Pre-Wedding Couple Shoots: Five Ideas That Feel Like You

A pre-wedding shoot is a session with your photographer before the big day. Some people call it an engagement session. Same thing. The point is not a stack of portraits. The point is to get comfortable in front of the camera, so the wedding day feels easy.

Here are five ways to shape yours.

Why do one at all

Most couples are nervous on camera. That is normal. A session before the wedding lets you meet that feeling early, with no guests and no timeline. By the wedding day, the photographer knows how you move, and you know what to expect.

Plus, you leave with photographs that look like you, which is harder than it sounds.

Five ideas

1. At home

Coffee on the porch. Cooking dinner. The dog on the couch. A session in your own space gets real expressions, because you are already relaxed. It is the easiest idea to start with.

2. Where it started

The place you met. The spot of your first date. The bar, the park, the bench. A location with a story gives the photographs a reason to exist beyond looking nice.

3. On the move

If you would rather hike than sit still, shoot that way. A trail, a river bluff, a walk along the water. Motion loosens people up. Wear shoes you can walk in, bring water, and build in a few breaks.

4. In the city

Brick streets, murals, a rooftop at sunset, a corner coffee shop. The city gives you texture and color, and it photographs well at any time of year.

5. Your heritage

Traditional clothing, a piece of family jewelry, a recipe you cook together, the street where your grandparents lived. Bring what matters to your family and we build the session around it.

What to skip

Skip the costume, unless it is truly you. A fairytale gown in a forest looks wonderful on a page and feels strange on a person who would rather be in jeans. Choose the idea that fits how you actually live.

How to get ready

• Pick outfits that feel like you, and try them on beforehand.
• Choose colors that work together and with the place you will be.
• Plan for the light. Early or late in the day is kinder than midday.
• Tell your photographer what makes you nervous. That is useful information.
• Eat something, drink water, and do not over plan.

For more detail, see what to expect at an engagement session, how to coordinate outfits, and outdoor engagement session locations in St. Louis.

Planning one?

A good session starts with a conversation. Tell me how you met, what you love doing together, and where you feel most yourselves. Start a conversation. If you want to see how engagement sessions fit with a wedding, the pricing page has the details.

Frequently asked questions

What is a pre-wedding shoot?

A portrait session with your photographer before the wedding. It is often called an engagement session, and it helps you get comfortable on camera.

When should we do it?

A few months before the wedding works for many couples. Pick a season that suits the look you want, and a time of day with soft light.

Do we need a theme?

No. Pick a place or an activity that feels like you. A theme is optional, and a simple one often works best.

What should we wear?

Clothes you feel good in, in colors that work together and suit the location. Try them on beforehand.

Can we bring our dog or family heirlooms?

Yes. Pets and meaningful objects often lead to the best photographs. Tell your photographer ahead of time.

What if we hate being photographed?

That is exactly why the session helps. Tell your photographer, and we will keep it relaxed.