I love engagement sessions! I don’t shoot weddings, mainly because my focus is on family lifestyle, and branding photography, but I do love a good engagement photo shoot!

They are so much more fun and relaxed than what your wedding day will be (in my mind at least). You’ve just got engaged, you’re on cloud freaking nine! You have new bling, and you want to shout about your love from the roof tops!

But are Engagement photos really that important?

Well, they’re not essential, but:

·      They do get you more comfortable in front of the camera before your big day.
·      They’re great practice for guys who think getting your photo taken is weird, and even awkward.
·      They’re great for announcing your engagement
·      Someone you love will absolutely love a few photos of your engagement, especially when your wedding might be a year away.
·      Your folks, your gran, or your besties will treasure these photos, just as much as you will.
·      They are also perfect for Save the Date cards or framed to hang on your wall .
·      You don’t need to get all dressed up unless you really want to, and if you do want to be a bit glam, book your photos on the same date as your hair and makeup trial. Perfect!
·      You can honestly dress however you feel most comfortable.

You Be You. That’s all that matters.

I shot this session at Te Henga (Bethells Beach) on Aucklands west coast just a couple of days after Ryan proposed to Teri.

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The dress Teri wore was light and flowing and moved easily in the breeze, and she didn’t hesitate when I asked her to jump on her mans back. I love that they were so relaxed with each other, and relaxed with me as I asked them to climb rocks and sand dunes. I captured a couple of shots as they walked past me towards a small stream and little did I know, I had just captured her dress dancing out behind her in the breeze, and it truly has to be my favourite photo from this session.

Golden hour is the best time for photos, that first hour after sunrise (if you’re an early bird like me), and that last hour of light before sunset. Golden hour produces a warm natural light that looks stunning in photos and I love to find a not-too-busy spot, maybe at your favourite beach, or park, or if even just at home, wherever you are most relaxed.

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Weather always plays a part for outdoor photos and when I shot these photos for Ryan and Teri, we knew that rain was a possibility, but this awesome couple were so easy-going. When the rain headed our way, we decided it was time to make the trek back to the car, along past the sand dunes, through the calf-deep water that was running quickly down to the ocean. And as we turned to walk up from the beach, the sun started to shine through the grey clouds. ‘There’s your sunset!’ Ryan called out to me through the rain. I dared to ask ‘Shall we try for a couple of shots?” And they were all for it!

We didn’t get the sunset photos I’d hoped for because, well, my camera isn’t waterproof and that raining was really starting to come down! But these two danced in the rain, they walked along the edge of the water, and I just love the photos of this beautiful bride-to-be wringing out her dress at the end.

I think I’ve captured who this couple truly are - fun, adventurous, caring, a little bit crazy, and a lot in love.

If you would like to know more about getting an engagement session done, you can contact me here - I’d love to chat!