Planning your Edmonton Engagement Photo Shoot

As we enjoy the warm weather lately, I am getting more and more questions about planning your engagement photo shoot! This is something I just LOVE to talk about because as an Edmonton wedding photographer, I’ve seen firsthand how engagement photos can help couples feel so much more comfortable on their wedding day (I actually have a whole post about that here). Not only do I want to deliver you beautiful photos, but I also feel EXTREMELY passionate about giving you an experience you enjoy. Because guess what? As you look back on your wedding day photos (or family photos, for that matter), they tend to take you right back to that feeling. And if that feeling was, your partner side-eyeing you showing you how much he or she is hating every single minute, well, it doesn’t matter how the photos turn out.

(and I should just say, it’s VERY normal for one couple to be more excited about the idea of an engagement photo shoot than the other. BUT, you should both enjoy it while you are actually taking the photos!)

Edmonton Engagement Photos

Before I jump into all the fun parts about planning your engagement photo shoot – a quick introduction. I’m Katie (the lady behind the camera here at Katie Ruegg Photography). If you are looking engagement or wedding photographer in Edmonton, I would love to chat more about your wedding day vision. Often I include engagement photos in your wedding photography package so if that’s something you are interested in, you can click here to check out all of the details! Or, if you are just looking for engagement photos (for now!), connect with me directly here.

Planning your Engagement Photo Shoot

OK – let’s get to the fun part – planning your engagement photo shoot. First, one more disclaimer. You can show up with nothing prepared, and we can take photos in a field or even at your house. You DON’T need to plan anything. But for those who always love to do things a little extra, SAME. Here are some tips for you!

Combine Engagement Photos with Another Activity

I LOVE to combine engagement photos with another activity so that you don’t feel like you are “posing” or “trying to have fun organically” for an hour and a half. I always love to plan a picnic (check the photos below for some cute inspo)! If there is something you and your new fiance love to do together, why not have photos of you together doing it? This doesn’t have to be super fancy – like I’ve already mentioned staying at home and toasting with a glass of champagne or bringing your dog for a little walk is more than enough! I’m more than happy to brainstorm ideas with you too!

Engagement Photos with Champagne Pops

If you’ve been scrolling Pinterest looking for engagement photo ideas, you’ve probably seen a champagne pop or two! This is one of my favourite fun engagement photo ideas – mostly because it really is as fun to do in real life as it is in the photos! It’s also a pretty small “prop” to bring along. If you have larger elements you want to include in your engagement photo shoot, it can be tough to keep everything together. But a champagne bottle? And maybe a couple of champagne flutes? EASY.

Planning Engagement Photo Outfits? Consider an Outfit Change!

While you consider what you are going to do during your engagement photos (other than just looking pretty and smiling at the camera), you also might want to consider an outfit change! I have 6 tips for choosing your outfits here, but for engagement photos, I recommend planning at least two: something casual and something a little fancier. Let your engagement photographer know ahead of time that you are planning an outfit change so we can talk about *where* the outfit change will take place and what order makes the most sense! If you are ambitious (and change fast), you are welcome to add a third outfit too!

Combine your Engagement Photos with a Proposal!

Okay – this one might not work for most of you, but in the odd chance it does – I can’t help but recommend it. If you haven’t popped the question yet, why not schedule some time right after the proposal for some newly engaged photos. You can always book another engagement photo shoot later, but this will give you stunning professional photos to remember your proposal forever, AND some jaw-dropping photos to share the news with your family and friends!! For more tips on planning your proposal photography, click here!

Booking Engagement Photos!

I hope this has given you all the exciting engagement photo vibes and thinking about cute ways to make your engagement photos fun (and unique to YOU). If you have ANY questions about planning your Edmonton engagement photo shoot, please don’t hesitate to reach out! I don’t write these for myself and honestly, as an extrovert, I love any kind of conversation and am happy to help. You can also send me a DM or follow me on Instagram for some regular Edmonton wedding and engagement inspiration.