Pre-wedding session: a complete guide
You probably don’t have many photos with your partner besides selfies or the occasional shot you ask a friend—or even a stranger—to take during a trip or a special moment, which often doesn’t turn out as expected. Chances are, neither you nor your partner have spent much time in front of a camera, so it might feel a little awkward at first.
In this post, I’ll explain what a prewedding session is, how it works, how to prepare for it, and how to enjoy it to the fullest while getting stunning photos that will make you want to decorate your entire house with them. I’ll also share some useful tips to ensure this experience is memorable and enjoyable for both of you.
WHAT IS A pre-wedding SESSION?
A pre-wedding session is essentially a couple’s photo shoot that takes place before the wedding. Think of it as a practice run for what you’ll experience on your big day, so you’ll feel relaxed and confident in front of the camera.
Posing for photos can be intimidating if you’re not used to it, but the goal of the session is to capture you naturally and spontaneously, in your element. All you have to do is enjoy yourselves and follow the simple instructions I’ll provide as we go.
These photos serve as a precious keepsake of the moments leading up to your wedding. They also help you become comfortable with your photographer, ensuring you’re more at ease and carefree on your wedding day. Building a connection with your photographer is key to achieving spectacular results.
WHY HAVE A pre-wedding SESSION?
Beyond creating a beautiful collection of couple’s photos, the pre-wedding session has many practical and emotional benefits that enhance your overall wedding experience. Here are some reasons to consider it:
• A unique keepsake: You’ll get high-quality photos of you as a couple, something that isn’t always easy to capture in day-to-day life.
• Break the ice: This first interaction with your photographer helps build trust and familiarity, leading to more natural and spontaneous photos on your wedding day.
• Practical uses: These photos can be used for wedding invitations, gifts for family and friends, or to decorate your home with casual yet stunning images.
• Wedding day prep: It’s a chance to practice poses, discover which ones flatter you most, and get comfortable with your photographer. By the big day, you’ll feel confident and look amazing in every shot.
CHOOSING WHERE, HOW, AND WHEN
Two key aspects to consider are where you want the session and how you’d like it to unfold. Are you mountain lovers or more into cityscapes? Do you adore antiques, or have a special spot that means a lot to you? These are great starting points for deciding on the location.
If you share hobbies like hiking, sailing, or pottery, incorporating these into your session can add a meaningful touch. Beyond creating beautiful and practical photos, we aim to craft memories you can look back on and cherish.
WHAT TO WEAR
Choosing the right outfits is essential for creating harmonious photos that reflect your essence as a couple:
• Stay true to your personal style and pick clothes that make you feel comfortable.
• Opt for neutral colors and avoid logos or bold patterns that could draw attention away from you.
• Bring two or three outfit changes to add variety to the session.
When to do the pre-wedding session
There’s no “perfect” time for a pre-wedding session—it all depends on what works best for you. If you plan to use the photos for your invitations, schedule the session well in advance. Otherwise, you can do it even just a few days before the wedding to keep posing tips fresh in your mind. Ideally, it’s best to have the session at least a month before the wedding, as the last month tends to be hectic with final preparations.
Since weddings are planned so far ahead, I personally recommend scheduling your pre-wedding session in spring or fall, when the weather is mild, and you have more outfit options. That said, if snow sports are your thing, I’d be more than happy to capture stunning photos of you skiing or doing what you love most.
IN CONCLUSION
A pre-wedding session is not only an opportunity to capture unique photos but also a chance to enjoy a special moment together as a couple—like a date with paparazzi. For me, as a photographer, it’s a deeply enriching experience. It allows me to get to know you better, discover new places, and build a connection that will undoubtedly shine through in your wedding photos.
While having a pre-wedding shooting is a personal choice, I highly recommend it for all the benefits it offers. It will help you feel confident knowing your wedding photos will authentically and beautifully capture one of the most important days of your life.