Memorable Pre-Wedding Photography
The time before your wedding is a great time to have some portraits done of the two of you. Your engagement is such a special and fun part of your life that you will definitely want to capture the excitement in pictures. Here are some ideas on how to get really memorable pre-wedding pictures that will always remind you of your engagement.
In the rush to get everything ready for your wedding, it can be easy to forget to slow down and take the time to simply enjoy your engagement. Many couples do not even think about having professional pictures taken until they are already married and hear about someone else’s engagement pictures. That’s when you say, “Darn! I wish I had thought of that sooner!”. The last thing that you want to feel later is regret over a missed opportunity, so be sure to find time in your busy schedule for some pre-wedding photographs.
It used to be that engagement photos were very formal. The traditional pictures were generally composed as a close-up shot of the engaged couples from about the waist up. The bride would usually wear a pretty dress, and maybe a piece of her wedding jewelry if she already had it. The groom typically wore either a suit or a nice sweater or golf shirt. As people have gotten away from formal or stiff wedding photography, this style of engagement portrait has fallen from favor. One exception would be the couple who is planning to have an engagement announcement in the newspaper, in which case, this may be exactly the type of picture that is needed.
Just because posed wedding portraiture has gone out of style does not mean that you should skip the engagement photos altogether. The new trend in pre-wedding pictures is to have images taken that are fresh, playful, and creative. These photos are intended to capture the spirit and personalities of the bride and groom-to-be. To make this happen, engagement photos are now being taken in interesting locations, with festive attire, and with whimsical props.
One of the most visually intriguing accessories to think about using in your engagement photos is balloons. They are bright and cheerful pops of color, and balloons are also always fun and lighthearted. Surprisingly, balloons in engagement photos have actually become a rather strong trend. You can pick one signature color (perhaps one that will foreshadow your wedding color palette), or go for a big bunch of colorful balloons. These pictures are best taken outdoors, and should definitely be candid action shots, rather than anything too contrived or posed looking.
Some engaged couples choose to have their photos taken in one of their favorite locations. The neat thing about this is that it creates a visual record highlighting a shared interest or passion of the bride and groom. These pictures will be especially cherished moments in the years to come. The setting can be almost anywhere, and it can be as casual or elegant as a place as appeals to you.
Golf courses, carnivals and fairs, museums, and parks are all wonderful sites for your engagement photoshoot. As it is a special event, you will want to choose a lovely outfit, even if the locale is low-key. Imagine a picture of the two of you drifting around the carousel at the fair; the bride can wear a pretty sundress accented with her wedding jewelry, and the groom can wear a nice button-down shirt. The final result will be pictures that are playful, memorable, and that capture some of the sparks of young love.
