Whether you're planning on popping the question, or you’ve already said a big happy yessss! - an engagement shoot is one of the best ways to celebrate that magical, just-got-engaged feeling (and capture it all in some shiny, glowing photos
But if you’re wondering what an engagement shoot actually is (and how to plan one), here’s the full scoop. Welcome to Mel’s ultimate guide to engagement photoshoots.
So, what is an engagement shoot?
Essentially, an engagement shoot is a photo session that celebrates the two of you taking that next step and deciding to get hitched. Some people book an engagement shoot just for fun, to get used to having their photo taken, or to just get some dreamy photos of the two of them (handy for wedding invites, too!). Others turn it into a surprise proposal (yes, I’ve hidden in bushes before, and yes, it was totally worth it).
Either way, it’s all about documenting your connection. The giggles, the forehead kisses, the “oh my god we’re doing this, we’re getting married!” energy. It’s bloody romantic, too, did I mention that?
Surprise vs. planned engagement shoots
There are two types of engagement shoots I usually get asked about:
1. Surprise proposal shoots
Thinking about proposing and want the moment captured? I got you. I’ll be your right-hand gal, helping you to plan it all out, choose the right spot, and I come up with a bit of a game plan so I can be in the right place at the right time (without giving the game away). Afterwards, we can roll into a mini engagement shoot once the ring is firmly on that finger.
2. Planned engagement shoots
This one’s for couples who are already engaged and want to mark the moment with some beautiful photos. These are usually more relaxed and collaborative; we pick a location together, chat wardrobe and create space to just hang out while I snap away. It works like a bit of a teaser for what to expect on your wedding day in terms of creative photos.
Where should we do an engagement shoot?
Honestly? The best location is somewhere that feels like you (but if you’re not quite sure, I’m always happy to help with location suggestions). That might be:
A wild and windy beach (cue the windswept romance vibes); the south coast of Wellington is epically rugged, or the coastline along Kapiti and Mana are stunning options too
Your favourite park or garden (somewhere significant is always lovely, or there are plenty of gorgeous spots like Truby King Gardens, Katherine Mansfield Park, Whitireia Park… the list goes on around Welly!)
Your home! You could opt for a sweet and cosy photoshoot at home, snuggled on the couch, in the backyard - it’s a nice way to incorporate the place that holds all your memories together!
A city wander through your favourite local spots. Wellington has so many great locations along the waterfront, too (just gotta work with the Wellington wind!)
A meaningful place, which could be where you met, had your first date, the place you walk your dog (ps. bring the dog!)
When’s the best time of day for an engagement shoot?
This depends a wee bit on your chosen location (and also just what works best for you!) but I always love a golden hour shoot. That soft, glowy, dreamy light right before sunset - ooo!
Cloudy days can be beautiful too (no squinting required), and moody skies? Don’t even get me started.
What can we use the photos for?
Oh, so many things! Some creative ways you could use your engagement shots:
Save the dates or wedding invites (especially handy if you’re opting for a wedding website!)
Table numbers or place settings
Guestbook signing
Prints for your home
Perks of an engagement shoot
One of the biggest bonuses? You get to hang out with your potential wedding photographer (hi, hello, it’s me!). You’ll get comfy in front of the lens, figure out what kind of prompts and poses you like, hear my extremely hilarious jokes, so that come wedding day, you already feel like you’ve got a friend behind the camera.
And here’s an idea: turn your engagement shoot into a date day. Let’s shoot while you grab ice cream, make pancakes at home, walk your dog, have a picnic or visit your fave brewery or café. The photos feel more like you, and you get to do something you love together; win-win! (It’s always a win when pancakes are involved).
If you’re planning a surprise proposal, or you want to celebrate being newly engaged with an engagement shoot in Wellington, you know where to find me! In the meantime, take a peek at one of my fave a recent engagement shoots.
