What to prepare as a couple for your engagement shoot:

An engagement shoot is a fun and exciting opportunity to celebrate your love and capture beautiful photos that you'll treasure for years to come. Here are a few things you can prepare as a couple to make the most of your engagement shoot:

1. Coordinate your outfits: Choose outfits that reflect your personal style and that you feel comfortable and confident in. Consider coordinating your colours and patterns but avoid matching too closely.
2. Plan your hairstyles and makeup: If you plan to have your hair and makeup professionally done, make sure to schedule an appointment in advance. If you're doing your own hair and makeup, be sure to practice beforehand so you feel confident in front of the camera.
3. Choose a location: Decide on a location that has special meaning to you as a couple, or that offers a beautiful backdrop for the photos. Consider the time of day and the lighting conditions when selecting a location. Our photographer will also have some suggestions for you based on your sense of style.
4. Bring props: Consider bringing props that reflect your personalities or interests as a couple. This could be something as simple as a bouquet of flowers or a favorite accessory. E.g., Picnic setting, sports theme or just keep it simple.
5. Practice your posing: Posing in front of the camera can feel awkward at first, so it can be helpful to practice ahead of time. Look at examples of posed and candid shots online and try out different poses in the mirror.
6. Relax and have fun: Above all, try to relax and have fun during the shoot. Your photographer will guide you through different poses and help you feel natural in front of the camera. Trust their guidance and try to be present in the moment with your partner.

Once you’ve booked the photographer, you can expect the following:

1. Consultation: Most photographers will offer a consultation to discuss your vision for the photography and answer any questions you may have. This is also a good time to ask about additional upgrades.
2. Pricing: The photographer will provide you with information on their upgrade options. Be sure to discuss any specific needs or requests you have, as well as any budget constraints.
3. Contract (Add-Ons): The photographer will provide you with an add-ons contract outlining the terms of their services, including the length of coverage, the number of photographers, the deliverables (such as digital files or prints), and any additional products or services included in the package.
4. Payment: The photographer will typically require a deposit to secure their add-on service with the balance due closer to the event date. Be sure to ask about their payment terms and any fees for cancellations or changes.

As a photographer, here are some things you can do to prepare for an engagement photoshoot:

1. Discuss the couple's preferences and vision for the photoshoot with them. This includes the location, outfit choices, and any specific shots or poses they want.

2. Scout the location in advance and plan out the shot list and poses.

3. Make sure you have all the necessary equipment, including a camera, lenses, and any lighting or props you may need.

4. Practice posing couples in order to get comfortable with directing them during the shoot.

5. Consider bringing along an assistant to help with lighting and equipment, as well as to act as a second pair of eyes.

6. Make sure to arrive early to the photoshoot location to set up and test your equipment.

7. Be open to improvisation and be ready to capture candid, spontaneous moments.

Remember to always communicate with the couple and make them feel comfortable and relaxed throughout the photoshoot. This will help you capture genuine and natural-looking photos.

Here is a general checklist for wedding planners:

1. Meet with the couple to discuss their vision and preferences for their wedding.

2. Set a budget and create a detailed wedding plan that includes the venue, catering, entertainment, decor, and all other details.

3. Find and book vendors, such as photographers, florists, and musicians.                         

4. Assist with creating and sending out invitations.

5. Coordinate with the couple and all vendors to ensure that all details and logistics are taken care of.

6. Set up and decorate the ceremony and reception venues.

7. Oversee the setup and execution of the wedding day timeline.

8. Manage any issues or problems that may arise on the wedding day.

9. Ensure that all vendors are paid and that the couple receives any remaining balance or refunds due.

Remember to stay organized and keep the couple informed and involved in the planning process.

Here is a general checklist for brides to use on their wedding day:

1. Wake up early and have a good breakfast to fuel you for the day ahead.

2. Take some time to relax and pamper yourself, whether that's with a shower, a skincare routine, or a yoga session.

3. Have your hair and makeup professionally done, or do it yourself if you prefer.

4. Gather all necessary items, such as your wedding dress, veil, shoes, and any jewelry or accessories you'll be wearing.

5. Pack an emergency kit with any necessary items, such as safety pins, hair ties, and a needle and thread.

6. Set aside any items you'll need for the ceremony, such as your wedding vows and any wedding rings.

7. Have a designated member of the bridal party or a family member transport the wedding dress to the ceremony venue.

8. Dress in comfortable clothes for the time leading up to the ceremony, such as a robe or sweatsuit.

9. Take some time to meditate or do some deep breathing to calm your nerves and focus your mind.

Remember to try to relax and enjoy the day. It's a special and memorable occasion, and you want to make the most of it.

A wedding planner's workflow typically includes the following steps:

1. Initial Consultation: Meeting with the couple to discuss their vision for the wedding and to determine if the planner is the right fit for them.

2. Vendor Selection and Coordination: Researching and recommending vendors (e.g. florists, caterers, photographers) that align with the couple's vision and budget. Coordinating with these vendors to ensure that everything runs smoothly on the day of the wedding.

3. Budget Management: Helping the couple create a budget for their wedding and tracking expenses to ensure that they stay on track.

4. Event Design: Assisting the couple with the overall design of their wedding, including choosing colours, flowers, and decor.

5. Timeline Creation: Creating a detailed timeline of events for the day of the wedding, including the ceremony and reception.

6. Rehearsal Coordination: Coordinating the wedding rehearsal to ensure that everyone knows their roles and that everything runs smoothly on the day of the wedding.

7. Day-of Coordination: Being on site during the wedding to oversee all aspects of the day and to make sure that everything runs smoothly.

8. Follow-up: Following up with the couple after the wedding to make sure they were satisfied with their experience and to collect feedback.

There are many tools available that can help wedding planners manage and organize their events. Some popular options include:

1.     Aisle Planner: An all-in-one software solution that provides wedding planners with a central hub to manage contacts, timelines, budgets, and more.

2.     Trello: A project management tool that allows wedding planners to create boards for different tasks, such as vendor communication, budget tracking, and timeline creation.

3.     Google Suite: A collection of tools including Google Calendar, Google Docs, and Gmail, that can be used to schedule meetings, create, and share documents, and communicate with vendors and clients.

4.     Honeybook: It provides a range of features, that include customizable templates, a client database, and e-signatures, to manage their contracts, invoicing, and communication with clients.

5.     AllSeated: Is a free event planning tool that allows planners to create interactive seating charts, floor plans, and guest lists.

Ultimately, the best tool for a wedding planner will depend on their specific needs and preferences. Some planners may prefer a more comprehensive solution, while others may prefer to use a combination of different tools to manage different aspects of the planning process.