One of the biggest mistakes brides make when planning their engagement session… is not involving their partner in the process.

And I get why it happens. You’re the planner. You’re the one with the Pinterest board, the color palette, the outfit inspo saved for months. You want the photos to feel like you two at your best.

But your photos will only feel effortless if you both do. I’ve seen this play out so many times.

A bride plans the session alone…picks the outfit, picks the time, picks the spot. She’s thinking long-term, thinking of legacy… but her partner is thinking, “Wait, what are we doing? Who’s watching us?”

One couple I worked with chose a famous Chicago location. It looked stunning online, I mean the skyline, the beach, everything…was gorgeous!

But what she didn’t realize was how crowded it would be. People were everywhere, phones out, all eyes on them. She didn’t care (but he did). He froze up, got quiet, and his energy completely shifted.

And suddenly, the whole shoot felt like something to “get through,” not something to enjoy.

Fast forward to their wedding day… totally different story. He was relaxed, laughing, fully himself. Because the space made sense for him. It felt familiar AND comfortable.

That’s the difference location makes…not just how it looks, but how it feels.

The “perfect” spot isn’t the one that photographs the best, it’s the one where you can actually be yourselves.

So before you choose a location, slow down and talk about it together. Where do you feel most like you? Where can you move, laugh, breathe without thinking about everyone watching?

Because if one of you is uncomfortable… it will show.

But when you’re both relaxed, your connection takes over…and that’s when the real magic happens.