How to Personalize Your Engagement Photo Session
Colt State Park, Bristol RI | Engagement Session
Congratulations, you two! You’re engaged! Someone asked, and someone said yes. I expect it was an exhilarating experience for you both. Chances are, one of you has probably already jumped into Pinterest boards and wedding inspiration, trying to figure out how to make your day unique and special to the two of you. However, have you thought about how you want to express your personality in the engagement photos you’re planning to make?
Don’t get me wrong, it is always wonderful to have beautiful photos! But your photos will mean so much more if they have special significance to you. Thankfully, there are many ways you can personalize your engagement session to express who you are individually and as a couple. I photographed Meaghan and Jarren’s summer engagement session at Colt State Park in Bristol, RI. This location was special to them because its a venue they visit regularly when they’re home. They were relaxed and comfortable, because they knew it well.
Focus on Your Interests
What is it that you and your partner love doing? Is there something you like to do together? A shared hobby perhaps? Maybe you both enjoy hiking, going to concerts or even just cooking. Whatever it is you love to do together, consider including these hobbies and interests in your engagement photo session. What better way to let everyone know who you are as a couple than by showing off a few of your favorite things? As an added bonus: doing an activity you both love can make you feel more at ease during your engagement session! Lindsay and Jarren love walking their dog at the park and just chilling. So that's what we started off with. For the first half of their engagement session, it felt like we were all just hanging around at the park. They were relaxed and even silly at times! I would share some of the silly pictures, but I know Jarren would come for me.
Get All Dressed Up
Whether you and your partner are the grungy sweatpants and chillax on the couch type of couple, or you both love to get glammed up in your best threads, your engagement session is the perfect excuse to go to town with your look (on the latter end)! Make your engagement session a red-carpet event, and strut your stuff like your favorite model or celebrity. This would also be a great excuse to make an occasion of it. As Donna on Parks and Recreation says...
Make a reservation at the spa and get all pampered before you step in front of the camera! Have a hot towel beard shave, do something that make this experience a one of a kind. Lindsay works as a special educator and she has very few opportunities to get dressed up in a silky dress and heels. She went all out with this dress and Jarren was very very appreciative!
Tell Your Love Story
Think of your engagement session as the perfect opportunity to reflect on your journey together as a couple. A way to remind yourself of how you love began and the moment when you realized there was a special fondness for each other that was never there before.
Try to include one favorite spot in your photos - perhaps where you had your first date, where your proposal happened, or even your home. Several couples have their engagement sessions at home because it's the place where they feel most connected and relaxed.
“My favorite thing about Lindsay is that her sense of humor matches mine””
Just Relax and Be Yourselves!
I know, it’s easier said than done, but the best way to personalize your engagement photos is to show off your personalities! After all, you were drawn to each other because of who you are. Show the world what makes your love so special!
