Engagement shoots.
We didn’t have one.
Not because we didn’t want one or were not offered one but because we didn’t have time. The O’Shea Big Day ended up being so last minute and we had so much to do it just seemed like an extra day to use that we desperately needed for planning.
BIG MISTAKE.
Because now we will never get that gorgeous “we are about to be forever” nearly-wed glow of loveliness that the RMW Team are seeing so often in the engagement shoots that we are lucky enough to have sent our way.
And I LOVE engagement shoots – really I do. We are seeing a growing rush of beautiful photography and creative couples that make images literally magazine -worthy ( or should that be blog worthy…)
And here is a case in point.
The amazing photographer Tamara Kuzminski (who operates in Sweden as well as here in Blighty) caught every single piece of the aforementioned nearly-wed glow between Linda and Gary on their shoot in Malmo.
I mean really – what could possibly be more romantic than being wrapped up together all warm and cosy amongst the Swedish snow and frosty elements surrounded by scarlet love hearts…..
Delicious.
And of course it’s not just a fantastic set of memories an engagement shoot provides, what better way to get used to the camera and work out what look/angles/positions work best for you and your partner – not to mention the perfect opportunity to have an absolute creative blast.
Many photographers offer a pre-shoot option these days and the majority will even throw it in for free – in the same way it’s a great experience for you it’s an important learning process for them too.
Who else is planning an engagement shoot?
And what super cool ideas do you have?
We would love to know….
Mr O’Shea and I plan to have a “first flush of NEWLY wed” glow session in the not too distant future. Maybe we can pinch some inspiration from you 
Big Scarlet Swedish Love
Charlotte xxx
Seriously, I am in love with these and engagement shoots in general.
Like Charlotte, we missed out and I REALLY regret it. Although, I’m thinking a love-him-even-more-one-year-in shoot would be completely perfect and definately on the cards.
xoxo
What a set of lovely pics!
We are having an engagement shoot, it was one of the things we wanted to try out so that our photographer knows in advance what we like (or don’t like). I think we’re having it over the Easter period at some point.
xx
Beautiful shots! Engagement shoots were always something that I thought we wouldn’t go for. But our wonderful photographer Zoe Collyer (found through her being a RMW sponsor – woo!) is offering us one, and we’re going to go to a beautiful nearby beach that’s special to me and h2b to get some really fun shots with deckchairs/icecream/bright colours etc. I can’t wait to have some gorgeous pics of us! Also, neither of us are that comfortable having our picture taken so this gives us a chance to get more comfortable in front of the camera which is a huge bonus! xxx
I also didn’t have engagement pictures which I regret, but I’m thinking of having some honeymoon pictures taken! All I need to do now is find a photography in LA who can take some pictures of us in disneyland!!!
we werent offered an engagement shoot by our photographers (i didnt ven know such a think existed back then! oh how things change!!) however luckily for us, david mcneil was there and we had an AWESOME engageement session in Soho. Brown hair – weird!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rocknrollbride/sets/72157618006012596/
I love these pictures so sweet – we are having one too as our photographer recommended it to get used to being photographed, I’m really looking forward to it now – I hope that they look like these.
We didn’t have an engagement shoot but will be having a pre wedding one and hoping to have it in the city on London as our actual wedding isn’t a city one!
Hey girls! Just to say a massive thank you to you both – thanks to you me and my rather fabulous hubby-to-be are having our engagement shoot with Christian Ward in Sheffield this weekend! Our wedding is by the sea in Cornwall this summer so hopefully this will give us an opportunity to have a little “chic in the city” of our own! Totally wouldn’t have happened if it hadn’t been for your post a few months back. So we’re so grateful! xxx
Hmm I think its just me then who really can’t quite see the point in these, I mean, there are only so many pictures I would want of me and h2b in some cheesy pose and we will have plenty from our wedding pics (hopefully not cheesy though!!). Besides, I think h2b would do a Big on me and not turn up on the big day if I suggested anything else wedding related that wasnt remotely necessary! Don’t get me wrong, he’s big on love and kisses but he’s not big on cut out hearts and slogans :0)
xx
Brideandchic – it’s not just you! I totally love these photos and think they’re perfect for the couple but I didn’t even think of having an engagement shoot and it’s not something I would be remotely interested in doing!
Oh I’m soooooo glad to see the two comments above – I totally agree!! I can see how some people would want one but we think of ourselves as a ‘normal’ everyday couple not an OTT one and our favourite photos of the two of us are non-posed, casual ones taken at parties and nights out etc. I’m looking forward to getting some lovely wedding photos but don’t really see the point in having more…
With you both Brideandchic and Laura,
Both h2b and myself are desperately uncomfortable in-front of the camera and i’m dreading even the wedding shots. I honestly don’t think anything would convince my h2b to do an engagement shoot!
Fortunately i have booked a fabulous photographer in Jordan Banks (same as RMW’s Mrs O’Shea) and i am confident he will make us look great on our wedding day!!
I too think its a bit of a unnecessary expense, I’m assuming its probably another American idea… overindulgence at its best! Posed photos are great for some couples but definitely not something for me, I’m not even having posed wedding photographs because they just make me cringe.
We’re using our pre wedding shoot to get to know our photographer, and to help us both relax a bit together under the camera… ever seen that episode of Friends when Chandler goes with Monica to have his photo taken…..? That’s me.
I am the Chandler Bing in my relationship, and I am relishing the idea of a practice run at decent photo’s!
It’s no extra expense, and you don’t have to have props if you don’t want them. Some people aren’t overly fussed with photography, I am though and my house is peppered with shots of us travelling and whatnot.
For us it’s serving a purpose and will be brilliant fun! I can’t wait to be honest!
Jenny x
Oh ladies we do love a bit of debate!
I can see it from both sides -I think they are REALLY useful for getting used to the camera and building a relationship/discussing ideas with your photographer.
At the same time though if you are purely looking for reportage then really it doesn’t matter as much as every gorgeous moment will be caught on W-day.
RMW are never in the mind frame to say “Do this or do that” we just want to share all of the possibilities so you can make your own decisions – and be inspired along the way of course.
Personally I am a big fan of a scarlet heart ( and a caption!) and for me these particular images are just perfection….
However some of the most beautiful shots I have ever seen are when those being photographed don’t even know it’s happening.
Charlotte xxx
Phew! I had no idea this would provoke such a strong reaction! As always ladies, it’s fascinating to hear your views.
For me, I think Engagement shoots are all about the photography. I’m a huge fan of art, photography and style, something that I think plays a huge part in making RMW what it is. Those shots of the hearts and props etc all ‘finish’ a set of images to me and would make a difference to how I display them too.
That said, I can see that they could be a bit of an ordeal to someone who is camera shy. I don’t think anyone can underestimate the importance of getting used to the camera though… we had a few shots prior to the wedding around the places we had our formals done and they were hideous – I looked sooooo uncomfortable – very Chandler Bing!
If it is your thing, its just another opportunity to get creative and have some fun, plus, very much needed couple time, pre-wedding amidst all the planning.
Just do YOUR thang
xoxo
I think they’re pretty, but we got some nice pictures of us as a couple when the tog came to do a reccy of the venue and various locations so felt a specific shoot wasn’t necessary.
Also – is this actually an engagement shoot? Looks like he’s already wearing a wedding ring? (Unless there’s a new wedding market for men to have engagement rings too?!)
Interestingly, mens engagement rings are (apparently) a new trend these days.
As for the shoot, I can only say that this has been submitted to RMW and accepted in good faith as a genuine engagement shoot and we have no reason to believe otherwise.
xoxo
Very, very cute engagement shoot! X
Ooh glad it balanced out after I posted, I thought I might have been lynched! Just wanted to add that I am a sucker for a good photo and usually I spend a night out either posing for a (albeit drunken) shot or taking the pics myself and so for me my lack of enthusiasm for these shoots is not borne out of a fear of being photographed.
We have also spent a massive chunk of our not small budget on our reportage photographer as I wanted the photos to represent memories and emotions of the day rather than staged pictures of an over-exuberant bride and a bored groom wishing he was eating the canapes and drinking the champagne he’s paid for.
I thought about it last night though and actually thought I’d love something like this for me and my girlfriends/ bridesmaids as its something we would cherish and have real fun with but I think as far as a pre-wedding coupley shoot, its just not us to gush about each other publicly so I think maybe that’s why it makes me uncomfortable?
xx