The Engagementmoon Trend

A romantic couple getaway following a wedding proposal – otherwise known as an engagementmoon – is a wonderful way to celebrate your engagement before the stress of planning a wedding. There’s nothing more exciting or adventurous than setting off into the wide blue yonder with a special secret between the two of you, and a twinkle in your eye.

A Pre-Wedding Shoot: Should You Do It?

Planning a destination pre-wedding shoot while you’re overseas is a wonderful opportunity to take advantage of some of the beautiful and unusual overseas settings, and create something spectacular for your friends and family back home that will really reflect your personality, love and couple. With just a few unforgettable photos, you can be sure not only to immortalize the excitement of your early engagement, but inspire your loved ones to that all-important achievement: being featured on their fridge door!

Some Pre-Wedding Photoshoot Ideas

For anyone thinking about planning a pre-wedding shoot, here are a few pointers that will help you in creating these very special images:

1. Decide on the feel of the photos you want

Pick a style of photography that you feel suits you and your partner. If you’re the kind of couple who loves classic settings and are going to Europe, you’re likely to find the cities a smorgasboard of stunning backdrops.

Alternatively, if you’re not the kind to get all gooey and cutesy, consider some more arty or edgy styles: most photographers love experimenting and will be happy to shoot to your requirements. Perhaps you’d like to recreate iconic pop culture images, or get athletic with flying images. Or as another example, TripShooter’s Paris photographer Lilo Graine creates unique light-painting portraits which are an opportunity to create a stunning talking-piece with a Parisian artist. Don’t be limited by what you think a pre-wedding photoshoot is, and let your own tastes be your guide.

2. Discuss locations with your photographer

A little research on your engagementmoon destination can often provide guidance on the classic settings for portraits on vacation. However, your local photographer is a font of insider knowledge about not only lesser known places, but unique angles on very well-known ones. For example, you might want a photo with the Eiffel Tower, but did you know there are more than twenty different places you can be photographed with it, just in the immediate vicinity? Using your photographer’s skill, local knowledge and experience can mean the difference between a good photo and a stunning one.

3. Think about the time of your shoot

Both mornings and evenings are typically best for lighting in photos, but if you’d like that sense that you are alone in your destination city, opt for the mornings over the evenings. There are usually much less people around, especially if you choose an early weekday over a weekend.

4. Clothing and props

Don’t be afraid to jump in with two feet when it comes to your photos. Dress up or dress down, find matching sunglasses or silly hats, make a splash in a ballgown or hire cool cars. The short story is that anything goes when it comes to your pre-wedding photoshoot, so long as they’re photos you’ll want to look at forever.

5. Don’t forget the Thank You cards!

A pre-wedding photoshoot is a great time to prepare for after the wedding too – save a few photos for Thank You scenario set-ups. Again, discuss with your photographer the kinds of photos you might like to offer as thank you messages after your wedding, and contribute your creative input. A good destination photographer will welcome communication, as it leads to the creation of images that everyone is sure to love.