ENGAGEMENT SESSION
Now that you have picked a date, a photographer and probably a venue as well, you can celebrate! Those are some of the toughest decisions while wedding planning and you can cross them off of your list!
Now on to the fun stuff... the engagement session!
BENEFITS OF THE ENGAGEMENT SESSION: The engagement session is a vital part of the wedding experience. During the session, you will have the chance to get to know me, experience how I shoot and how I handle posing and lighting. This makes a big impact on your wedding day. I'll arrive on your wedding and already know how you two interact, your best poses and how to photograph you guys in the best way!
You’ll quickly see that even though you might be nervous at the beginning, it’ll quickly fade away. Don’t believe me? I LOVE showing the back of my camera screen and hearing my couples say that can’t believe they look that amazing.
SCHEDULING YOUR ENGAGEMENT SESSION:If you plan to send out save-the-dates, then it is best to get your engagement session done as soon as possible, or as soon as you want to send out save-the-dates. It takes me approximately 1-2 weeks to edit an engagement session, so you want to make sure you have the time stamp down to get them done! If you are not planning to send out save-the-dates then we can pretty much do your session whenever you want! I would suggest booking a date with me as soon as you know your schedule. My weekends tend to get filled up pretty quick with weddings so I would prefer to do your engagements during the week if possible... If not, don't stress! We will find a day that works for both of us!
CHOOSING A LOCATION: I LOVE when my couples choose a location that is sentimental to them both! As long as the light is great, I can shoot anywhere! If, however, you have no idea where you want your photos done, then, I have many locations that I use for sessions!
CHOOSING OUTFITS: Whenever I need to find something to wear for an important date, I get overwhelmed and can't seem to find anything. Don't get bogged down and overwhelmed! Wear what is unique to you! And what you feel most comfortable in! You will photograph the best in what you feel the most confident in! Here are a few tips just in case help is needed...
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Don't try to match... Try to pick outfits and accessories that coordinate instead.
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Accessorize and make your outfits your own! Scarves, bold necklaces and fun shoes are always welcomed. Accessorizing is an important secret to professionally styled outfits.
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Most of my brides bring two to three outfits. One outfit is more formal and the other outfit is more casual. Bringing a couple of different outfits adds variety in your portraits.
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For the groom: Avoid wearing caps/hats. They tend to block the light on the face area. Also, we can't get those fabulous kissing shots if he is wearing a hat! Most Patterns are usually okay! Larger plaid photographs better than tiny little checkered patterns.
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Most Importantly! Wear a color/style that is flattering to your figure! The more comfortable you feel during your session the more you glow in your portraits. You can never go wrong with a free forming dress. Flowy dresses always photograph beautifully. When your dress is long and flowy, there will be more romantic movement in your photos and a classier feel.
Don't forget I’m here to help pick and coordinate the perfect outfits! Whether you’re sending me photos to help you decide or you’re out shopping and want to know what photographs best, I’m here for you.

bridal session
The Bridal Session is one of my most FAVORITE sessions. On the wedding day, we are usually pressed for time. I always try to get some photos of the bride alone (as well as the groom), but because I am competing with the clock most of the day I don't always get all of the time I want. Having said that, the bridal session is normally done before the wedding day and gives me time to slow down and get the photos you have always envisioned! It also gives you a chance to see your whole look come together! Which is why I consider this my favorite session... My brides feel so beautiful and excited for the wedding day. This session makes it even more exciting because the next time you put on that dress... it will be to marry the love of your life.
When it comes to planning a bridal session, I always recommend getting your hair and makeup done by the person who will be doing it on your wedding day. I also recommend reaching out to your florist because typically they will create a trial bouquet for you. Wedding venues are usually very accommodating when it comes to doing bridal sessions on site, as long as it isn’t on a day when they have something planned! So, what does all of this mean? Well, you are now pretty much getting to see how everything will look on the day of your wedding and it can be really helpful for you to envision it!
Things to remember when planning:
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Don't forget your BOUQUET! That's the easiest thing to forget. Your florist can make you one similar to the style on your wedding day OR you can make your own! I've had some brides go to Kroger and make their bouquet. They actually turned out ABSOLUTELY beautiful. Two of the brides from the photos above did this and you can't even tell!
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You can bring a sheet if you would like! Some brides are very particular about the bottom side of the dress getting dust/dirt on it prior to the wedding. Feel free to bring a sheet (similar in color to your dress) for you to stand on!
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It normally takes about 1-2 weeks to finish editing a bridal session. If you chose the Platinum Package, your package comes with a 16x20 fine arts canvas. I would book your bridal session with me as soon as you know when your dress will be back from alterations!

If you've made it this Far...
TIMELINE & WEDDING PLANNING ASSISTANCE
Whenever you get to the stage in planning that you need a timeline, feel free to reach out to me! I love making my brides a timeline. It allows them to know exactly how much time we need for photos. I like to say it's a "rough draft" and you are free to make changes however you see fit! The most important things I will need to know when making your timeline is what time your ceremony will start and if you plan to do a first look. A first look can change the whole entire timeline so that's important to know before hand.
Also, few weeks before your wedding I will send you a wedding day form! This is a detailed questionnaire you can fill out in your spare time (as if you have any while wedding planning, right?!) It just covers the details to make sure we are on the same page and your BIG day runs as smoothly as possible.
Feel free to reach out vendor recommendations! I have worked with a ton of different vendors and would be happy to send you a list of some the best! I’m here to make everything as stress-free as possible, so don’t be shy to reach out! I seriously mean that. I am always available. 7:00 in the morning or 12:00 at night!
-kylie
