How to choose where to have an engagement session?

While this can be answered in different ways, after years of practicing Wedding Photography in North Carolina, I’ve figured out one of the greatest success in making you feel as confident and comfortable as possible if you choose a place you love, feel safe in or have great memories from.

I’ve had couples do their engagement sessions at the venue where they will have their wedding. I’ve had couples go to where they had their first date. I’ve had it be an alley outside their work where they met and got to know each other. Bookstores, the home they own together, you name it.

My greatest suggestion is for you to think about a place that:

Makes you feel at home

Reminds you of your love story

This answer can be a park you frequent for walks. This can mean going miniature golfing. This can mean sitting on the floor of your kitchen. There is no right answer here. You can also just have a place you find beautiful and you want your photos there.

But the key thing I will tell you where you are isn’t going to be the highlight of your pictures, it is going to be you and your fiance. It is going to be your love and life shining through no matter where you are.

Feel free to consult your photographer on the places you are choosing between but I will tell you over and over I have found you can find great ways to shoot almost anywhere: make it someplace that means something to you!

Once you have your location ahead of time think about areas you would like to have photos taken, possible looks you like.

I personally like to scope out the location before the photoshoot for this same reason, to be prepared for ideas and what’s next but depending on your photographer you might be better off prepared for yourself to get the most from your session.

What to wear for an engagement session?

Much like all aspects of your wedding personalization is best here!

I do suggest two outfits so that you can get diversity if you want it. I generally suggest one outfit to be more casual and another more dressy. The levels of this are totally up to you. If you are a very casual person it might be very casual and slightly less casual and that’s wonderful!

My suggestion is generally start with the bride to be, pick out an outfit that you feel beautiful in. Something you feel comfortable and confident about and you feel like yourself. Then pair with complimentary colors but not completely matching the counterpart’s outfit.

If you’re one of my couples you are more than welcome to contact me about your choices to get feedback! I love getting to see the magic in the making!

My name is Rachel Abi and I am a wedding photographer in NC and my priority is your getting the best engagement and wedding photography you possibly can so that you can treasure those moments always!