Aleshia + Adam - Downtown Salem, Oregon Engagement Photographer
Aleshia and Adam and I share a close mutual friend, which made it seem like I already knew them a bit, but meeting for their engagement session was only the second time I had hung out with them. The first, of course, was at their consultation, where we talked through their wedding day, tentative timeline, and package options. I was over the moon when Aleshia and Adam chose me to capture their wedding day. I'm excited to share their laid-back engagement session with you, where we took advantage of the beautiful downtown Salem architecture. We purposely chose an urban backdrop to be diverse from their upcoming barn wedding next Fall. Please enjoy this sneak peek from Aleshia and Adam's engagement session!
Check after the sneak peek for some engagement session tips!
Engagement session tips
1. Be comfortable!
Comfortable clothes that aren't too tight or clingy are ideal so you feel the most comfortable during your session. Make sure you're actually going to be comfortable in the outfit(s) you pick. So, if you get something new, wear it at least once before your session so you know how it fits and feels on you. Make sure that your outfits will make you and your partner feel like a million bucks! Make sure you take plenty of time to clean up your outfit, press or steam it, and keep it in a safe space. Check for any rips, holes, or tears. You want to be thinking less about the clothes that you're wearing and more about the love you have for your partner. Guys: wear complimentary colors to your partner. Consider having a more formal look and a more casual look to spice it up. Ladies: we suggest wearing something that flows with your movement if you're wearing a dress, and also to choose a more dressier look and a more casual look.
2. Consider getting your hair and makeup done professionally
Photo sessions can cause a need for more dramatic or saturated makeup than you're use to, so a lot of times home-done makeup disappears in front of the camera. Hair styles can go flat without some of tricks of the hair stylist trade. For these reasons we recommend booking an appointment with your favorite hair and makeup artist. Have you done your wedding trial yet? This may be the perfect opportunity to combine two wedding activities into one day! If you want some suggestions for stellar artists, let me know!
3. Make a day of it!
When is the last time you and your partner have taken time to go on a date night? Often times wedding-planning couples forget to spend one-on-one time with each other, which can lead to more stress! Set up some reservations, check the movie times, or make other plans for after your session. Not only will your session be a fantastic way to make you feel connected and romantic, but you will look fabulous when we are done!
4. Location, location, location!
When they say "location is everything," they really do mean it. When I talk with my couples about where to do their engagement session, I typically ask about their special places, interests, and wedding day vision. Many of my couples will base their engagement session on these three things. Some will choose a complementary location to their wedding day vision, some will choose a location that is polar opposite of their wedding. Getting married in the mountains? Maybe we should meet at the beach! Most important is your favorite activities and personality. Love the outdoors? Let's go hiking, hang out under a waterfall, or meet at a lake. Prefer hanging out at home? I'll meet you there to capture you snuggling on the couch or playing games. Want some more help picking a location? Check out this great quiz, and here are some other great ideas for engagement session locations!
5. Time is important
Maybe you've heard of golden hour? It's the perfect time for photos because the sun is low in the sky, but gorgeously golden. For golden hour photos, I recommend booking your session about an hour and a half before sunset, unless you're at the coast, in which case I'd push to an hour before sunset. If your location has prettier east-ward views, an early morning sunrise session may work best. The timeframe most folks want to avoid is mid-morning to mid-afternoon because the sun is really high in the sky, which means the light is more harsh. Let's talk about your ideal location and we will figure out the best time for your session!
6. Have an engagement session, period.
I include an engagement session with all of my wedding packages for a very good reason. It gives us a chance to work together to ease your nerves for your wedding day, and also for us to get to know each other before your big day. Not only that, but it gives you some variety in images that you can hang in your home, give to family, and use at your wedding.
7. Show your personality!
Stepping in front of the camera can be nerve wrecking, I know it! But this is a chance to break down those walls ahead of your wedding. The easiest way to do that is to focus on your partner, your relationship, and making each other smile. Just have fun with it! The best photos are the ones that showcase your personality.