Photographer’s Note: I’m so excited to be sharing this guest blog post from SimplyBridal.com! They recently reached out to me in hopes of collaborating – and this is what we came up with! Engagement shoots are SO important. It not only gives me and my couples time to get to know each other better, but it also lets the couple know what a JT photo session is like before the big wedding day… not to mention they get tons of pretty pictures of themselves in clothes other than their formal wedding attire. It’s kinda nice to mix up the framed photos around the new house, right? Well, since wedding season is coming to an end and it’s time for 2014 brides to be planning their engagement sessions, we put together a little inspiration list for how couples can make their engagement photos special to their relationship. Special thanks to Shelly and Kristine from SimplyBridal.com for doing such an amazing job! It was fantastic working with the both of you and hopefully we can collaborate again soon 🙂

ENGAGEMENT SHOOT INSPIRATION
When two people decide to get engaged, most of their focus is often placed on planning their wedding day. But there is also something very sentimental and special about the moment when you and your beloved made the commitment to get married to begin with. That’s why we feel it’s important to honor your engagement… and what better way to do that than with some engagement photos? The important factor to keep in mind is to add your “signature style” into your photographs to really make them your own. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

the location of your first date.
Now that you’re officially engaged, the location of your first date bears a lot of significance being that it’s what initially brought the two of you together in the first place. Whether it was at a restaurant, the movies or even roller skating, consider taking a couple of shots there. It’s fun, it’s out-of-the-norm and it’s a great conversation-starter when people view your photo album.

the exact place he popped the question.
For the rest of your life, people are going to ask you how you got engaged; so why not have some pictures on hand that will help to tell the story? It’s definitely a way to make you feel like it was “just like yesterday” even on your first, fifth and 10^th anniversary.

doing your favorite things.
If you’d like to take some shots that look a bit more candid, how about taking some pictures doing your favorite things together. It could be eating pizza or cuddling on your back porch watching the sunset or even hiking or canoeing. Remember, engagement pictures showcase the fact that the two of you intend to get married. There are no rules that state that you have to take formal pictures to indicate that.

playing with your pets.
Are you and your fiancé pet people? If so, it would be really cute to take some pictures with your beloved dogs, cats or even birds. Think of it as being a bit of a “family photo” that will show everyone how you and your pets intended to become a bit of a “blended family” following your wedding ceremony.

pictures in the park.
Even if you’re not really outdoorsy type of people, having a few outdoor shots in a scenic park is always a great option. And it doesn’t matter what time of the year you take your engagement photos, cause winter and fall outdoor shots are just as stunning as spring and summer! Try and find a park or area that means something to you and your fiancé. This will make the photos a little bit more special to you both.

Of course, these are just a few prop ideas to inspire you for your own engagement shoot. Whatever you decide, just remember that this is your time. You can commemorate this occasion in just about any way that you’d like, so don’t feel like you need to follow any guidelines or rules when it comes to deciding what type of photographs you want.

About SimplyBridal
SimplyBridal.com in an online retailer of quality wedding dresses, bridesmaid gowns, and wedding accessories. SimplyBridal now delivers to North America, much of Europe, and parts of Asia. There are over 400 wedding dress styles and bridesmaid dresses come in 28 colors.