Top 5 reasons to book an engagement photo shoot

Why not capture the euphoria of your engagement with professional photographs? If you haven’t already considered it, here are some reasons why you should:

1.    Part of the package – take advantage of the opportunity that many photographers will offer you a complimentary or discounted engagement shoot if you book them for your wedding.

2.    Build a rapport with your photographer – This will be your first opportunity to work with your photographer. It gives both parties a chance to bond and get to know each other’s personalities and preferences. Feeling comfortable around your photographer is key to an effortless, laid back shoot. You can also use the shoot as a chance to get accustomed to being in front of the camera and for getting used to certain posed angles and positions.

3.    A way to address your concerns – Many people are “camera shy” and this is why a shoot can help allay some of their camera fears. Brides may be worried about not photographing well, photos taken from certain angles which don’t flatter them or simply concerned about how to pose, in order to camouflage certain physical flaws.

All of these issues can easily be worked out during an engagement shoot. Many couples feel more confident after the photo shoot, having been privy to the photographer’s directions, tips and cues.

4.    An opportunity to improvise and experiment – Most of the times, an engagement shoot is fairly informal (unless you want to go for formal, posed shots). Since the shoot will be more casual, you have free reign to experiment with different types of photos, locations, poses and lighting. In a way, the shoot can be considered as a dress rehearsal for the photo shoot on your wedding day.

5.    Mementos – Your engagement photos can be used on your “save the date” cards, invitations or even thank you cards. You can also incorporate them into the reception décor, wedding favours (think coasters!) or a projected slideshow during your cocktail hour.

Some other styling tips for your engagement shoot are:

Selecting your wardrobe – Always be aware of the background for your shoot. You wouldn’t want to blend in! One example is avoiding wearing green if your shoot will take place in a garden or park. Another colour may pop better, such as white, ivory or even brighter colours such as purple, red or orange.

It is also best to wear clothing you’re most comfortable in for your shoot. If your style is more casual, try not to turn into someone unrecognizable in a cocktail dress and stilettos on your shoot! The best option is to stay true to your style and clothing preferences. Try to avoid clothing that will become see-through in the sunlight or clothing that will show your underwear or perspiration stains, if you’re doing an outdoor shoot.

Having props or a certain theme - Many couples choose to use parasols, balloons, cars, bicycles or beach balls, to inject more personality and interest during their shoot. Couples are now incorporating their pets and favourite memorabilia (books, collector items or heirlooms) even more, as well.

Choose a meaningful location – Engagement shoots are not usually done in studio; most are done off-site or on location. Your choice of location can be as simple as having it at home, if that’s where you’re most comfortable.

However, if you would like to be more adventurous, your shoot is an ideal time to select a location that reflects your interests. For example, if you are a sports fan, you can choose to shoot in a stadium or playing field or if you love to dine out, you can do your shoot al fresco, at your favourite restaurant or café. Many couples choose locations that are off-the-beaten path such as: on a rooftop, beachside, a movie theatre, on a bridge or near to monuments or places of architectural interest.

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Trinidad Weddings' Ultimate Guide To Writing Thank you Notes!

This week, on a visit to my daughter’s school, I happened to be waiting in the reception area for a short while. A bold sign displayed on the notice board caught my eye, “Be a CLASS act, have good manners!” 

It struck me how much this holds true not only in daily life but when it comes to events in general and weddings, in particular. It’s an area often overlooked after the flurry of the honeymoon is over and as newly-weds settle into married life and back into their working lives, post-wedding.

However, proper etiquette dictates that even if you have thanked guests in person, you are still expected to send out a formal note or card. Thank you cards should always be handwritten and should contain a personalised message to your guest.

Your thank you notes should be sent within 6-8 weeks of the date the gift was received. Although it does involve “work” – (sometimes writing hundreds of cards!) it is a gesture that guests will appreciate and remember for years to come.

If you have received a gift from a group, perhaps co-workers or another association, you are required to send a thank you card to each person in the group. Should the group’s members be in excess of 10 persons, you can do a general thank you card to the entire organisation.

Here’s a fool-proof guide to get you started:

1.    Keep a detailed list of gifts received and from whom.

2.    Direct the note to all of the gift-givers of the particular gift; with the names and titles that you are accustomed to addressing them by.

3.    Always mention the gift by name and try as much as possible to avoid referring to it as “the gift”

4.    Mention any special effort that the guest would have made for you e.g. helping you craft a speech, volunteering their time, giving a heartfelt toast or travelling from abroad.

5.    State how you plan to use the gift, particularly if it was a cash gift. You can say that perhaps you are putting the monies toward new appliances or using it for a one-year anniversary vacation.

6.    Only if it is realistic for you, you may also want to mention a future encounter with the gift-givers, for example having them over for dinner or going out for drinks, but this is totally optional and depends on how close you are, to the guests in question.

7.    Thank you cards need not be limited to guests alone. They can also be sent to wedding suppliers who did exceptional jobs, your officiant, persons who organised the bridal shower and bachelor party and your parents!

For more articles, visit: http://www.trinidadweddings.com