"A Beginner's Guide to Planning Your Dream Engagement Session in New Zealand"

NICK + MEGANS LOVE STORY

Nick and Megan are both from the USA but met in Queenstown, New Zealand. Their paths crossed as they both were volunteering through YWAM (Youth With A Mission). They started dating September of 2020 and got engaged March of 2021. Nick proposed on a beautiful fall day in a place called Arrowtown in New Zealand. They had talked about wanting to get married but Megan had no idea Nick would be proposing that day!! It was the best!! With the borders to NZ being closed due to COVID, they were unsure when they would get married as they both wanted their families to be there. They both felt they needed to take the risk to go to America and get married January 22nd in Phoenix, AZ, trusting that they would get back into New Zealand. They had a beautiful outdoor wedding with all of their family and friends! It was the BEST day! After getting married, the New Zealand borders opened to visa holders, so they were able to go back to New Zealand. Now Nick and Megan are full time missionaries with YWAM. Scroll down to see some photos I got to take of them at their favorite lake to camp at, More Lake in New Zealand.

TOP 5 MUSTS WHEN PLANNING YOUR ENGAGEMENT SESSION

1. Before you start any planning (proposal, engagement photos, wedding or elopement) I love reminding my couples to dream! Dreaming is the most important part to the process. Create a Pinterest board with sections including (style, colors, theme, outfits).
   

2. Location is key to making your Pinterest board come to life! Your location is what completes the knot of your love story. Not only does the location make up the vibes and style of your outfits but it also shows a glimpse of how you fell in love, your favorite date nights and hobbies. If you love going to In-n-out, let's do a casual date night photoshoot at In-n-out. If you love camping, let's take your photos in the woods! If you love paddle boarding or sailing, let's take photos on the lake or at the beach! Location is everything!!
   

3. Outfits are not just another pair of jeans and t-shirt you throw on before hanging out with friends! What you choose to wear is crucial. I always recommend wearing neutral colors that not only compliment your skin tones but also compliment the colors of the scenery you'll be taking photos in as well. For example if your engagement session is in the sand dunes or Moab, a complimenting outfit would be blacks, whites, or reds. If you're in a forest you'll want to wear whites, browns, gray, or navy.
   

4. Activities and props are always fun to have! Some couples love posing with their old fashion cars and trucks or doing a cute champagne pop together. Some couples love horseback riding, surfing, snowboarding, sailing, etc. Find what kind of activity you two enjoy most and I'll be your third wheel!
   

5. HAVE FUN!!! It is so important that this is not just another "to-do" on your long list of items to check off before your wedding! Find a photographer you not only are obsessed with their work but that you actually enjoy spending time with! Your engagement session should be fun, uplifting, and exciting. It doesn't have to be super extravagant either! It should be something you both love doing together!

David and Casey are high school sweethearts! The two of them did track and field together and that's when sparks started to fly. For their first date, David took Casey to Cold Beer and Cheeseburgers followed by a very competitive round of miniature glow in the dark putt putt. There is nothing more romantic than destroying your crush in mini golf on the first date haha. Fast forward a little bit, David and Casey went wine tasting in Cottonwood Arizona to celebrate a friend's birthday, little did Casey know what was really in store for the day. At the last winery, they walked around the vineyard and David had a secret photographer and videographer waiting to capture the moment under a giant cottonwood tree. David proposed and surprised Casey with all their closest friends and family, with a surprise Airbnb for the night to celebrate! They got married at the McDowell Golf Club on New Years Eve of 2021. One of their favorite things to do together is to relax, take it easy and read books on the couch together. Here are some photos of their special day <3

ADVICE FOR THE NEWLY ENGAGED OR NEWLYWED COUPLE

Don’t forget to enjoy your engagement and wedding planning process! Capture every moment along the way!