Sophia and Gabriel's Savannah Engagement Session | Destination Wedding Photographer

You may remember Sophia and Gabriel from their fairytale Savannah wedding... That's right! I'm posting their engagement session blog AFTER their wedding. And no, it's not (only) because I finished these photos a week ago. It's because we did their engagement session two days before their wedding!

I know what you're probably thinking. "What's the point of that, weren't save the dates AND invites already sent?!" "Wouldn't that be stressful for the bride and groom?" "What's the point of engagement photos if you're going to have 1000 wedding photos from two days later?" These are all valid questions, but they overlook the real value of an engagement session. Sure, photos of you two together are amazing for save-the-dates, but from my perspective the biggest value from these sessions are the time we spend together with a camera.

Getting in front of a camera is weird! No one is a natural, and it takes time to get used to. These sessions are fun, relaxed ways for us to get used to working together. They're assuring, because on your wedding day you'll know exactly how portraits will happen. It will feel familiar and exciting, not nerve-wracking and time-sensitive. 

Sophia and Gabriel picked me up at the airport and we headed straight to Savannah's dreamy downtown historic district. This was actually the first time we met in person since they live in DC and I'm up in Boston, but by the time this session was over I felt like we had known each other for years. For once I was playing tourist, while Sophia and Gabriel pointed out their favorite coffeeshop and told me all about the first time they vacationed in Savannah.

Their fairytale happened two days later with a white horse and carriage, but it was these quiet moments I'll remember first. The way they both jumped with excitement when friends and family texted them about arriving in Savannah. The way they laughed and reminisced on their first visit to Savannah, and double checked their list of everything to do before the wedding. We even ran into friends of theirs who were staying downtown! I loved every minute of this day, and every day that followed. Thank you Sophia and Gabriel for making me feel so at home in a new city. You two are the best.

In love and gratitude,
Mads