It used to be that a couple would have engagement photos done so they would have a nice portrait to submit to local newspapers when their nuptials were announced. But nowadays couples are getting creative with their use, and incorporating the images from their e-shoots into their wedding invitations, events and decorations.
Save-the-date cards are another popular way to announce your upcoming wedding. With all the great, affordable DIY card-making websites out there, it’s easy to upload and incorporate your engagement photos into a snazzy design. (Check with your photographer that you have the rights to use your e-photos in this way first.)
While you’re mailing stuff, why not create a postage stamp using an image from your e-shoot? It’s a fun and easy way to personalize your wedding stationery while being really practical.
Another fun idea is to frame your favorite image in an oversized matt and position it on an easel or table, along with some thin, colorful Sharpies, at the front door of your reception. Guests can sign the matt in lieu of a guest book, and then the notes from everyone you celebrated your day with can be framed and hung in your home. Some photographers offer the matting service in their e-shoot packages, so don’t forget to ask!
Once inside the reception, there are a million ways you can incorporate your engagement photos. From table cards to custom wine bottle labels, it’s fun to decorate your party with personalized touches thrown in throughout!
There are so many benefits to doing an engagement shoot. Of course, you get all of those beautiful photos to play with afterwards. You get a great document of this really special moment in your relationship with your future spouse. And you get to have a great time making the photos–maybe the first time you’ve ever hired someone to make professional portraits of you (school photos don’t count, do they?)–trying out all those interesting locations and image ideas you might have collected over the years and getting to play supermodel for a day.
But one of the most important parts of the e-session is the opportunity to try out your wedding photographer, to get to know his/her shooting style and to see how you look in his/her pictures of you. It’s a great warm-up for the big day and gets the conversation started about your tastes. Plus, when the photographer arrives to begin making photos of you at your wedding, you’ll already feel like old friends, which will make the wedding photos come out even better!
Anything you can do to help yourself relax and feel like you’re in good hands with your vendors will go a long way to making your wedding day!
P.S. Super-special thanks to Erika for being such an amazing idea maven! Most of these came from seeing what she did with all the fun pictures made of her and now-hubby, John, at our e-shoot!
Hillary Harvey is a freelance photographer specializing in wedding photojournalism. Though born in Brooklyn to a long line of Brooklynites, she is a tried-and-true valley girl, having lived most of her life in the Hudson Valley. She also lives online, so catch up with her there!
