ENGAGEMENT / PRE-WEDDING SESSION

WHAT LOCATION SHOULD WE CHOOSE?

I love it when the location of your engagement shoot has some meaning to your relationship. Think about places that are special to you. Where did you get engaged? Where would you go on a Sunday off together? No pressure though, It can be as easy as choosing a beautiful spot in your area and I'm happy to help with ideas! Whenever possible I suggest we do your engagement session in a different season and in a different looking location then your wedding photos will be. I'm always down for an epic location and I'm happy to do whatever it takes to get there, but I'm also just as happy with an open field and some beautiful evening light:)

WHAT SHOULD WE WEAR?

The location of your shoot should help guide your choice of clothing, maybe no heels on a hike?? I find color and pattern can bring life to a photo. Keep it fun and casual, accessories are great! Feel free to bring options and a wardrobe change if you like, even send me pics before hand if you need an opinion. The main thing to remember is wear something you feel incredible in! and reflects your personal style. If  you feel comfortable chances are you'll look more comfortable in the images. As a couple coordinating is better then being all matchy match.

SHOULD WE BRING ANY PROPS?

Other then your pets! (not to call your dog a prop but PLEASE bring your fur baby if you have one so I can play with them) or maybe some accessories like a hat or a scarf I think just the two of you and your connection is more then enough.

WHAT IS THE BEST TIME OF DAY FOR THE SHOOT?

Always sunset! Engagement Sessions start about 1.5-2 hrs before sunset to take advantage of the golden hour. Exact time of day varies depending on the time of year.

WE'RE NOT VERY PHOTOGENIC, WILL YOU TELL US WHAT TO DO?

My goal always is to have the end result look naturally fun and romantic. Don't worry though, 99% of couples need a little help getting there. I'll give you as much or as little direction as you need. I totally get that being in front of the camera can be nerve wracking (trust me when I get my picture taken I always get awkward with my hands! haha) but I can guarantee we'll just end up laughing the whole time. All I need from you two is to embrace the awkward, be open to a little PDA, have fun with it and most important, be up for connecting and feeling some feels in front of the camera.

WHAT IF WE DON'T WANT AN ENGAGEMENT SHOOT?

Totally up to you! It can't hurt to have a little practice in front of the camera before the big day though! The biggest thing I find is that an engagement shoot helps take the pressure off on the wedding day. You'll know that being photographed is no big deal. Plus bonus! it gives you a chance to spend a few hours having fun together and maybe even bring you back to the reason you're committing to each other in the first place!

THE WEDDING DAY

WHY SHOULD WE CHOOSE YOU?

I know there's tonnes of factors involved in picking someone to document such an important day and time in your life but the biggest thing to me is that you connect with my images and that we connect as human beings and get each other:) My clients end up feeling more like friends by time the wedding rolls around and that's so important because it feels natural to have that person around you SO much on the day. I often have guests come up to me at the wedding and ask if I'm friends with the wedding party! or even better tell me they barely noticed me at the ceremony.

If you imagine your wedding as a meaningful, care free day full of moments to cherish where the feelings are more important than the perfection, we're on the same page already:)

DO YOU HAVE A SECOND SHOOTER?

I have shot probably 90% of my weddings solo. I kind of like the non-distracted feeling I have when I'm alone actually. However some weddings do call for back up. A second set of eyes can help with getting different angles at the ceremony, getting more candids at the cocktail hour and if the bride and groom are getting ready in locations that are far apart.

HOW MUCH TIME DO WE NEED FOR PICTURES?

I recommend 30 minutes for family formals and 1.5 hours for wedding party and bride-groom photos. We'll spend about 30-45 mins with the wedding party then send them back to the party or to have drinks in the car so that you two can spend a little time alone and don't have a huge audience for your couple photos.

Don't forget to factor in travel time if we're going to an off site location.

The more time we have the more photos we can do! and the more you'll end up getting in the end. Having said that I'm also a firm believer that you shouldn't spend your whole wedding day taking photos. You should be spending it with your family and friends! If we can get the photos we need in a shorter amount of time or if you're happy with a smaller amount of couple/wedding party photos then awesome!

I love it when my couples can join in on their cocktail hour and spend more time taking it all in.

WHERE  SHOULD WE GET READY?

If you have access to a house or can rent an air bnb near the venue that's perfect. They almost always a more interesting backdrop and then a hotel room and more importantly more space for ALL the things that come with getting ready for the day. Having natural light is a big factor. I always do a happy dance when the make up artist sets up right by a window!

WILL YOU BE INVOLVED IN THE TIMING OF OUR DAY?

I love to be involved as much as I can. With the timeline and even helping with where to set up a ceremony to get the best light. Whatever I can do to make your photos the best they can be. If it's possible to do the portraits closer to sunset that's my dream, of course it doesn't always work out that way. Especially in the summer! If we're taking the majority of your photos in mid day then i suggest we carve out 15 minutes sometime in the hour leading up to sunset to sneak off and get some images in "golden hour".

It also gives you a few minutes to take a deep breath together in the midst of what can be an overwhelming day!

The other thing I suggest is for brides to give themselves lots of time to get their dress on. If we can have you in your dress at least 30 mins before you're supposed to leave for the venue then you won't feel as rushed and we'll have time to make some beautiful images of your mom or maid of honour doing up the dress, your sister helping you with your jewelry, you putting on the earrings you spent so much time picking out and so on. I've been to plenty of weddings now so I've seen A LOT! and would be more than happy to help where ever I can.

WHAT IF IT RAINS?

We live on the West Coast so this could happen any time of year! I suggest you get some clear umbrellas for yourselves and the wedding party. We'll keep you as dry as possible but my favourite approach is to just embrace it. It can complicate things for sure but I love it when my couples can handle some rain and don't let it ruin their mood. It can even add to the story of your wedding day. Your dress is going to get dirty regardless so you might as well have fun with it!  Of course If we have access to an indoor or covered spot that's great too! I'm happy to help with suggestions and do whatever i can but it will ultimately be up to the couple to secure a space.

SHOULD WE GIVE YOU A SHOT LIST?

I'm happy to use one for the family formals only. Especially if you have complicated families and think it's necessary! I have a basic list of combinations I'll send to you before that you can add to.  I don't like to work from "must have" shot lists as every wedding is so different. I'd rather get to know you and what's important to you both. Then be free to observe and take in what's happening so I can capture those authentic moments that make your day unique:)

DO YOU ONLY USE NATURAL LIGHT?

I'll always choose natural light whenever possible! But once the sun goes down the flashes come out. I use a two light set up to get the most dynamic lighting at your reception.

HOW LONG WILL YOU STAY?

Once we get to the agreed upon hour I'll check in with you to make sure we've gotten everything you wanted! I'm always happy to extend the day last minute if needed.

HOW MANY EDITED IMAGES WILL I GET?

Every wedding is unique. There's no set amount, I'll edit as many images as it takes to tell your story! However most weddings average 75 edited images per hour.

DO YOU DO ANY RETOUCHING?

I'll take out things like blemishes, or distracting elements in the background, stains on clothing, but won't do anything that heavily changes the way you look.

Feel free to contact me with any questions!