Capturing Your Love Story: How To Prepare for Your Tennessee Engagement Session

Engagement Session Planning Made Easy

Welcome, lovebirds, to the land of scenic beauty and romantic backdrops - Tennessee! Planning an engagement session in the Volunteer State? You're in for a treat. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to ensure your engagement photos perfectly capture your unique love story.

Selecting a Location for your Tennessee Engagement Session

One of the first decisions to make when planning your engagement session in Tennessee is choosing the perfect location. The state offers a diverse range of settings, from picturesque parks to charming urban scenes. Here are some top picks:

1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park: For nature enthusiasts, the Smokies provide a breathtaking backdrop with lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and stunning mountain vistas.
2. Historic Downtown Nashville: Experience the vibrant heart of Music City with iconic landmarks, colorful murals, and the bustling energy of Broadway.
3. Charming Small Towns: Explore quaint towns like Franklin or Gatlinburg, known for their historic charm and scenic streets.
4. Scenic Romance: Tennessee is home to beautiful parks near lakes and rivers, offering serene waterside settings and more for your photoshoot. If you're closer to Nashville, but don't want to be in the city, I recommend Walton Ferry Arboretum.
5. Fall Creek Falls State Park: Immerse yourselves in the enchanting beauty of Tennessee's largest state park. With its towering waterfalls, rugged gorges, and verdant woodlands, this natural wonderland promises an epic backdrop for your engagement session.
6. Rutledge Falls: Embark on a journey to Rutledge Falls, a hidden gem tucked away in Middle Tennessee. The secluded waterfall and surrounding forest create a dreamy, romantic atmosphere that's perfect for capturing your love story.



Showcasing Tennessee Engagement Session Inspiration

Before you decide on your location and style, it can be inspiring to look at real engagement sessions that have taken place in Tennessee. Here are a few examples that might spark your imagination:

Fall Creek Falls State Park, Spencer, TN

Walton Ferry Arboretum, Hendersonville, TN

Rutledge Falls, Tullahoma, TN

Preparing for Your Engagement Session

Now that you have your location and inspiration in mind, it's time to prepare for your engagement session. Here's a checklist to ensure everything goes smoothly:

1. Wardrobe Selection: Choose outfits that reflect your personalities and the chosen location. Consider color coordination, but don't match too perfectly. I recommend sticking with neutral colors, and adding a pop of earthy colors such as emerald, rust, or maroon. You can opt for one outfit for your session, but I highly recommend planning at least 2 outfits for your engagement session to add variety to your photos and showcase more of your personality. This way you can choose a more casual outfit, then dress things up for a few more formal portraits.
2. Hair and Makeup: While it's not mandatory, getting your hair and makeup done professionally can boost your confidence and make you feel extra special. If you would rather do your hair and makeup yourself, I recommend wearing your hair down, but curled, and be mindful when applying your makeup to apply it a little heavier than you typically would. This will allow the details of your makeup to show up on camera more easily. Tip: Your blush is usually the first to disappear on camera, so feel free to rosy those cheeks up a little more, or bring your blush with you to build it up as needed during your session.
3. Props and Personal Touches: Bring along any props or items that are meaningful to your relationship, like a blanket from your first picnic together or your favorite books or board games! You can also consider adding special clothing. For example, one of my 2024 couple's are huge hockey fans. The Groom loves the Nashville Predators, so the Bride got a cute Predator's jacket made, although hidden under the collar is a secret message revealing that the Bride still loves her New York Rangers! This added such a cute personal touch to their engagement session!
4. Posing and Relaxation: Don't stress about posing; your photographer will guide you. Focus on being yourselves and enjoying the moment! One tip I do share with my couples for them to keep in mind is that they are not statues in a museum, so they are free to move and I encourage them to let their hands travel, let the hugs sway, and I'll handle the rest. By keeping yourself moving slightly in some way, you add variety into the general poses and your photos will turn out looking much more candid and fun with no stiffness.
5. Timing: The best times for photos are typically during the "golden hours" - the first hour after sunrise and the last hour before sunset, and often produce those dreamy, golden photos you are guaranteed to love! But if early mornings or late evenings aren't your thing, any hour can be an excellent hour for an engagement session, especially in a location with plenty of shade. You can also beat the sun entirely by holding your engagement session indoors, such as a bowling alley or arcade if you want a more retro engagement session, or a museum if you want a more classy vibe.

Working with Your Photographer

Your chosen photographer is your guide to capturing your love story in Tennessee. Here's how to make the most of this partnership:

1. Keep Open Communication: Start by having open and honest communication with your photographer. Share your vision, preferences, and any specific shots you want well in advance. The more your photographer knows about your expectations, the better they can plan and execute the session.
2. Trust Their Expertise: Remember that you've chosen your photographer because you admire their work and trust their creative eye. Let them do what they do best. They know the best angles, lighting, and poses to make you look your best. Trust their expertise and allow them to guide you during the session.
3. Be Yourselves: While it's natural to want to look your absolute best in your photos, don't forget to relax and be yourselves. Genuine moments often make for the most beautiful and meaningful photographs. Let your love shine through and enjoy the moment.
4. Ask Questions: If you have any doubts or questions about the process, don't hesitate to ask your photographer. They should be more than willing to provide guidance and address any concerns you may have.
5. Enjoy the Experience: Your engagement session is not just about getting pictures; it's a celebration of your love story. Embrace the experience, have fun with each other, and cherish the moments you share during the shoot. The more relaxed and joyful you are, the more authentic and beautiful your photos will be.

Final Thoughts

Your engagement session in Tennessee is a prelude to your love story, and with careful planning and a dash of spontaneity, it will be an unforgettable experience. Whether you opt for the rugged beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains or the lively streets of Nashville, let your love shine through, and your photos will capture the magic.

Now that you're well-prepared, go ahead and create memories that will last a lifetime amidst Tennessee's enchanting landscapes and vibrant cities. Your engagement session is a celebration of your unique journey to forever, so enjoy every moment of it.