Lifestyle photographer| Clovis| 3 Steps to having a relaxing Elopement session
So you decided to elope, skip the stress, and extravagance of a big wedding and do something more private and intimate. You want amazing photos that capture you and your partners connection. So you booked your ideal photographer. You tell yourself all you need is your dress and you’re all set. After all, you’re just eloping right? Well Based on my experience you’re going to have to do a little more than that. Disclaimer, my propose is not to stress you out. Rather I want to help you prepare and have a relaxing elopement session. I’ve gathered three steps that I believe will provide a relaxing experience for you.
Plan
I know you probably chose eloping because you wanted to skip the dread of planing a wedding. So finding out you still have to plan might not be what you want to hear but here’s why it’s important. As a photographer I’ve learned that what helps a session run smoothly and feel more relaxed is largely based on how well the person prepared beforehand. Don’t freak out, planning doesn’t have to be stressful and your photographer can help. Once you booked your session you want to make sure you do not skip your consultation with a Photographer. I personally like having both partners present during the consultation just so a level of comfort and trust is built before session. During your consultation is where you’ll have the opportunity to ask all and every single question you might have. During your consultation you also discuss your eloping location ,select best time of day to have this session and all of the details. Here is where you can also ask your photographer for suggestions & recommendations. You might walk into your consultation with certain expectations and leave your consultation with a whole new perspective on how the day is going to look like. Once you have decided on the location you can go ahead and plan for that location. For example, the weather, drive, how remote this location is, anything you want to bring etc. This might seem like a no brainer but you’ll be surprised how easy it can be forgotten on the day off. I always suggest you bring help besides your partner. Have a friend or a family member come along to help you carry stuff that you need or just be there for you in case you need the extra help. Also, I suggest you plan for after the session where that be dinner or picnic.
Book
you’ve made the plan, you know what your doing and you’ve taking all the advice in from your photographer. It’s time to book everything else. I suggest you start with you as bride first. Meaning if you’ve selected your dress already this will be a great time to book your hair and makeup. You can go ahead and ask your photographer for recommendations. Second, I suggest you book a hotel close to your session location. This is specially important if you want photos of you getting ready. Try keeping it no further than five miles if possible. If your location is long distance booking a convenient flight ahead of time is also super convenient. That also goes for your transportation. For example, car rentals, Uber, etc. Booking your florist for your Bouquet. Try someone local to your elopement location as ideal. Ask your photographer as well. If you’re planning on having any type of dinner. Looking into reservations. Some places require a reservation be made very early in advance. As a photographer I really don’t want you worrying about dinner reservations during our session.
Self-care per wedding
I suggest to all the couple I work with to make time for some self care leading up to their special day. We all know that when we take care of ourself we do our best. Whether that means getting the best sleep possible or doing a face mask a night before, selfceare matters. Let me tell you it will make you not sweat the little details that could go wrong and actually enjoy the moment. Also it adds a sense of anticipation and make it feel special.
You’re invested in having these beautiful moments captured so why not make the memories also beautiful. I really hope these steps help you have a relaxing elopement.
