Destination engagement sessions: a planning guide
Working draft — copy pending Alisa’s review.
A destination engagement session is one of the best wedding-prep investments most couples don’t think to make. It’s also the easiest way to come home with images of the two of you in a place you love. Here is how I plan them with clients.
Pick the trip first. A session works best folded into a holiday you’re already taking — somewhere meaningful. The Riviera Maya, a city you fell in love in, the country one of you is from. The travel does the storytelling for us.
Block one shoot day, not one shoot hour. We meet for breakfast or a walk first so the camera doesn’t feel new. Then we shoot through golden hour and stay light on the schedule. Two to three hours of actual photography is plenty.
Two looks, not five. One soft and editorial, one a little more dressed. Bring whatever you’d wear on a really good date in that place. Skip costumes.
Light first, location second. Tell me the time of sunrise and sunset where you’ll be, and I’ll plan around them. The light will choose your locations more than you will.
Logistics I handle. Permits where needed, the right beach access, taxi or driver if it’s a tricky route, a backup plan for weather.
What you actually do during the shoot: walk, talk, kiss, laugh, stand still for a beat. I direct lightly, then step back.
Delivery. A private gallery first, then the full edited set within a few weeks. Many couples use a few images for save-the-dates.
[DRAFT — Alisa to review and rewrite in her voice.]