When I was approached by Carrie ( a fellow photographer and graphic designer) about their wedding. I instantly jumped on it. I love weddings in other cities and this one was going to be in MILWAUKEE. Carrie and Tyler have been living a long distance relationship for a while. Carrie lives in Chicago and Tyler in Milwaukee. On my last trip to Illinois I was fortunate enough to connect with Carrie and Tyler at Grant Park in South Milwaukee. Let’s talk about how this park is a hidden gem. You get the best of all worlds there. Beach, Forest, Creek, Bridges its a beautiful park that I would totally go explore again. It really was the perfect spot to have a Grant Park Summer Engagement in Milwaukee. I am also super pumped for Carrie and Tyler’s wedding next year!

SOMETHINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN PLANNING YOUR ENGAGEMENT SESSION:

1: First and foremost talk to your photographer… plan with them.. use their knowledge… your photographer should be there to help you along the way 110%. I mean after all we are the ones you hired for the job. Photographer’s have a rolodex of locations and can educate you on if permits are needed, the best way to leave no trace, offer advice on what to wear and the best time of day to capture your engagement photos and make sure that your session goes off without a hitch.

2). How are you going to prepare for your engagement session?? Are you getting a spray tan? Getting your hair and makeup done? If you are doing any of those things mentioned above don’t do them right before your session. I always suggest your spray tan be done 5-7 days before your session. If you are going to cut and color your hair do it 1-2 weeks before.. Are you going to get your ring cleaned? I tell my clients to do that the day before their session. And of course.. make sure you have a light snack and/or some water before you head out the door for your session.

3) How on earth do you settle on locations? This is where your photographer can help guide you. BUT.. I always suggest to my clients to think of places that have meanings to them.. Is the coffee shop you met at? A park you visit frequently? The farmer’s market you go to every weekend? Or even the spot you got engaged at. The list goes on and on.. but you can have so much fun with your locations. And the location will help set the vibe that you are wanting for your photos.

4) As mentioned above.. time of day is everything! I mean high noon lighting isn’t the prettiest.. Your photographer should be able to help navigate this for you. The middle of the morning/afternoon might seem like a wonderful time for your engagement session.. but the lighting can be rough.. unless it’s cloudy and you have a way to control mother nature. (wink wink). I love an early morning shoot or late afternoon evening. The lighting is lush and often times stunning. Plus.. if you go with either option you can go to breakfast after your morning session or you an go to dinner after your evening session.. It’s like the perfect date setting.

5) Your engagement shoot is like a rehearsal for your wedding. Yes.. it has a purpose beyond that for save the dates, celebrating that period of your life but it is also wonderful at getting you comfortable in front of the camera before your big day! You get the opportunity to see how your photographer works, experience things you like and don’t like and then you won’t go into your wedding day nervous about photos. BUT most importantly in the end it is important to have fun and enjoy your session.

Let’s get your engagement and wedding booked today! Just fill out my contact form here.