How to plan an elegant mountain engagement session

It’s a new age where traditional engagements, while beautiful, aren’t what everyone wants to do. Lately, people want to get out and do something spontaneous. Now, what’s more, spontaneous than a Mountainside Engagement Session?

I had the pleasure of shooting a mountain engagement session, and let me just say, it was nothing short of amazing. Here are some of my tips for how to plan a mountain engagement session.

Dress comfortably

But not like you’re going hiking. Remember the reason for this engagement session but also remember where you’re headed for this “will you marry me” moment. Of course, you want to be dressed to the 9’s when you pop the question but we want you to make it up the mountain first. Coordinate your outfits. Don’t be afraid of color and bling but not too flashy, we aren’t going to a club, we’re going to be outside so keep that in mind when choosing your attire. Style up your outfits to coordinate, not too flashy or matchy. Be sure to pack a small bag with your cute shoes, but wear those comfortable ones on your way up. Throw in some trinkets you think you may want to wear once you’ve made it to the top. Then you can set the mood! Wear what’s comfortable, brings out your personality, and shows who you are, but be sure that what you’re wearing you’ll be able to make it up there because we do not need the National Guard coming to get you.

Make a day of it

What I mean is, just because you’re planning one of the most important days that will change your life, that doesn’t mean it has to be all about that. You can start by enjoying the ride there. Get to the mountain you’re going to have your engagement session at, then do a tour of the bottom. I’m sure it’s beautiful at the bottom as well. While making the hike up this mountain, chat about your day, your lives, things that are being planned, etc. Once you’ve made it to your destination on the mountain, take a walk around, enjoy the scenery a bit before popping the question. Once you’ve popped the question then do some informal photos for the gram. Grab some boomerangs or reels to share with family and friends. After that, head down the mountain for dinner and a movie, go out on the town, something to celebrate!

Timing is crucial

Something very important is to schedule your session around the sun. Do not schedule when the sun is giving off super harsh shadows. Avoid midday. Aim for mornings as the sun is rising/has risen and is before 11 am or evenings when the sun is setting. The last thing you want is to have the sun beating you down as you’re climbing this mountain or during your actual engagement session. You will melt before you are able to utter the words, not to mention it’s not cute having harsh shadows on your face or have you looking like your frowning in your photos. Not a good look for you or your family when you go back in time to look at your engagement photos. Remember, these photos will be something you will always cherish to remember the very start of your union together.

Hire a professional

You don’t need all the glitz and glam to enjoy an engagement session but professional photography should be at the top of your list when planning your engagement session and your wedding day. These photos you will remember for the rest of your life and while yes your cousin could get the job done, there’s something special about it being a professional photographer. We can get things cousins can’t. You have one shot at getting that special moment and you don’t want to miss it. This is what professional photographers do. Get you a professional photographer for your engagement session. You won’t be disappointed.

Lastly, have fun

Enjoy the moment. Document every moment of it so you can look back and say we did something different and it was amazing!