prepared and EXCITED for your engagement session. I can’t wait to start telling your love story!