Our Engagement Shoot Part 1- Top Tips to Plan Your Engagement Shoot

The date for our engagement shoot was booked months in advance. Back in February, May seemed so far away! It was... except that it totally crept up on us. I couldn't believe when I looked at my calendar and saw that it was a week away, and I had nothing planned! No outfits, no location, no ideas. Just a dream photographer and an evening session scheduled.

I hummed and hawed over the location for a good week. Should we do the Scarborough bluffs? What about Cherry Beach? Alix, our photographer, reminded me that the cherry blossoms were in peak season and suggested Trinity Bellwoods Park. I was so unsure-- the park is always flooded with people trying to capture the blossoms, and on a mild spring evening in the city, it was sure to be no different. Alix reassured me we would make it work and I'm so happy she did suggest Trinity Bellwoods because it ended up being perfect. We got two different looks in and had a fun evening galavanting around Queen West. After going through this whole process I took a few things away from it that I wanted to share our tips, along with our photos. I can't believe how they turned out. To say I am in awe is an understatement. If you're planning an engagement shoot and wondering how it make it go off without a hitch, here are my suggestions (for starters, get in touch with Alix to capture the most dreamy shots ever!!):

1. Decide on an area, not a specific location.  There are many different factors that can come into play when choosing a location and it can be so difficult to predict how anything will look on a specific day, let alone the moment you're there. People could be sitting on your favourite bench, the sun could be glaring in your eyes maybe there is even a dump truck that just won't move. For us, the day of was non-stop rain; I thought we were going to have to choose a different location as the blossoms were falling off the trees like hot cakes. Also, I did not want just a nature setting. So when we landed on Queen West/Trinity Bellwoods area I knew we would have a few different options.

2. Pick two different outfits and start with the one you like least. Having two different looks is a great way to get more bang for your buck. Alix also suggested we start with the outfit we liked least. This allows you some time to get past the awkward shots and get more comfortable with your photographer. We started with our casual outfit first and it gave us the time to get into our groove and really feel it. For me, it was also beneficial to start with the casual outfit first, as you can make your hair/makeup more dramatic after this shot is done. In terms of outfits, go with what you feel comfortable in. Choose less trendy pieces and focus on timeless. We went with white shirts for the casual. For our dressy look, there is no way I could not NOT wear this dress from Honey from the moment I laid eyes on it. It could be a wedding dress. It's stunning-- lace, backless, mermaid... it was me! Since everyone who knows me, knows I am obsessed with fresh flowers it was essential that I incorporate them into the shoot.  Wild North Flowers  created the most gorgeous reverse floral crown.  It was whimsical, soft, delicate and I love how you it could be captured from the back.  

3. Scope out a place to change. Trinity Bellwoods has public washrooms, but we opted to take advantage of the cute cafes in the area. We headed into Nadege (camera away!), for a coffee. Alix ended up sneakily snapping some pictures while we sipped our beverages and then we each took a few minutes to change in their washrooms. You want to maximize the amount of time you have with the photographer, so it helps when you have it mapped out so you are not spending ten minutes looking for a washroom. 

4. Save some photos of shots you like. I had saved tons of pictures on my Instagram account and sent Alix screenshots in advance. I even prepped Brandon with them in advance! Haha! In the moment you can kind of freeze and forget what you wanted to do, so it helps to have something to pull up if you need some inspiration. Other than that, don't focus on being so posed. Just have fun, and the beauty of your love will be captured!

5. Prep the night before. Pull out your outfits, make sure they are washed and ironed. Get all your shoes together and pack a little bag for make up touch-ups. Pack it all up and have it ready to go. This way you will forget nothing when it's time to go!

My heart floods every time I look at these images. Engagement shoots are seriously a fun, beautiful way to capture such a special time. Don't overlook it. And guys... there is  Part 2 to come! Our casual look and how to make the most out of your whole engagement is up next... 

Thank you to these amazingly talented people:

All photos taken by Alix Gould Photography
Floral crown by Wild North Florals
Dress by Honey