Why Winter is the Coolest Time for a Tennessee Engagement Session
Listen, I get it. We're firmly in winter, and it's cold. If you've spent a winter in Tennessee then you know it's not always the temperature that'll get ya, it's the wind chill!!!
First of all, I want to assure you that winter is as good a time as any to book an engagement session. It's a brave choice, but I promise you won't regret it! There are tons of perks to scheduling your outdoor engagement session in the winter time, and believe it or not, Tennessee's weather gives us a lot of opportunities to take advantage of better weather days with fewer crowds to battle.
Buzzard's Roost at Fall Creek Falls in Spencer, TN
What You Need To Know About Tennessee Weather From A Long Time Local
.Tennessee's weather ranges greatly from perfect temperatures to blistering heat waves and all types of weather patterns in between from March through November, but as someone who has spent nearly my entire lifetime in Middle Tennessee, the weather trends every year are nearly predictable, so what's happening in December, January, and February?
Winter in Tennessee is the one time of year weather predictability does actually seem like a gamble. We've had tornadoes just before Christmas, and we've been snowed in the week later. We're at Mother Nature's mercy in a lot of ways, but here's what I CAN tell you to expect:
- December: This is usually our last month of random times that the temperatures might trend into more comfortable territory. This also means that warm and cold fronts are often competing with one another, leading to wet weather and storms. Generally just before or just after Christmas, we'll hit our first big cold snap of the season and from then on you won't see temperatures above 50 degrees often.
- January: By far our coldest feeling month on average, January is the month that makes you step outside and immediately start cursing. That being said, it makes up for it because it's usually our snowiest month every year! If you're willing to brave the cold for a unique winter wonderland session, January will be your best opportunity. If you're reading this in 2024, I spy snow chances as soon as the middle of this month - less than a week away!
- February: With spring right around the corner, February is a lot like December in reverse. The beginning of February starts off cold with a chance of snow, and as we close out the month temperatures are back above 50 degrees again with warm fluctuations. While the increasing temperatures are warmly welcomed (see what I did there?), we do start seeing rain and thunderstorms creep in again, but I'd say we have more dry days than rainy. Can be very overcast, though.
Reasons Why You Should Book A Winter Engagement Session in Tennessee
I know what you're thinking. "Adri, all I got from that wall of text is that winter is cold. Cold doesn't sound fun, even with a chance of maybe seeing snow. You're bonkers!" You're right about the bonkers part, but there are so many great reasons that make winter a perfect time for an engagement session.
Here's my favorite reasons why winter is the best season to plan your engagement session:
It's Off Season
Hate crowds? Same, girl, same. I know it's already hard enough putting on a brave face and stepping in front of my camera, any camera for that matter. Sure, you can time it right in warmer months, go at sunrise, plan for a week day, but your chances of having an entire spot to yourself increases exponentially in the winter.
Across two state parks and over three days, I saw maybe 7 other people and 1 chihuahua. For perspective, one day and one visit to one of these same parks in March and there were 7 people already hanging out. This isn't necessarily a problem, but it's so much easier to relax and have fun when you don't have strangers looking at you.
Narrows of the Harpeth in Kingston Springs, TN
Cold Temps = Layered Wardrobe = Engagement Photo Variety
Leggings and sweaters and jackets, oh my! Winter is my favorite season to dress for because I love wearing layers, and you will love layers for your engagement photos! Wanting an easy way to work in more than one outfit? Winter layers are the way to go. And the more you change up your look, the more variety you have in your overall gallery.
Take this photo on the left for example. Ashley and Joseph are rocking their coats, but in the photo just above this section you'll see Ashley in just her oversized waffle knit thermal pull over and Joseph with his flannel.
Layers are also just really important in general for your comfort. If you're working with me for your engagement session, you'll warm up quickly so you'll love being able to shed a layer or two, or add one back over the course of your session.
Unique and Cozy Vibes
If you're all about a dramatic, moody day, then a winter adventure engagement session is definitely for you. Winter offers a distinctively unique atmosphere compared to spring and summer sessions that just cannot be beat. The cooler temperatures may sometimes be a little too brisk, but don't they also make you want to snuggle into your partner even more?
Added bonus: lower humidity and cooler temps will help cut down on the risk for sweat, so no worrying about blotting your makeup or your partner looking like water got dumped on his head by accident.
What To Wear For Your Winter Engagement Session in Tennessee
The key to styling an outfit for your engagement session if you’re braving the colder temps to take advantage of popular locations outside of peak season is dressing in layers - and the more, the better!
For example, on a trip to Colorado last year, I opted for a thermal long sleeved shirt underneath my chunky sweater, plus fleece lined leggings, wool socks, and my favorite hiking snow boots. I also had a chunky knit hat and coat, but I was warm from hiking. That’s the great thing about layering, though! You can shed a layer and practically have a whole new outfit!
Snow boots are a little overkill for Tennessee most of the time, but any sort of boot is a great go to option for footwear. I also love body suits paired with a cardigan or flannel, plus a fleece lined coat. If you really want to dress up, a sweater, knit pencil skirt, fleece lined tights, boots, and peacoat is a classy, cozy, and ultra stylish option, too.
For guys, a thermal undershirt, flannel, and coat can be a great starting point, or you can dress it up more with a collared shirt underneath a sweater with a blazer or cardigan, and mens… peacoat? Trenchcoat? (let me know) Slacks and dress shoes, his good jeans and best boots, all great options and he’s probably got something of everything that fits the vibe in his closet!
Neutral colors are always a smart choice if you're not sure how to coordinate an outfit, but don't be shy about adding a pop of color or high contrasting colors such as earthy greens, maroons, or burnt orange tones.
Ready to capture your biggest adventure yet?
meet Adri, your Tennessee wedding and elopement photographer
I'm not your typical photographer- I'm your partner in creating memories that reflect your love story. If you're seeking a break from cookie-cutter weddings and want your photos to tell a unique tale, you're in the right place. My passion lies in crafting authentic and intimate moments that perfectly encapsulate your connection. Say goodbye to wedding planning stress and hello to an adventure in Tennessee that's all about celebrating your love, your way.
