4 tips on how to get the most out of your Engagement session

Engagement shoots...They're not everyone's cup of tea. But we love them! Here are our 4 TOP TIPS on how to get the most out of your Engagement session  - and why we think they’re so important!
 

1. Don’t shy away!
   Engagement sessions come as part of some of our wedding packages and we feel they are extremely important. It’s a chance for us to get to know YOU, and for you to get to know US. It’ll likely be the only time we’ll meet or spend some time together before the big day and we want you to feel relaxed around us and get used to our shooting style.
   

2. Feel good
   We want you to feel your best when you have these photos taken - because when you feel good it really does show in the photos. If you think you’ll feel more confident having had your hair or your makeup done - then do it! Maybe tie it in with having your wedding hair and makeup trial. We want you to feel comfortable in these photos - so if that means dressing up, then do it. If jeans and tee’s are more your thing, then wear that! Be happy, be comfortable and relax.
   

3. Location
   Think about the types of images you want from this shoot. If being at home, chilling in your comfy clothes, drinking hot chocolate together is your thing, then we can plan a shoot to capture you doing just that. This type of shoot creates more lifestyle images and takes on a bit more of an editorial look. Or if you have a specific location in mind, then that can take on a whole different look. Think striking scenery and an amazing backdrop - creating a real sense of adventure within the images. We will happily chat with you about what you’d like from this shoot.
   

4. Relax
   Try to forget about us being there! We know that may sound ridiculous, because having a camera pointed towards you is a pretty hard thing to ignore. But what we mean by that is we want you to focus on each other. We may direct you into a certain place, but mainly we’re considering the light and how good it’ll make you look - we’re not thinking about what you’re doing or saying to each other. Sometimes we’ll direct you, by asking you do something - like taking a walk, and these directions are what create the natural looking images. It’s completely normal to feel awkward in the first 10 minutes of a shoot - but don’t worry, you’ll be surprised how quickly you relax into it.
   We may direct you to do something, but these directions are flexible and we want to give you freedom to move around and have fun! Try to focus on each other. It’s stressful in the run-up to the wedding, so take it as some time to just be together.
   
   We hope you enjoyed some of these tips for getting the most out of your Engagement Session! Get in touch to book yours now

Regrets from my own Wedding Photography

Going to go against the norm of what most Brides say about their wedding: “I had the best day ever and wouldn’t have changed a thing”. Whilst this is true for the most part - there is one major thing that I would have changed. 

I got married 10 years ago - that makes me feel so old! But back then, there was no Pinterest, no Instagram and I had only just joined the world of Facebook. So I was completely unaware of all the advice out there in relation to Wedding photography. My love for wedding photography was only just beginning. Photography was hugely important to me (having just graduated from my photography degree), and we spent a huge part of our budget on it. It was actually my husband who found the photographer after hours of research on google. I still love the photos today - I don’t think they have aged at all - they remain timeless. But there is one major expectation that wasn’t met. And that is there are no portraits of me and my husband. Of course there are the images of us taking our vows, cutting the cake and having our first dance. But the type of images I imagined I’d hang around our home, were very definitely missing.

I still remember the feeling when I looked through the images - I was completely elated and so excited to see them. I looked through them again and again until I realised something so important was missing. ‘Where are the photos of us?’ I remember questioning this, because we had planned so carefully to take our whole bridal party away from the venue to a field hidden behind a dual carriage way. Ha - that sounds hilarious when writing it down! But bare with me. I used to drive alongside this road daily and sometimes cycle to this field whilst planning the wedding and I was drawn to the long, wild grass and cluster of huge pine trees. Our wedding venue was in, essentially a warehouse - which we decorated with candles, fairy lights, peonies and huge drapes of white fabric. A real DIY affair. We did the best we could with our budget, and I still think we made it look beautiful. So it was important that we went somewhere away from this environment for the group photos and portraits.

I’m telling you all this, not to speak negatively against our photographer, but to highlight that it is extremely important and essential to discuss EXPECTATIONS with your wedding photographer/s. When we challenged our photographer about these missing images, he told us we hadn’t given him enough time to get them. And he was absolutely right - I couldn’t argue with that, but I also felt cheated because he hadn’t told us we needed to give him that time. I just assumed that was part of his job. We were married 10 years ago, so perhaps having a dedicated time out for portraits wasn’t as ‘trendy’ as it is now, but still. 

So, whilst it is our job to EDUCATE you as best we can, it is YOUR job to tell your photographer/s if you have certain expectations. And we don’t mean producing lists and lists of certain images or obvious shots - you do need to build a level of TRUST with your chosen photographer and let them do their job. But if something is particularly important to you - you need to say so!

And that’s why we are building a Client Information section to our website - full of all the advice we can give you. We want to educate you the best we can, sharing our knowledge and experience from all the weddings we’ve shot over the years.

So there we go. My biggest regret when we booked our wedding photographer was expecting portraits of me and my husband, and assuming they’d be taken. We should have discussed it with our photographer first - I shouldn’t have assumed anything. Always discuss every aspect of your day, fully with your photographer in your pre-wedding consultations. And then when that’s all taken care of, you get let go and have an amazing, happy day - with the security that everyone is on the same page.

Jade xx

We hope you’ve found this helpful! We’d love to chat with you about YOUR wedding - get in touch via the contact page or send us an email info@coralandstone.co.uk

Isobel & Dionn

Driving through Derbyshire is always so beautiful. Isobel and Dionn got married within the Chatsworth estate - and really, if you haven't visited, you should! The grounds are beautiful and it's a perfect place to walk and take time to breathe, enjoy the surroundings and then go to sample some cake in the tea rooms afterwards!

Isobel and Dionn chose the most delightful colours for their day. Soft pinks, deep purples, luscious greens. The decor and florals were simply stunning and we got to work with the extremely talented Swallows and Damsons again. One of the most talented florists we've ever worked with. Isobel's style was decadent and the richness of the colours she chose, were perfect in the setting of Chatsworth.

Isobel's had great vision for her day and even designed the dress herself, working with Elizabeth Malcom who made it so perfectly.

Isobel and Dionn opted for a 'First Look' before the ceremony, which is something we always recommend if timing is short or if light is limited. Winter weddings don't leave for much light in the afternoons and so having a First Look is perfect. If you've not heard about a First Look, it's simply the Bride and Groom opting to see each other before the ceremony. If you aren't too fussed about traditions, and are open to something new, it's a really special time where both of you connect - away from all your guests, soak each other in, and we get some beautiful portraits. You then are more free to relax with your guests and enjoy everything else - as the time we would have taken you off for portraits, is now regained. Isobel and Dionn had their First Look within the Orangery, and the light pouring through the glass is just dreamy. 

The day was warm, with blue skies and sunshine. A perfect autumnal day. Isobel and Dionn had a Jewish ceremony conducted by their son, who spoke fluent Hebrew. And they opted for one large table during the reception - where family and friends gathered for a feast - a true banquet! 

Cassie & Jason

Cassie and Jason tied the knot back in June holding both the ceremony and reception at The Riding School at the amazing grounds of Calke Abbey, Derbyshire. The setting was stunning! Elegant yet rustic, the warm bricks in the barn complimented the colours Cassie had picked, so beautifully.

Jason welled up as he saw his bride walk down the aisle, as did their boy - making for a very emotional entrance!

The day was spent laughing, dancing and partying with friends and family as they surrounded them in support for their future marriage.

The amazing Honeysuckle and Castle team were there to look after everyone and ensure the day went as smoothly as possible. Here is a small glimpse into their day x

Summer

Summer is just the best season! Well, the few days we get of it in England. Family BBQ's and paddling pools are what weekends should be about. Hope you're enjoying this amazing weather! x