Oftentimes, the excitement of wedding planning begins the moment he pops the question. Now that you’ve said yes, it’s time to talk about your engagement portrait session! Engagement sessions in the High Country of North Carolina are special, too! Between Banner Elk, Boone, and Blowing Rock, we have a wide variety of exceptionally scenic locations to make your engagement photos something you’ll want to show everyone.
Why Have an Engagement Session?
Engagement sessions are a great way to help couples get used to being in front of the camera. In fact, many couples have mentioned that because of their engagement session, they felt relaxed being photographed on their wedding day and knew what to expect. The practice you get during your engagement session helps with posing and portraits on your wedding day.
And, of course, engagement sessions are great for getting photos for your save-the-dates, sign-in books, or as framed displays (like framed canvases!) at your reception—and they’re a beautiful reminder of the time as an engaged-to-be-married couple!
Your engagement session is as unique as you – we’ll talk about what you have in mind and discuss how you envision your session. Engagement sessions can be fun, light-hearted, meaningful, romantic, scenic and dramatic…the list is endless. But in the end, your engagement session will be unique to YOU.
Quick Tips
- Bring two or three outfits: If you’re having a hard time deciding, bring several choices and I can help you decide.
- Coordinate—but don’t match. Not sure how to do that? Ask me and I can help!
- Think props: Have something special that has lots of significance in your relationship? Bring it!
- Have fun, relax, and enjoy. This is a fun and memorable time for you as a couple!
Location Tips
There are SO MANY great spots for engagement sessions in this area. From mountain views, waterfalls, wineries, and other local venues, there really is a lot to choose from for your engagement session. While you can ask your photographer for some insight on locations (and I’m happy to give some recommendations on locations!) consider the following list to help you decide on a location that has significance and meaning.
1. Choose a Place That Fits You as a Couple
Do you have a favorite coffee shop, brewery, or for many people in this area, a favorite winery? Let’s go there! Do you really love hiking in Blowing Rock and checking out some of the amazing mountain views? Let’s do it! Are you more of a glamorous type and want elegant formal portraits? There’s a great place for that! The location can be any place that will allow you both to act naturally and can have a story behind it, but will also fit what you plan to use the engagement photos for. This engagement session at Blowing Rock Brewing Company was a perfect example of going to a favorite spot!
2. Take the Sun Into Consideration.
While I’ve done engagement sessions at noon or 3 PM (which means really bright, overhead sun) and the images are gorgeous, sometimes people want evening or sunset images. If you are choosing a location because of the sunset or sunrise you’ll have to schedule your session accordingly. This session was a 3 PM with a bright overhead sun – so, we aren’t necessarily locked in to a restrictive time frame. There is flexibility – because I can manipulate the light to make it work!
3. Consider the Visuals and Background
The reason you are choosing to have your engagement session in the Boone, Banner Elk, or Blowing Rock area is because of the visuals and background. So, take some time to really think about the kind of scenery you want to have in your images. (We have a lot of vineyards in this area – so this engagement session at Grandfather Vineyard & Winery is a wonderful example of choosing an area with background in mind.
