TodayTonight we are talking about engagement sessions. Who, what, why, when and where in Knoxville (or elsewhere!) to have them. It’s late and the People’s Choice Awards are on, you’ll have to excuse me:)

On to the w’s of engagement photography!

WHO:
Well, obviously the future bride and groom and hopefully with their Knoxville wedding photographer. Although I have had several times where I did engagement pictures for a couple and didn’t do their wedding. One reason is that I was booked on their wedding day but they still wanted me to do their pictures so they opted to get their engagement pictures done by me. Another reason I’ve encountered in the past was that the couple were getting married at another location that required them to use their photographer. Chapels in Gatlinburg are big on this.

WHAT:
A photo session for just the two of you. What to expect: lots of kissing! Kidding! Although there will no doubt be pictures that we’ll get of the two of you kissing its alot more to do with the two of you pretending the camera isn’t there and showing the love you have for each other. That is what engagement sessions are all about…capturing you as a couple, in love, during this awesome stage in your life!

WHY:
A few reasons I feel strongly about engagement sessions.

• #1: I LOVE them. They are in the top 2 of my fave kind of shoots. Because they are you being you with each other, laughing, being serious, in love. It’s about capturing those moments that brought you along this journey that will continue on.
• #2 reason for engagement pictures: Its such a great way to get to know each other. Me and you I mean. Let’s hope the two of you know each other:) But seriously, its so much fun to hang out with you guys in an environment that is fun and laid back. It helps to build up a great relationship that comes in handy on your wedding day and for you to get a sense of my shooting style so you are more relaxed during our pictures on your big day. See, win win:)
• #3. I’m a big fan of engagement pictures because they are great to display in your new house! Don’t get me wrong, wedding pictures are good too but in my experience its also really nice to have some nice romantic awesome pictures of you that represents real and everyday life.
• #4. All the other fun things you can do with engagement photos! A fave is using the pictures to get a guestbook made! Love that! Other options are to have some printed and framed to display at your wedding/reception, fun collages, save the date cards, invitations…its just open ended:)

WHEN:
This is flexible but I would recommend at least 2 months before the wedding. If you want save the date cards then way before! Think 9-12 months before for those puppies only because you want to get the save the dates out in time. Also, depending on your date you can work around the seasons and weather.

WHERE:
I think this may be why I love engagement pictures so much…the opportunity to do the session wherever and make it meaningful! If you have a favorite date night place in Knoxville, if you met somewhere specific, if you both love a sport or team….all those can be awesome out of the box engagement photo locations. It makes a special time even more special. And yes, even if you met say, at McDonalds, you bet we can do a rocking engagement session of awesomeness and get great pictures, even at McD’s… because that is how we roll:)

ending the post with a little engagement picture for ya! Have a great night! Tomorrow’s post is good and already in the works, don’t miss it!