engagement photos lynchburg

What to expect: Engagement Sessions || Lynchburg, Virginia Wedding Photographer

Spring here in Central Virginia is just around the corner- which means Engagement Session season is going to be here before we know it! I LOVE engagement sessions because we truly get to know each other, laugh with each other (okay, sometimes the laughs are directed at me) and my couples get to learn how to overcome the camera anxiety!

I know the planning process can really seem super overwhelming- most people do have a fear of being in front of the camera- even in the day and age of the selfie! ;) I cannot even tell you how many couples tell me at the beginning of the our engagement sessions that they are not photogenic, but I make it my mission to change their minds on that!

When your prepping for your engagement session, remember that this is supposed to be FUN! This is the shoot with no pressure! On the wedding day, we'll be tight on time, have to worry about your dress, your guests, and we won't have extra time to chat and get to know each other. This is exactly why I include a complimentary engagement session with each wedding package! This is a time for us to get to know each other, feel comfortable with how I work, and have fun cuddling up in front of the camera!

What to expect for an engagement session || Lynchburg Virginia Wedding and Engagement Photographer || www.ashleyeiban.com

*When trying to decide on your outfits- try to choose outfits you feel amazing in! Some couples choose one outfit, and others decide to do two! It's completely up to you guys! If you do decide to do two, I recommend having one casual and one dressier outfit. Just know, there may or may not be a private place to change clothes depending on the location we choose! Try to avoid super bright/neon colors, or very small/busy patterns.  Try not to match too much- instead of both of you wearing the same color tops, selecting complementary colors and patterns looks best for photos! Think coordinating instead of matching. The key to what to wear is to make sure that you look like YOU and you feel comfortable! 

What to expect for an engagement session || Lynchburg Virginia Wedding and Engagement Photographer || www.ashleyeiban.com

*Relax & Trust me! I do NOT expect you to be a pro at this! I don't work with models, but everyday couples just like you guys all the time! I will remind you again on the day of, but it does take about 15-20 minutes to stop overthinking everything and really feel comfortable in front of the camera.  But you can relax because I will help you with exactly what to do and where to put your hands!

*I like to schedule engagement sessions about an hour and a half before sunset- any time of year. The light is gorgeous this time of day! Make sure you are on time. We schedule your engagement session for the best time of day for natural light.  

What to expect for an engagement session || Lynchburg Virginia Wedding and Engagement Photographer || www.ashleyeiban.com

*I highly recommend considering getting your makeup professionally done! Makeup artists are really good at doing a natural look, so don't worry about looking overdone! If you do your own makeup, make sure you apply your eye makeup a little heavier than normal for your photos.  

I hope this helps you feel more relaxed and ready for your engagement photos! I cannot wait for this super fun experience with you guys!!

 


What to expect for your engagement session || Lynchburg, VA Wedding Photographer || www.ashleyeiban.com

Ashley Eiban is a Wedding & Portrait Photographer based in Central Virginia. Serving the Lynchburg, Charlottesville, Richmond, and surrounding areas. Available for travel world-wide.  Ashley is passionate about cultivating genuine relationships built on mutual understanding, trust and lasting friendship.  

Currently booking a limited number of wedding and portrait sessions for 2018 and 2019.  Contact Ashley today for additional information!

Congratulations! You're engaged!! Now what? || Lynchburg Wedding Photographer

Ahhhh! Friend! Congratulations! I know you're SO excited to have that sparkly ring on your finger! But, I also know you might be a little bit overwhelmed with everything on your new to-do list! Don't stress- I know it might seem like there are a million things to do at once, I totally remember this feeling! I've written out a few steps to help know what's the most important things that HAVE to get done right away, then the rest will fall into place! 

What to do when you get engaged || Lynchburg Wedding Photographer || www.ashleyeiban.com

1- First things first, start narrowing down some dates. If possible, try to have a few options as you start looking at venues to be able to narrow things down.  

2- After you've gotten a few dates in mind, you need to talk budget. Trust me, I know this part is not fun at all, but it's essential to knowing what venues you can look at and which vendors to interview! Knowing if you're parents are going to be helping, if you and your fiance' are paying for it all out of pocket, or if there's an all of the above option, it's important to know and not make assumptions. 

3- Once you have the budget nailed down, start researching some wedding venues. Narrow this down by determining if you want a rustic/barn wedding, a vineyard wedding, a classic estate wedding, to get married in a church, etc. There are a ton of amazing venues in Lynchburg- so do some research online and ask around with your friends! Once you find a venue you love, you'll be able to narrow down the actual wedding date.

What to do when you get engaged || Lynchburg Wedding Photographer || www.ashleyeiban.com

4- Now that you have a budget, start thinking about priorities. In the perfect world, we'd be able to choose the best of everything, but that's not always practical. Decide what's the most important things to you and your fiance' together! For a lot of Brides, these things are photographers & videographers, a venue, dress and florals.  Things that can sometimes take a back burner are the cake, catering, etc.  

5-Start researching other important vendors. Again, use google, ask your friends who they loved, and start your interviewing process. Photographers, Coordinators, Videographers, Caterers all can book up as early as a year and a half in advance or more, so the earlier you can reach out, the better. 

6-Begin working on a guest list. Knowing how many guests you think you'll invite and may attend will be helpful in knowing how much you can spend out of your budget for food and other important things! 

7- Decide who you want in your wedding party! This can sometimes be a really hard decision, but it can be so much fun to have your best friends celebrating with you! Remember to only ask those you're the very closest with- someone you think you'll be friends with forever- who will be there to support you and be so thrilled to be with you and a part of the wedding process! 

8- Go wedding dress shopping! Oh my goodness this part is SO much fun! Invite your Mom and a best friend or two and start playing dress up! Make it a fun day by grabbing brunch together and some celebratory mimosas! Try on lots of styles before deciding- and once you've found the one, stop looking! 

9- Relax! I won't be the first person to tell you- but this time will seriously FLY by! Don't let the stress and the to-do's get to you! Be sure to schedule some alone time with your hubby-to-be for a date night, with the wedding planning topics off limits! 

What to do when you get engaged || Lynchburg Wedding Photographer || www.ashleyeiban.com

Congratulations again! I'm so very excited for you & I would absolutely love to talk with you about your wedding day plans & what you're looking for in a photographer! Contact me today to chat! 


Lynchburg and Charlottesville Wedding and Portrait Photographer || www.ashleyeiban.com

Ashley Eiban is a Wedding & Portrait Photographer based in Central Virginia. Serving the Lynchburg, Charlottesville, Richmond, and surrounding areas. Available for travel world-wide.  Ashley is passionate about cultivating genuine relationships built on mutual understanding, trust and lasting friendship.  

Currently booking a limited number of wedding and portrait sessions for 2018.  Contact Ashley today for additional information! 

Wintergreen Resort Engagement Session || Chase & Courtney

Wintergreen Resort is such a gorgeous spot! I know many people think of this being an area to visit in the winter for skiing or tubing- but goodness this is such a pretty spot in the summer & fall as well! You can't even compete with their overlook- you feel like you can see the entire world from this one spot! 

I was so excited when Chase & Courtney decided they wanted to do their engagement session at Wintergreen! It was perfect with the timing of the leaves changing colors and the stunning fall light! We had so much fun & I loved getting to know these two! They're getting married in 2018 at the Melrose Caverns Lodge in Harrisonburg & I know we're going to have a blast!! 


Fall engagement session at the Wintergreen Resort || Lynchburg and Charlottesville Wedding and Portrait Photographer || www.ashleyeiban.com

Ashley Eiban is a wedding and portrait photographer based in Central Virginia, serving Lynchburg, Charlottesville, and surrounding areas.  Ashley has been photographing families and couples for over 6 years and loves every minute of it! 

Ashley considers it a privilege to cultivate genuine relationships built on mutual understanding, trust, and lasting friendship to create memories you will cherish forever.  Because of this, Ashley takes on a limited number of weddings and portrait sessions each year.  Ashley is currently booking weddings for 2018 and 2019.  Contact her today for additional information! 

Summer Sweet Briar Engagement Session || Lynchburg, VA Wedding and Portrait Photographer

You guys. I'm not even a little bit ashamed to say that I almost stole a puppy.  You can't even blame me- he's just SO cute! And you forget about the hectic puppy stage when they are looking at you with their sweet eyes and are all cute and fluffy!! I was so excited when Austin & Caitlin decided to bring their new pup along for their engagement session at Sweet Briar College in Lynchburg, Virginia! 

Austin & Caitlin are serious troopers for surviving the August heat for their engagement session! We wrapped up just in time for a crazy storm to hit town, thank goodness! Caitlin actually went to Sweet Briar so it was so fun to hear about her favorite things to do there, awesome little spots around the campus, etc! These two are so sweet, I can't wait for their wedding later this year!! 


Charlottesville and Lynchburg Virginia Wedding and portrait photographer || Ashley Eiban Photography || www.ashleyeiban.com

Ashley Eiban is a wedding & portrait photographer based in Central Virginia.  Serving Lynchburg, Charlottesville, Farmville, Richmond, Roanoke, Hampton Roads, and surrounding areas.  Available for travel world-wide!

Ashley is passionate about creating genuine relationships with her couples. Relationships built on mutual understanding, trust, and lasting friendship! Currently booking a limited number of weddings and portrait sessions for 2016 and 2017. Contact me today for additional information!