This is the second time I’ve been able to capture an engagement session at Fort Story and its becoming one of my very favorite places. Although the Lighthouses are open to the public during the day, in the evening to access the base you must be military or be escorted by someone who is military. Thankfully for this adorable couple, Jake is currently serving in our US Military and we happily made it to this beautiful beach a few weeks ago!
I remember meeting with Kathrine and Jake a few months ago to talk about their wedding day over coffee. Kathrine quickly shared that when they first got engaged she hired a photographer to take pictures for them so she wasn’t sure “another engagement session” was really something she wanted. I absolutely understood her concern as it seems a little silly to repeat something they had just done a few months before. I explained to Kathrine that the engagement session has many different purposes and one of them is for the couple and photographer to really get to know each other. After all, I’m going to be the one by your side most of time on your wedding day. It makes our time together that much better when we’ve already had a chance to get coffee and then take “a few” pictures together. “A few” being a tremendous understatement 🙂
Engagement sessions are really kind of a warm up for your wedding day. My couples get to know my verbal queues for poses and if you’ve never had your portraits taken as a couple or ever it just helps everyone get comfortable in front of the camera and prepared for the wedding day!
I also get to know my couples that much better, their humor and personalities, it’s a lot of fun! I can recall Jake saying at our coffee meet up, “If we were cat food we’d be Fancy Feast”, this cracked me up and I haven’t forgotten it since!
Having an engagement session early can help with wedding preparation too! You will have images to make a Save The Date or post on a wedding website. Additionally, you can order a Portrait Guest Book for guests to sign at your reception, it makes the sweetest keepsake from your wedding!
Kathrine & Jake, I had a great time with you at your “second engagement session” 🙂 I can’t wait for your December wedding, I’ll be praying for snow for you Kathrine, I know it’s a dream you have!!
XOXO- Meridith
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