"I'm looking right at the other half of me."
— Justin Timberlake
To engagement-sesh or not to engagement-sesh?
If you're like 99.99% of newly engaged couples - you are probably making your 'tequila face' right now and thinking. Nahh. Probably not.
I get it. I completely understand why you may be on the fence or outright digging your heels in. There's usually one person attending under protest, but oddly by the end of the shoot EVERYONE has admitted it was fun, not as bad as they thought and that they were nervous for nothing! I've even been asked "can we do this again next weekend." Just hear me out- then decide! Ok? Perfect!
that is the question
pros of doing an engagement session
I am not going to sugar coat it. Everyone has first time jitters. This session allows us to build our relationship and your ease in front of the cameras, so during your first look or couple's session on your wedding day - you will have my trademarked "snuzzle" down pat! You can just simply dazzle in your iconic couples shots. You've learned in the engagement session to relax and be yourselves. That's the magic.
1. Getting comfortable in front of the cameras.
These can be used for your Save the Date, invitations, gifts, guest book table, new wallpaper (just joking).
2. You receive a fabulous collection of images
I'll be there with you every step of the day, so it's nice to get to know each other, so when your wedding day rolls around - it's not a complete stranger showing up to photograph one of the biggest days of your life.
3. We get to spend time together and you'll be even more comfortable with me on your wedding day.
And by best friend, I mean your dog! If you have a dog(s)- please feel free to discuss incorporating Fido into your session. I am most definitely a dog person!
4. you can bring along your best friend
A gorgeous park, beach, vineyard - you name it! Plus you are stepping outside of your comfort zone, experiencing a new activity as a couple and creating yet another new memory.
5. We can use a location that's sentimental to the two of you
It's a great time to have that hair trimmed or colored. Splurge on that mani/pedi. Get dolled up and/or to also showcase your favorite outfits.
6. treat yo' self
You can do something fun together after your session. Why be all dolled up with nowhere to go!?
7. plan a date night afterward
You will receive our Engagement style guide provided to help take the guesswork out of what you bring and what to expect at the session.
8. We provide Crib Notes
Nervous about posing? Completely normal. No worries. We talk you through the entire session and give you little sneak peeks at the back of our cameras once in a while, so you can see how awesome you are doing during the session.
9. gain more confidence in front of the camera
Oh and did we mention the one hour engagement session within 1 hour drive of zip code 01845 is complimentary with your booked wedding package?
10. It's included. Yes, for real.
What are YOUR feelings on the session now? Admit it. You want to go for it!?
Hmmm after all those perks above, I am drawing a blank. That's odd.
but jill, what are the cons?
frequently asked questions
Where are you located to shoot my engagement session?
Primarily in New England, but I am available to travel within the US and outside the country as well. I heart destination weddings and have photographed multiple weddings in Jamaica, Belize, the Bahamas, Mexico, the Dominican Republic and beyond! Please contact us for a custom quote for your destination wedding or elopement.
What should I wear for my engagement shoot?
Solid colors are the best option - but please not too 'matchy-matchy'! Coordinate so that you complement each other.
For the ladies, colorful heels and dresses look great in photos. False lashes also look fab and make your eyes pop!
For the gents – a dress shirt, blazer, slacks and dress shoes are a terrific way to begin the session. Tie is optional.
You can also opt to go completely casual. You want these images to reflect you and your vibe as a couple.
Remember the styling will have an impact on your session. Please be sure to look at yourselves from every angle when choosing your outfits.
Sometimes less is more. Please avoid – chunky earrings, watches and sunglasses.
Also, be sure to keep your pockets empty as those items will show up in the photos.
Avoid distracting or trendy patterns and the color green.
Can we do more than one outfit at our engagement session?
You can most definitely change into a different look at the halfway point in your session. I recommend starting out in cocktail/business casual attire and then moving into a more casual look.
Feel free to bring other outfit options for variety. I am happy to assist with selection for your session.
Can I bring my dog(s) and or props for the session?
Yaaaaas! I absolutely love dogs.
Props are awesome to incorporate into your session – but not a necessity. I love getting creative, so if you have an idea – please share and we can have a brainstorming session together!
How should I do my hair and/or make-up?
Feel free to bring hair clips or elastics to change your look during the session.
Make-up should be worn a little darker than your usual look. I suggest scheduling your make-up trial a few hours prior to your session or utilizing a professional make-up counter session at a local department store. Lashes always look fabulous too!
When using foundation, please select one that will not reflect the flash (any professional make-up counter can assist you with choosing the best option for you).
Avoid bringing a purse. I am happy to carry items for touch-ups.
How long is the session and when should I schedule it?
The session is one hour and the start time is, typically, one hour and one half prior to sunset. So the time of year will drive the start time. Weekends from late April to mid-November are very busy and I accept only a few engagement bookings on weekend days during these months, however, weekdays are fairly flexible.
You may choose a location of your choice up to 35 miles from zip code 01845 for the 'Add-On Engagement Session only option'.
The complimentary engagement session included in the 'Walk this Way' package is held in North Reading, Massachusetts..
Please keep in mind - some locations may require a permit and it is the Client’s responsibility to obtain any necessary permits for venues that require them. I am also happy to provide recommendations on some of my favorite areas for sessions.
What if we do not need an engagement session?
The engagement session is complimentary and cannot be substituted for any other services.
What can I expect at the engagement shoot?
It will be a fun and relaxing time. I will offer you a lot of direction in the beginning of your session and then scale back to minimal direction, as I prefer to capture more of the tender, spontaneous moments that are unique to each couple. Initially, most everyone can be timid in front of the camera, but I guarantee that your genuine personalities and the essence of your relationship will naturally surface by the end of the session. This experience affords me the best opportunity to create meaningful and timeless photographs for you.
Are you open to ideas and suggestions?
Absolutely!!! Please feel free to let me know of ideas and specific shots you would like to have captured. I am happy to incorporate your ideas and creativity into your session.
When will my online gallery collection be available for viewing?
Engagement session: 2 weeks
All final collections are delivered via an online downloadable (password-protected) gallery for viewing and placing orders.
Do I get to keep the digital files?
Yes, you will receive your final images in a downloadable password-protected online gallery. Photographs will be high-resolution JPEG files. You will also receive a USB thumb drive with all of your final images.
Do I get reprint rights?
You are authorized to make prints from the images you download. For your convenience, I also offer online personalized print ordering options through your online gallery.
My name is _______________________ and I'm so excited to chat with you about a ________________________ session on ____________________ at _______________________________!
You can reach me at __________________________________ or by phone at ______________________. Here are some other things you should know:
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