Why Destination Engagement Sessions are Kind of Everything
I originally spotted this Engagement session through a video on instagram that popped into my feed. I was entirely and completely mesmerized. While I've seen these very lavender fields in the country side of France before - the cinematographer managed to capture a trifecta of loveliness in the golden setting sun, a stunning sparkly gown and of course, the beauty of the fields themselves. Well, low and behold, one of our favorite photographers Audrey Paris was actually behind the stunning shoot and today she's sharing her awe inspiring photos. After you devour them, scroll down to read all about how destination e-sessions like this one (the couple is from Cananda) are becoming all the rage and see if you too should get on the destination e-sesh bus!
Bonnie and Ernest came all the way from Canada to have an anniversary trip in France. First in Paris where we did some timeless photos then we headed to warm and sunny Provence right during the lavender blooming season.
I found this lavender fields the day before our shoot and it was just perfection: bees were flying, the sun was setting right in front of us, the cicadas were singing. It was truly a magical experience. The lavender season is quite short, one month as the local farmers cut them mid July to create perfume. So timing was everything!
The trend of destination engagement shoots - while once reserved for the wealthy - are becoming more and more common since photographers are innately a traveling bunch. Couples are taking full advantage of a favorite photographer being in a favorite destination and choosing to fly THEMSELVES out for a vacation/photoshoot combo rather flying their favorite photographers to them. It makes working with one of the sought after photogs a reality because said photographer doesn't have to rearrange their schedule. Here are five ways to know if a destination engagement session is right for you.
In Lieu of a Destination Wedding
Maybe you're pining to satisfy your wanderlust but a destination wedding is out of your budget. A destination engagement session is a perfect compromise that will allow you to celebrate your union in a fun locale while having a wedding closer to home.
Your Current City Doesn't Feel Like Home
Maybe you both recently moved and the city where you're currently living doesn't quite feel like home. If you don't have an emotional connection to your local area and you don't feel the need to have pictures capturing life in that environment then why not travel someplace new? This is the perfect way to remember an adventure to a destination that's always been on your bucket list.
Celebrate Your Anniversary
If you've been planning a fun and monumental birthday or anniversary trip you have the perfect excuse to sneak in a destination engagement session while you're away! Why not commemorate that trip, and your engagement, with pictures together during your vacation? Couples sometimes struggle to feel at ease in front of the camera. However, if you're kicking back on vacation you're sure to feel more relaxed and joyful, which will certainly shine through in the timeless images captured.
Capture Memories of a Cherished Place
Did you travel together to Portugal early in your relationship? Did you meet while studying abroad together in Greece? If there is a certain destination that is integral to your relational history then a destination engagement session is a wonderful way to pay homage to that aspect of your story!
Just Because!
Honestly, who needs an excuse to travel? We love the joy and excitement that comes from traveling and you are sure to cherish the images from a destination engagement session for years to come! Style Me Pretty Contributor - Hannah Nowack is a freelance writer, calligrapher, and event designer living in the Midwest. When she isn't working, you will find her decorating her Danish Modern-inspired apartment, frequenting the gourmet cheese counter, or enjoying a glass of Cabernet with friends.
Photography: Le Secret d'Audrey | Make up and hair: Ylva Langenskiold | Film Lab: Carmencita Film Lab
