Having an engagement session is a fun and exciting way to spread the news of your upcoming wedding while also allowing you as a couple, to get comfortable in front of the camera with your photographer before the main event.  Engagement photos are more than just pictures, they’re memories! You want to be able to look back on your journey as frolicking fiancés and remember all the beautiful moments that led up to the big day of becoming husband and wife. 

While wedding venues tend to be a little quieter during the winter season, couples getting engaged is in full swing!! It’s almost impossibly to walk by a skating rink in Bend or go to a Christmas party without seeing a future groom down on one knee popping the big question. Winter brings a beautiful dynamic of magic to the air as the holiday season heats up. 

So now that you have a new dazzling ring on your finger, you’ve set your wedding date and have a wedding photographer hired, I bet you’re wondering if you should wait till the warmer weather to schedule your engagement photos? Well, I’m here to share my top reasons why your should schedule your session now during the winter than waiting till later.

Create a unique look with your engagement photos

If you want to set yourself apart from the crowd and create a unique style with your photos, having an engagement session in the snow is a great way to do that. There’s nothing more magical than you and your betrothed dancing in the snow or holding each other close while being encapsulated by snowglobe surroundings. So why not schedule your engagement photos during the winter?

Adding layers to an outfit only creatives more beautiful photos 

Of course, the one negative to having an engagement session in the winter months is it’s cooolllld! A simple solution to this is adding layers to your outfit. Start your session with your peacoat on or a nice jacket. By adding scarves, hats, and gloves it’s an easy way to change the way an outfit looks and keeps you warm. 

When selecting winter outfits, pick fitted sweaters and jackets rather than bulky coats that will keep you from looking slim. Wear fleece leggings underneath your jeans or dress is a great way to stay extra warm.

Incorporating Props

There is nothing better than a hot cup of coffee or hot chocolate after being out in the cold. Treat yourself to a Starbucks and bring along cute mugs to use as cute props in the photos. Being able to sip on something hot will help keep you toasty warm! Bringing a colorful blanket is also a great way to incorporate a prop, but also useful for wrapping yourself up when you’re walking between locations!

Snow Makes Everything Better!

The Bend, Oregon area needless to say has some of the most beautiful locations to take engagement photos, and adding a bit of snow makes everything look more beautiful with some fresh powder on top of it. 

Location suggestions: Smith Rock, Shevlin Park, Painted Hills, Pilot Butte, if you know of a rustic cabin in the woods or Bend being a ski and snowboarding town why not take advantage of the mountainesque views from the top of your favorite chairlift on Mount Bachelor.

Choose a Sentimental Spot

There are several routes you can take when deciding on a winter engagement location. To highlight the holiday season, you can head to Downtown in Bend, Oregon to create an urban whimsy vibe with the decorated holiday lights on the trees. Being in Downtown Bend will give an excellent excuse to stop by your favorite bar or coffee shop and grab a warm drink, and will provide variety in your photos and warmth!

The Deschutes Forest is not far from Bend and can make a great starting point for a romantic and fun-filled session with frosted pines and snowy juniper trees! Ask your photographer for more ideas for the area you live in.

If you have a sentimental location with picturesque views, I’d highly recommend it! This couple chose to have their engagement photos taken at their family farm in Oregon right after it snowed. Now when they look back on their photos it will have an extra spark of sentimental value.

GET AHEAD OF SCHEDULE

Since you'll have your photos done ahead of time, you won't be in a rush to send out save the dates or invitations. As a full-service studio, I offer to be custom card designs and I am there through the whole process to make sure your prints look on point in print. Let’s celebrate for less stress!

Add variety to your photos

More often than not when a bride and groom come to me for engagement photos it’s the first time they’ve ever had professional photos of them done together. If your having a summer, spring, or fall wedding having a winter engagement session will add a fun variety for all the photos you're getting from your photographer.

I hope my awesome reasons why you should have a winter engagement session were convincing. Let me know in the comments below what your dream engagement session is and why.

Inquiry about a whimsical engagement session here!