Engagement Session Ideas- River Farm Alexandria, VA
Engagement sessions are meant to be fun. Its a time to get excited for as your planning your wedding. Its also a moment to break away from the tedious calls and emails and wedding planning anxiety that comes with the journey. Engagements are also a great way to trial hair and make up, learn to be in front of a camera and get to work with your photographer to find ways to take not only memorable photos for wedding day, but photos that capture you at your best.
Julie and Scott’s engagement was in the late summer at the National Horticulture Society’s River Farm mansion and garden along the Potomac River in Virginia. They knew coming into their session that they wanted it to feel like a movie. I would normally recommend little activities for my couples to do for romantic candids, but they throughly enjoyed being around each other during their sesson and it made for great photographs.
This may not be the case for everyone, however. Some couples have the “I dont know what to do with my hands” moments and I can easily get them out of it with a few cues or tips. If you’re planning your engagement session and worry this may happen to you, I got you covered. Here are a few ideas for things to help you worry less and smile more for your engagement session.
Engagement at Home: Sometimes the best candid moments happen in the comfort of your own home. Whether you're snuggled up on the couch reading books, cooking together in the kitchen, or simply enjoying each other's company, capturing these everyday moments can be incredibly charming.
Pet Interaction: If you have pets, include them in the engagement session. Whether it's playing fetch with your dog or cuddling with your cat, pets often add an extra dose of cuteness to photos.
Beach Day: If you're near the coast, spend a day at the beach. Play in the sand, splash in the waves, or simply enjoy each other's company while watching the sunset.
Picnic: Pack a picnic basket with your favorite snacks and pop some bubbly and enjoy a picnic together. Sharing food and laughter can result in sweet and candid moments.
Be Romantic: Write each other a poem and read it to each other. Play a round of “me or you” where you list wedding topics and debate who it will happen to, like “who will cry first?” Relive your first date, tell each other about what attracted you to each other or reminisce about all the emotions you were having leading up to your first meeting.
The best, most authentic moments happen between the moments. Picking any one of these ideas gives a photographer a window to capture you and your partner at your best. If you’re still planning your engagement session, make sure you check out my engagement planning guide for additional ideas and tips! I hope your engagement sessions is as beautiful as you and your partner are!
