J & O chose to have their engagement session where they spend their summers together at their family beach house and I think this is the number one most important decision to make to set the entire vibe of your engagement session — Location — and choosing a place that is meaningful to you or significant in your relationship makes the photos that much more special. Think of your engagement session as a way to memorialize this moment in your growing and changing relationship, and to miss the opportunity to document that is a huge mistake.

It doesn’t need to be a huge production or anything fancy. For J & O we simply walked down the boardwalk across from their house and onto the beach that they spend their summers sunbathing and swimming. The sun was setting and the colors were stunning, we walked along the waterline and they splashed and played and walked holding hands. They were genuinely enjoying each other’s company and doing activities that are regular and natural to them. And that’s what the photos show. And I am a firm believer that the best photos are the ones that show a real glimpse into the couple and their unique relationship. The only way to achieve that is if the couple can show up comfortably and authentically. Relax enough to enjoy the session and (this is always the best) if they can let down their guard enough to momentarily forget it’s even a photo session.

Another thing I love about engagement sessions in meaningful locations — it makes the session a natural tour. You, as the couple, are letting me see into your world; and this opens us up to new photo opportunities and natural moments. Walk me to your favorite pier and show me the views, tell me the story about the first summer you came here, that silly thing you said. When you tell me about your stories you share moments you enjoy together and turn the session into a new and treasured moment.

At the end of the day, these photos are to document one of the most exciting moments of your relationship. There’s a lot of pressure surrounding them looking “perfect” being the most romantic of all time, but still classic enough to print on a save the date or hang up on grandma’s fridge. It’s a lot to think about and it can feel very overwhelming. what I want you to take away from this is, forget about all of that. Throw that out the window and chat with your photographer about locations that will put you at ease, make you happy, and that you know you will be able to comfortably spend an hour hangin out with your favorite person at. Above all else, your engagement session should be FUN!