Engagement Photo Shoot: Our Advice

Several weeks ago, we had our engagement photo session with the lovely and talented Brooke from Brooke-Allison Photography.

1. Find the right photographer

Finding a photographer was a bit overwhelming, so I just assumed we would use my sister’s wedding photographer. (I’m pretty low-maintenance when it comes to most things in life. Ask the girl who does my hair. Shocker, I know.) I casually asked JuliaDags during a blog-session for a wedding photographer recommendation. Without hesitation, she recommended Brooke, and after a quick Instagram search, I realized she recently shot the wedding of someone I know. I remember being in awe over the photos as I saw them on her page. We talked to Brooke once, and it was instant magic. If you follow her on Instagram, you know what I’m talking about. When we first met in person to shoot our engagement photos, it was like we had known Brooke for years. She really made it easy to just ‘be us’ as she took a million pictures.

2. Do your own hair and make-up

We met Brooke at 8:30am on a Sunday morning. I tried to schedule a blow-out and the receptionist laughed at me. They weren’t willing to open two hours early to blow my hair out on a Sunday. I had no choice but to do my own hair and make-up. I decided to get my lashes done and opted to wear minimal make-up. I’m happy with that choice! I’m also glad that I just simply dried my own hair. I switched from a casual sweater and jeans into a holiday dress. I was able to quickly throw my hair into a low-bun for a completely new look.

3. Don’t over think the location

Ben and I spent weeks debating the location for our session. The beach? The city? The park? All roads seem to lead us back to New Canaan, and it is such a special part of our life together. We decided to shoot the photos on Forest Street and spent the morning strolling around as Brooke followed with her camera. The pictures are 100% us. The smiles are genuine and the laughter was hard to contain at times. I love how Brooke captured it all.

4. Embrace the awkwardness

Major PDA isn’t our speciality. It really was far-less awkward than we imagined. Twenty-years from now, we want to look back and perhaps nauseate our children with these kissy photos. If Brooke can make these photos work for an awkward gal like me- anything is possible.

5. Be patient

Rome wasn’t built in a day. We will have these photos forever, and we are so glad that Brooke took the time needed to edit them. They are better than we envisioned.

8 months until I get to turn my best friend into my husband.

PS You can shop both of our looks by following me on the LiketoKnow.it App!