This one is for you, Brides and Grooms!
How to Choose the PERFECT Location for your Engagement Session
One burning question many couples struggle with is where to have their engagement photos taken. So here are some tips and ideas on choosing the location for your engagement session. I know many times my couples have nooo idea where they want their engagement photos to be. And that is okay! I am here to help you all the way through the process! Your engagement photos should represent your amazing relationship, showcase your love, laughter, and real emotions. AND your photographer should help you narrow down the perfect location for you.
I want you to sit down together, & ask yourself these 4 questions to help guide your hearts to your dream location:
- When you envision your dream engagement photos, what do they look like?
- Are you in a setting you are familiar with or do you want jaw dropping views?
- Do you want to experience something together?
- Do you want to represent something you two enjoy doing together?
Here are some ideas to help you envision where you could have your session:
– In-Home Lifestyle – can be in your home or an awesome airbnb
– City vs. Outdoorsy
– Mountains – Hanging Rock (waterfall trails, hike to the views), Asheville, Boone, etc
– Canoeing, Kayaking, or SUP – Lake Brandt, Lake Higgins, Uwharrie, etc
– Poolside
– Picnicking in a field or with a lake or mountain view
– The beach
– Rolling fields – a natural spot with trees in the background and some overgrown grassy vibes.
– Brewery – your favorite one, a new one, or a cool looking one!
– Coffee Shop – same as above!
– Winery
– Downtown City – Travel to a larger city or pick a more local one like Greensboro or Winston-Salem.
Now Let’s Dig In To These For Choosing The Location For Your Engagement Session
In-Home Lifestyle
Maybe you’ve decided none of those questions really hit home, and what would really warm your heart is getting to stay home in your pj’s loving on each other? Because there is a session for that too! We like to call it an In-Home Lifestyle Session. They’re not only super adorable for your engagement photos, but they are also perfect for first home photos or your anniversary. These sessions result in some of the COZIEST photos and snuggles ever captured.
Downtown City
Does the thought of brick buildings, clean lines, or skyscrapers in the background sound like your kind of scene? Going downtown for your session might be the perfect setting. We can hit the streets and a parking garage for some awesome city photos.
Going downtown also opens up a lot of other possibilities such as hitting a brewery or your favorite coffee shop. And yes, we can totally take time for you guys to have a pint or a steaming cup of espresso. Although, if you want photos inside we will need to make sure they allow photography.
Mountain Top & Views
Who doesn’t love mountain views!? Whether you prefer a shorter drive or a shorter hike we can find the right spot for your session. We also have a beautiful selection of more grassy or rocky mountain tops. Being in North Carolina gives us SO many options with Asheville and Boone only being a day trip away. And if you are a little further out, Tennessee, Virginia, South Carolina, and Georgia aren’t too far away!
The Beach
If your heart is at the beach rather than the mountains, we can have a crazy fun time there too. As long as you don’t mind getting a little wet and sandy 😉 Between crashing waves, splashing water, and rolling around in the sand, photo opportunities are endless.
Fields, Parks, and Private Land
Maybe you are wanting a super simple yet beautiful setting? This is where fields and parks come in to play! If you don’t mind paying a fee, there are several locations we can take photos at locally. Most parks and gardens require photography permits. Unfortunately, it’s also not as easy as pointing out a field on the side of the road. That land is probably privately owned and would be illegal for us to shoot on without permission. Luckily, I know several spots that do allow photography for a small fee. Some of those locations are privately owned land and some are actually venues!
Here’s a handful of beautiful venues local to the Triad area:
Summerfield Farms
Timberlake Earth Sanctuary
Four Farms Place
The Little Chapel
If you are wanting something even more unique, then you may want to consider the time of your for your session too.
Seasonal Locations
Depending on the time of year, you may have the opportunity to have your photos taken in a sunflower field, cherry blossom farm, wildflower field, or at the fair!
(See below, the first photo is of my husband and I by Bekah Leanne Photography, and the second photo is of Bekah and her hubby!)
Remember, if you are not sure exactly WHERE to execute your dream couple or engagement session, ask your photographer! He or she likely knows some awesome spots to help you in choosing the location for your engagement session.
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