You’re engaged and the big day is approaching? Between tasting cakes and choosing wedding rings, have you thought about immortalizing this unique period in your lives? A couple’s pre-wedding photo session, also known as an “engagement session” or “save the date”, has become an almost unavoidable part of wedding planning. This romantic interlude allows you to capture your complicity in a relaxed setting, far from the hustle and bustle of the big day. In this article, find out how to prepare this session so that it reflects your image and leaves you with unforgettable memories.
Why have a pre-wedding photo session?
A pre-wedding photo session gives you a special moment away from the stress and time pressure of the wedding day. Without the pressure of schedules and waiting guests, you can focus solely on each other.
It’s also an ideal opportunity to build a relationship of trust with your photographer. You’ll learn to feel at ease in front of his lens, which will make your D-day photos even more natural.
These images can also have a practical use: they can illustrate your invitations, your wedding website or even be integrated into your decor.
When to schedule a session?
Timing is everything when it comes to a successful couple’s photo shoot. Ideally, you should schedule it between three and six months before your wedding. This gives you enough time to use the photos in your preparations, while still being close enough to the wedding date for your excitement to be at its peak.
If your wedding is planned in Provence, you might consider a session in spring when the lavender fields start to bloom, or in autumn when the colors of the vineyards are magnificent. A photographer who specializes in weddings in Provence and knows the region well will be able to recommend the best moments, and can guide you to secret spots that will sublimate your photos thanks to his in-depth knowledge of the Provencal landscape.
Don’t forget the time of day. The golden light of sunrise or sunset (what photographers call the “golden hour”) brings an incomparable softness to the images. Your photographer will probably suggest these times for the most romantic results.
How to choose the perfect location?
Choosing the right location for your photo shoot can turn simple portraits into images that really tell your story. Have you thought of a place that has special meaning for you?
Perhaps the place where you first met, the place where you got engaged, or simply a park where you like to walk on Sundays? Places with sentimental value add an extra emotional dimension to your photos.
If you don’t have a clear idea, here are a few suggestions:
- A natural setting such as a forest, beach or field
- An urban setting with interesting architecture
- A place that reflects your shared passions (if you’re book lovers, why not a nice library?)
- An unexpected location that contrasts with the traditional image of weddings
Don’t hesitate to talk to your photographer, who’s sure to have suggestions to suit your personality and the region you’re in.
What to wear during the session?
The question of what to wear may be on your mind. But don’t panic! The important thing is that you feel comfortable and that your outfits reflect who you really are.
Here are a few tips for choosing your outfits:
- Choose outfits that complement each other without being identical
- Avoid distracting logos or busy patterns.
- Consider bringing several options to vary styles
- Adapt your outfits to the location (comfortable clothes for walking in nature, more elegant for an urban setting).
- If you wish, one outfit can be more dressy to create more formal photos
Some couples choose to include their wedding attire in the session, with the bride-to-be wearing her dress. Others prefer to save the surprise for the big day. There are no rules – it’s your session!
How to feel comfortable in front of the lens?
Many people feel uncomfortable in front of a camera. It’s perfectly normal! Here are a few tips to help you relax:
Start by communicating well with your photographer before the session. Share your concerns and expectations. A good professional will put you at ease and guide you through the session.
Remember to bring something to help you relax: your favorite music, a bottle of champagne to share, or even your pet if the venue allows.
During the session, focus on your partner rather than the camera. Authentic moments of togetherness always make the best photos. Laugh together, tell jokes, talk about your wedding plans… These natural interactions will create images full of life.
How can you make the most of your session?
To make the experience as pleasant as possible, here are a few practical tips:
Allow plenty of time. A successful photo shoot shouldn’t be rushed. Allow at least two hours to explore different locations and styles without stress.
If possible, plan something pleasant for after the session, such as a romantic dinner. This will give you extra motivation and prolong this special moment between you.
Trust your photographer. If he suggests a pose or location that seems strange to you, try it anyway. Professionals have the eye to see possibilities you might not notice.
Above all, have fun! This session is an interlude in the sometimes stressful preparations for the wedding. Use this moment to reconnect with your partner and remember why you decided to get married in the first place.
What to do after the shoot?
After your photo shoot, you’ll have a few weeks to wait before receiving your carefully retouched images. It’s always a moving moment to discover these memories together.
These photos won’t sleep in a drawer! You can use them to personalize your invitations, decorate your reception venue or create a unique guest book. But their true value goes far beyond that.
This session is first and foremost an interlude in the whirlwind of preparations. It reminds you why you’re getting married in the first place: to celebrate your love and togetherness. Ten, twenty or thirty years from now, these images will take you back to those moments when, full of hope and excitement, you were about to embark on your greatest adventure.
So, are you ready to create those memories that will tell the beginning of your story.