Engagement photos are so much more than images for your save-the-dates– they capture the excitement, joy, and love of the pre-wedding season. The location of your engagement shoot can play a pivotal role in setting the tone for the wedding. To ensure dreamy photos, here are 3 top tips for choosing an engagement photo location featuring our beautiful couple, Najie and Asher.

The Castle at Skyland Manor: A Dream Engagement Photo Location

Najie and Asher’s engagement session at The Castle at Skyland Manor served as a visual prelude to their Park Chateau wedding. 

Both venues share a grand, romantic aesthetic, making the engagement session a natural peek into the style and tone of the upcoming wedding. They both feature breathtaking architectural details, manicured gardens, and stone courtyards reminiscent of a European castle. 

This thoughtful choice not only resulted in stunning images but also provided a seamless introduction to the aesthetic of their wedding day.

Choosing the Perfect Engagement Photo Location: Things to Consider

You may already have a location in mind, but focus on finding a photographer you feel confident with. An experienced wedding photographer can help you determine location, dates, and attire. 

Creating a cohesive visual narrative

The location of an engagement session can set the tone for the wedding itself. Choosing a venue that complements or mirrors the wedding site is a wonderful way to create a cohesive visual narrative. Najie and Asher made a thoughtful decision to have their engagement session at The Castle at Skyland Manor, a venue known for its grand architecture and lush, landscaped gardens—features that also define their wedding venue, Park Chateau. This similarity helps to introduce the theme of elegance and timeless romance that will be central to their wedding day. When the wedding photos are added to the mix, the entire collection will tell a seamless story from start to finish, with the engagement photos acting as a beautiful prelude.

Making a Personal Connection

When selecting a location for engagement photos, it’s essential to choose a place that resonates personally with the couple. Whether it’s a place that holds sentimental value or simply reflects their style and vision, the right location can make the photos feel even more special. For Najie and Asher, The Castle at Skyland Manor was a natural fit, reflecting the timeless romance of their relationship. Its picturesque backdrop helped them create memories that would not only stand on their own but also tie into the overall aesthetic of their wedding, fostering a deep emotional connection with their engagement photos.

Considering Logistics

While the beauty of a location is important, practical factors also play a role in selecting the perfect spot. For an engagement shoot, considerations like lighting, accessibility, and the time of year can greatly affect the outcome. A venue like The Castle at Skyland Manor offers plenty of natural light and scenic vistas that look stunning year-round, ensuring that the photos are visually captivating regardless of the season. Additionally, the ease of access to different picturesque spots within the venue makes it a convenient choice for couples and photographers alike, ensuring that no time is wasted during the session.

Why Engagement Photos Matter

Preserving a Special Time

For many couples, an engagement session is the first opportunity to celebrate their upcoming marriage meaningfully. Engagement photos mark a transitional moment in a couple’s journey, capturing the unique excitement, love, and anticipation that leads up to the wedding. While wedding photos focus on the big event, engagement photos provide a glimpse into the quieter, more intimate moments between you before the whirlwind of wedding day.

Building Comfort with Your Photographer

A good relationship with your photographer is so important for effortless-looking photos. An engagement session lets you get comfortable in front of the camera without the pressure of the wedding day timeline, allowing you to develop trust that ensures your wedding day photos capture genuine emotions without feeling awkward or forced.

Expressing Your Connection

Engagement sessions allow you to show your personalities in ways that might not be possible on wedding day. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box! Whether that means taking a hike, visiting a vineyard, or enjoying a walk down your favorite street, your engagement photos should reflect who you are and what you mean to each other.

Frequently Asked Questions About Engagement Photos

How much do engagement photos cost? 

Like all other wedding-related things, there’s no set price for engagement photos. Some photographers include engagement sessions in their wedding photography packages. They may create pricing based on travel, the number of locations, props or equipment, etc. We are happy to provide suggestions and ensure that you feel confident in this aspect of your wedding planning! 

How do we choose flattering engagement photo poses?

Your photographer should have no trouble assisting you with poses. They may give you prompts, ask you to do silly things, and physically pose you to get a beautiful shot. Trust their process, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. You can also save photos for inspiration and share them with your photographer at your session.

The Castle at Skyland Manor provided the perfect setting for Najie and Asher. It offered a stunning backdrop that complimented their wedding vision and helped them build a visual story that will continue on their wedding day at Park Chateau. Your wedding planner can assist you with hiring a photographer and planning your engagement photos. At Christine Ferguson Events, we’re proud to work with your other vendors every step of the way, so you can enjoy the excitement of this time without the stress of not knowing what to do next. Inquire with us to find out more about our process. Happy planning!