Getting on the Same Page as your Groom Before Portrait Time

While I don’t want to be one to stereotype, I can say from personal experience that it’s usually the groom who is a little skeptical about this whole “picture thing.” Not always, but pretty often! If you’re a bride who is worried about how your groom is going to react to not only wedding photos but an engagement session too, you are not alone!

But here’s a fun fact that should make you feel better. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard from the groom after the engagement session that it actually went by quickly, wasn’t bad at all and was even pretty FUN! Yessss, that’s my favorite thing ever to hear! I know I’ve done my job when couples enjoy their session and sometimes even forget they’re having photos taken. Your engagement session is supposed to be fun and relaxed, not forced or awkward. 

Something that I’ve discovered makes a huge difference is simply letting your groom in on the process so he knows exactly what to expect. Maybe not every little detail and preparation, but enough to get the gist and feel involved. I suggest sitting down together and looking through a couple of your favorite engagement sessions and weddings that I have photographed on my blog!

Here are some I’ve loved:

AUBRIANA + COLIN / Engagement at Vander Veer Park & Downtown Davenport, Iowa

PAIGE + BARON / Engagement at the Nature Center in Clinton, Iowa

LEXI + AUSTIN / Wedding at the Barn at Brophy Creek in DeWitt, Iowa

KATE + VAUGHN / Wedding at the Eagle Point Lodge in Clinton, Iowa

Scroll through the photos so he can gauge what expectations are and what the end result will be. 

Another tip - it may seem obvious, but to keep the mood positive and light, just allow for plenty of time to get to your shoot! Running late adds so much stress to any situation, especially something new that you haven’t done before. And last but not least, just allow each other to be yourselves and warm up at your own pace. I think you’ll be surprised how much you will both enjoy your portrait time with me!