photography by Squarespace customer: Cassie Rosch // florals: Flowers of Fontaine
Gone are the days when the sole purpose of an engagement session is to take a lot of pretty photos…that eventually get stuffed in a box under the bed until further notice. We’re now seeing so much creativity and function in engagement shoots. In fact, we’d argue that it’s one the most fun way to kick off the season of celebrating your love! Planning a session is the best way to get familiar with your photographer and comfortable in front of the camera. You don’t realize how intimate you’ll get with your photographer until the wedding day comes, so it’s a huge bonus when you already know how it feels to be around that ever-important person.
But the REALLY fun part is after it’s all said and done—and those photos land in your inbox. Eeek! ~Back in the day~ you may have printed off a wallet-sized photo and slipped one in the envelope with your save the dates. Now, thanks to the wonder of Photoshop and text overlay, the photos practically ARE the save the dates! Think of it this way: your engagement photos are the first element of branding for your wedding. And a HUGE part of that branding is your wedding website. You guys know how much we love Squarespace‘s all-in-one platform, so we’ve partnered with them today to bring you a list of essential shots to get during your engagement session!
So, open your notes app to jot down ideas and while you’re at it, go ahead and sign up for Squarespace with our code (GWS18) to get 10% off your first purchase! Ready? Let’s do this!
1: The Hero Shot
photography by Squarespace customer Magnolia + Ember
The hero image is your first impression. It’s generally going to be a wide-angle shot with room for text and a major WOW factor. If you’re planning on creating a wedding website, this image will be a full frame moment to welcome guests. Think of it like an introduction! If you’re looking at Squarespace, almost every wedding website template is highly image-focused, creating an excellent home for your photos to live! So it’s important to get a few images that leave room for text and/or link buttons so that it doesn’t obscure your faces.
photography: Emily Illuminate
2: The Close up
photography: Mary Costa Photography // floral crown: Shindig Chic
Speaking of faces, we will want to see them! Don’t be afraid to cozy up…with your fiancé and the camera ;)
photography: Ty French
3: Natural Movement
photography: Julie Shuford Photography
Posed shots are kiiiinda cheesy, you guys. The best thing to do is pretend the camera isn’t there and just have fun with your love! Twirl, play, laugh, kiss—like the totally head-over-heels love birds you are! This isn’t the time to feel insecure or intimidated. That genuine love comes through and believe us, it’s way more attractive than an awkward pose.
photography: Anni Graham Photography
4: Ring shot
photography: Julie Shuford Photography
Even the ring shot can be done in a natural, interesting way. Let the image tell a story!
photography: The Moody Romantic Photography
5: Tones + Colors
photography: Sidney Morgan // hair + makeup: Marissa Vossen
This one is especially important for save the dates and wedding website. If these images are like an introduction, the tone + colors are like a theme. A toned down engagement session hints at a natural, breezy wedding day. Alternatively, a colorful engagement session hints at bright pops of fun! This comes to play beginning with locations and engagement session outfits, all the way to font choices and customized color palettes on your website!
photography: Mary Costa Photography | bride: Sam Ushiro | groom: Kyle Larsen
6: Meaningful Locations
photography: Kandice Breinholt
And while we’re on the subject of location: it’s an important one! You don’t have to frolic through a field or stand in front of a wall if you don’t want to! For example, we love photo shoots at home because they capture an intimate element…and we love photo shoots in nature that capture an adventurous element! Think outside the box: maybe your first date was at a skating rink or a roof overlooking the city? Make it personal to you as a couple.
photography: Jonnie + Garrett Wedding Photographers
7: Time it Right
photography by Squarespace customer Karina & Maks Photography // hair + makeup: Ilona Kobylinsky
There really is no time like golden hour for incredible light…so dreamy! But maybe you’re taking photos at a tourist-heavy spot like Disneyland, the Grand Canyon, or California’s flower fields? The crack of dawn may sound daunting, but that early morning light—and those wide open spaces—make it all worth it.
photography: Alyssa Marie Photography // event design: Shindig Chic // florals: Shindig Chic
8: Snap a Portrait
photography: Jenn Emerling
This is another good one to check off the list if you’re creating a wedding website! Use the photos to coincide something fun, like your side of the love story or a list of things you love most about your fiancé.
photography: Weddings by Nato
9: Go Documentary Style
photography: Cassie Rosch
Take that un-posed tip one step farther and go full documentary style! Bring in elements of what makes you guys you guys—it could be tandem bikes, music, and grubbing on burgers, for example! (Or surfing, drinking coffee, hiking, etc.) The things you love to do together can make for some surprisingly fun and memorable photos.
photography: Kt Crabb Photography // event design: Type A Society
photography: Jonnie + Garrett Wedding Photographers
10: Introduce a Theme or Motif
photography: Jenn Emerling
If you’re planning a themed wedding, now is a really fun time to drop a few hints. Photos that include important items, introduce motifs, or themes to your relationship can heighten the anticipation of your wedding design! Maybe you plan on scattering colorful vintage finds throughout the day, or perhaps your wedding falls around a holiday? This is a fun + creative way to add some character and build the excitement!
photography: Fonda Foto + Film // florals: Marble + Pine
One final tip: if you are planning on sending out save the dates or creating a wedding website, we suggest setting up your engagement session around 9 months out from the day to give you ample time!
Now that you’re camera ready, head on over to Squarespace and sign up with the code GWS18 to snag your domain and get 10% off! Happy shooting, creating, loving, wedding…happy everything!
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