Planning your engagement shoot in London, Ontario, Toronto, or elsewhere? We can help!

Your engagement session should be a fun experience. It’s the
time to capture all that pre-wedding excitement and energy! It’s also the perfect occasion
to get to know your photographer better and to get used to working together. Your engagement shoot will give you the opportunity to get comfortable and maybe, even feel fabulous
in front of the camera!

Set a Date

This is a simple one but there’s still lots to consider. Do you want to use your
engagement photos for save-the-dates, or have them printed and framed at your
wedding? Make sure you give yourself, your photographer, and your printer sufficient
time to get all the work done. Maybe you don’t need your engagement photos ready
before your wedding, but you would like to take advantage of a different season.
Engagement photos taken on a warm summer’s day will contrast the imagery from
your cozy winter wedding. Perhaps you and your fiancé met on a cool autumn day
with colourful, falling leaves, and you’d like to pay homage to this with your
engagement shoot.

Decide on a Location

Location, location, location! This is often a stumbling block
for engaged couples. Our recommendation is to pick somewhere that is meaningful
to the two of you. Where did the proposal happen? What’s a favourite date spot,
or neighbourhood that’s filled with good memories? Depending on your photographer,
you may have time for more than one location. A couple of our recent engagement
shoots have started in urban areas, covered in concrete and graffiti, and have finished
with sunset at the beach. The final package has lots of variety and is perfect for
displaying on your wedding day.

However, if there’s no particularly meaningful place where
you want to have your photos done, don’t fret! Your photographer will have
plenty of suggestions for beautiful locations and backdrops. There’s no rule
that your engagement photos should be taken in a sentimental place, picking
somewhere that’s just pretty is plenty fine, too!

The spot were they got engaged!

Choose Your Outfits

When choosing your engagement shoot outfits, consider what
your fiancé is wearing, and aim to complement, but not match each other. If you’re
in a pink ball gown and they’re in a red hockey jersey, maybe you should both reconsider
your plan. Pick pieces that are classic, rather than trendy. This will help create
timeless photos, instead of fashion regrets a few years from now. Having a change
of clothes is great to get more variety, also different locations might call
for different looks.

This couple perfected their engagement shoot style, and three times over!

Nails Done, Hair Done, Everything Did (Or Not)

You may want to get a mani-pedi, blowout, and professional makeup done for your engagement session. However, a laidback DIY approach is just as good. It really comes down to how you want your photos to be at the end of it all. If you love getting glammed up, or just hate how you style your own hair, by all means, bring in the professionals. If you want to capture your and your fiancé’s (slightly more polished) everyday look, there’s no need to go to the trouble.

Relax, and Trust Your Photographer

They’re professionals, and you choose them for a reason! They’ll tell you how to pose, and help you find your best angles. Something that feels silly might actually look stunning in the camera.  But also, don’t be shy about telling them how you’re feeling, or if there’s something important you want to incorporate in your shoot.

Keep in mind, these are just suggestions. At the end of the day, you do you! Engagement photos are a keepsake for yourselves and your loved ones, so if they make you happy, you’re doing it right!

BONUS:

You’re looking great! Why not make a date out of it and go out after your shoot? Here are a few of our favourite date spots in and around London:

Grace Restaurant: 215 Dundas St. London, ON – Upscale dining with a farm-to-table approach

Los Lobos: 580 Talbot St. London, ON – Casual and fun, with a modern take on Mexican food. Also, the best mezcal selection that we’ve found in the city.

Anderson Craft Ales: 1030 Elias St. London, ON – Local brewery with outdoor patio and live music events

Read more to prepare for your London, Ontario wedding!