One of the many things to look forward to when getting married is the Engagement Session. These are my favorite to film and/or be a part of, because as a cinematographer I have the opportunity to get to know the couple and these sessions are so much FUN!

Many couples find themselves swallowed up with stress when planning the wedding and understandably so, you want your wedding day to be perfect.  The Engagement Session is a nice distraction from the stress, because it is about letting loose and being in the moment.  I kinda think of it as a de-stresser.

I have compiled a list of tips to help create an unforgettable Engagement Session.

6 TIPS TO CREATE AN UNFORGETTABLE ENGAGEMENT FILM/ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS
1. LOCATION
Choose a location that represents you as a couple. A place that has memories attached to it or brings fond memories to mind.

For instance, if you are the outdoorsy type a park, field or any outdoor space would fit you like a glove. If you vacation in the Texas Hill Country, ask your cinematographer/photographer if traveling there is an option.

2.  CREATE A THEME
You want to create a common thread that brings everything together.  For example, a particular color, style, movie, hobby etc.  This comes in handy when you have opted for multiple locations and want them to come together seamlessly.  It also gives an Engagement Film cohesiveness.

COLOR
– What is your favorite color?
– What color(s) did you wear on your first date?
– What color best compliments the location(s) you have chosen?

STYLE
– Casual: perfect for the couple with a more laid back approach when it comes to their session.
– Formal/Modern: for the couple wanting a more metropolitan look when it comes to the finished product.
– Vintage: for the couple that favors retro, vintage, and throwbacks to a simpler time.
– Romantic: this couple wants passion and romance incorporated into their session.
– Outdoorsy: this couple is into outdoor activities and being one with nature.
– Whimsical: this couple has a playful and fanciful way of thinking.
There are a multitude of styles so many I couldn’t include them all, but hopefully these will get the wheels turning.

MOVIE
– Do you have a favorite movie?
– What was the first movie you saw together?
– Is there a movie you feel is reminiscent of your relation?
Once you have decided on a movie incorporate aspects of it into your session, for instance, locations, clothing, scenes etc.

Hobby
– Any activity you may have in common, enjoy doing together, or share a passion for.
We had a couple that loved to read, especially the Harry Potter Series, so we incorporated those particular books into their session.

3. MAKE IT YOUR OWN
Personalization is key!  You want your family and friends to say “that is so them” as they view your film/photos, so it’s important to incorporate aspects of yourselves into your session.  Anything that is unique to you as a couple, whether it be through props or activities.

PROPS
– Signs displaying your wedding date.
– Signs displaying love related words or significant sayings.
– Or a prop that has significance for you as a couple. For example, a book(s) you both love, sports equipment from a sport you play frequently, ticket stubs to the first movie you saw together, a record of your favorite song…Oh I could go on and on, but I think you get the picture!

ACTIVITIES
– Do you have a special or funny hand shake or gesture you may share?
– Do you share a love or passion for something? For instance, reading, bowling, teaching, playing instruments etc.

4. DRESS THE PART
Oooooh, now it’s time to choose the outfits! Choose outfits that compliment one another, as well as, fits your theme and the location you have chosen. Find a common denominator, whether it be in color story, style or degree of formality.

COLOR STORY
The outfits you and your fiance choose should share a common color or the colors compliment one another.

STYLE
Both you and your fiance’s outfits should match in style.

If you are going for a preppy look, both you and your fiance should be sporting outfits that fit in the preppy category.

DEGREE OF FORMALITY
Both you and your fiance should choose outfits that are the same degree of formality.  Not to say the outfits must be formal, rather they should reflect the same kind of tone or feel. If one is wearing a formal outfit while the other is in a more casual outfit, it may create an unbalanced and odd look.

5. TRUST YOUR CINEMATOGRAPHER/PHOTOGRAPHER!
I cannot stress this one enough. Your cinematographer and/or photographer are true professionals who have been doing this for a long time, and their ultimate goal is to make you look your best, so trust them to do so.  They want to capture you at your best in the hopes of producing an incredible film/photos.

6.  And most importantly…HAVE FUN!!!
Your best film/photos will be when you are comfortable, letting loose and having fun. For that short time let go of ALL the stress and be in the moment.