We did something unconventional for our engagement photos and it turned out to be a fairly funny story!
One day in October, before we got engaged, I was on instagram and saw that a local photographer I follow, Melissa Glynn, was offering mini-sessions in November and December. They were geared toward getting a nice family photo and perhaps using it as a holiday card. I grabbed a spot for the beginning of December and we were planning on going to use our mini session prior to a nice dinner where we could get dressed up.
Then we got engaged and honestly; I really didn’t think about engagement photos. Especially since we didn’t have a wedding date/venue so I didn’t have a photographer. I also wanted to see if Melissa and us worked well together and maybe see if she was available for our date. (Spoiler: she wasn’t taking weddings at that time).
We ended up having to move our mini-session in December because Melissa got sick, then TM and I got sick, and we didn’t end up taking those photos until FEBRUARY! It was only 30 minutes and was the first time TM was in front of the camera. We love those photos in downtown Austin but I knew I wanted to do more. I felt like usually a couple does an hour and at least one outfit change so I figured we could do another 30 minute session somewhere/sometime and see how that was.
In March we went to Whistler, Canada and I decided that I was going to find a photographer there to get some awesome pictures. I wanted some with us and snow because that just wasn’t going to happen in Texas. I ended up finding Emily Serrell via Flytographer and booking an hour session. Then I turned to what I wanted us to wear.
We figured we could get two outfits in the hour so I went for TM in a suit and I in a dress then for the second outfit I wanted TM and I in jeans and sweaters with a blanket. Well best laid plans etc and TM dislocates his knee on the first day in Whistler and there is absolutely zero way he was going to be able to change clothes on snow. (I’m thinking he really can’t walk on snow but wow was he going to prove me wrong… : ) We were also thinking that maybe we should cancel or reschedule but there’s was no refund possible and a rebooking fee. TM basically just said “you’ve dragged this dress here and I’ve got a suit, we’re doing this.” So we did.
And they turned out AMAZING.
TM has got a brace on his knee under his suit and we took our time walking. Emily totally understood and was so great about getting shots every step of the way. We also had our coats right outside the frame each time because it was so damn cold and TM is in a fairly thin suit and I’ve got basically nothing on my upper body. TM was able to wear a long underwear shirt under his button down and suit jacket. I, thankfully, had boots and long underwear pants under the dress; but we were still so cold! Emily was well wrapped in parka, gloves, snow pants, and boots, and was looking at us like we were crazy.
We ended up using one of Emily’s photos for our save the date we were so in love with it!
Since we hodge-podged our engagement photo sessions with two photographers that couldn’t (for different reasons) shoot our wedding, when we finally found our photographer, hi Danna!, we were able to use the hour engagement session that came with our package as an hour toward her capturing our Rehearsal dinner! It’s definitely an unconventional way to get your engagement photos but I think it was slightly funny how it all came together in the end!
TM made me promise that he wouldn’t have to take any more photos; then I had to tell him we were going to have to take some on the beach during our vacation… he wasn’t thrilled but he did it! His only requirement was that he didn’t have to tote another suit internationally – I could understand that.
All the Outfit Details:
I’ve linked all the outfit information I could or at least similar information. I ordered the red dress from etsy and honestly wouldn’t recommend it; I wasn’t floored with the quality.
So now I can’t schedule any more photos to include TM this year – minus our wedding weekend of course! But 2023 comes and buckle up TM! We’re not taking a honeymoon immediately after the wedding and won’t go until 2023 so flytographer is going to come in handy again!
These are stunning! Your red dress – OMG. I am so happy for you guys!