Nowadays, engagement or pre-nuptial (prenup) shoots seem to have become a trend and a prerequisite for almost everyone planning to be married. A new norm and inevitably became a significant part of all couples’ wedding checklists.

Our chosen wedding photographer was a friend of Boots, and luckily a prenup shoot is part of the package he offered to us. Boots and I are both more comfortable behind the cameras rather than being the subject, but since most only get this as once in a lifetime opportunity, we gave it a try. It would also be a good practice to have a taste of how it will be on our big day.

WHAT ARE THE BASIC ELEMENTS OF A PRE-NUP PHOTOSHOOT?

We are no experts, but based on our experience, here are a few of the shortlisted items every couple needs to keep in mind when planning for their prenuptial shoots.

THEME

Theme is the core of the shoot. This is where the story of the pictures and videos will revolve. Good thing is there are myriad list of themes you can choose from. However, what’s important is you choose something or an idea close to both of your hearts and/or personalities.

Boots and I are travel fanatics. Thus, we chose a theme inclined to travel with a touch of rustic-vintage mood. And since we both love the sea, we opted to have our prenup shoot in a beach resort located at the farthest point of Calatagan, Batangas.

LOCATION

Find the best and most memorable location. But, consider your budget as well as fees, permits (if applicable), and the transportation costs whether it is by land, air or sea travel.

We chose Stilts Calatagan Beach Resort in Calatagan, Batangas. It’s an all year-round attraction to many tourists and couples alike due to its Maldives-inspired villas built directly above the seawater. This place is perfect for any photoshoot as well as romantic celebrations. And it’s just 2-3 hours drive away from Manila!

RESEARCH & PLANNING

After deciding on your theme and location, you may now start researching and planning for the props and outfits to be used. Most importantly, don’t forget to practice your preferred poses for the shoot. It’s important that you get comfortable with each other to avoid any awkward poses which may reflect on the pictures. You may download the Pinterest app where you can find tons of ideas and inspirations.

SUPPLIERS

This is one of the vital parts – finding the correct suppliers. The less headaches you have with your suppliers the more beautiful your preparations and wedding experience will be.

Start booking your suppliers such as videographers, photographers, hair and make-up artists (HMUA), and stylists. For our shoot, we decided that photographers and HMUA would suffice.

Also, instead of getting a videographer, I asked one of my bridesmaids and Boots’ best man to shoot short clips during our pictorial. Then, me being an artist myself, DIY’d our own Save the Date video.

OUTFIT

We did not bother to book a stylist for our shoot, hence we made it simple and just prepared 4-5 sets of clothes. Yet, I suggest that you limit your outfit selections to 3 sets because based on our experience, it was really exhausting changing clothes and dresses. Also, most of my dresses, I got from Forever 21’s buy one get one sale.

All our efforts were worth it, and we were happy with the wide number of photos we were able to have from the shoot.

PROPS

You may skip this part if you hired a stylist because they will provide all the props based on your selected theme.

In our case though, since I don’t want to splurge a lot of money for a one day shoot thus, I decided to DIY our props. Would you believe that this suitcase is made of a box covered with a gift wrap? Thanks to Pinterest and Youtube for the tutorials.

SCHEDULE

Once you have everything in place you may now set and book your preferred prenup shoot date. It’s important that you coordinate this with your suppliers to match your schedules and availability.

We scheduled ours five months prior our wedding date. Unfortunately, days before our shoot a typhoon hit the Philippines. Luckily, our shooting location was spared, but we still had a very gloomy weather all day. So, it wouldn’t hurt checking weather forecasts prior-hand and scheduling outside the rainy season especially if you prefer an outdoor shoot.

REST

After all the preparations and planning, reward yourself with the best rest and sleep that you can have. Of course, you don’t want to look stressed and tired in your pictures, right? Also, you would need lot and lots of energy during the shoot.

ENJOY & HAVE FUN

Now you’re all set, and the day of the shoot has come. The most important part is that both of you enjoy the moment and have fun. Remember, pictures are memory banks. One day, years from now, when you go that trip down memory lane, all you will remember will be the happy thoughts and those joyful experiences you had.





Here are some of the photos during our shoot:













































Watch the video below if you want to see our save the date video.



Click the links below to inquire to our suppliers:

Stilts Calatagan Beach Resort
https://www.stiltscalataganbeachresort.net/
https://www.facebook.com/stilts.calataganbeachresort/

Moki Cruz Photography
https://www.facebook.com/mokicruzphoto/
https://instagram.com/mokicruzphoto

Makeup by Paula Valdez
https://www.facebook.com/MakeupbyPaulaValdez/
https://instagram.com/paulavaldezmua

Audrey Sabandon
https://www.facebook.com/audreysdresslabph/
https://instagram.com/audreys_dresslab

For future bride and groom, how’s the wedding preparation? Share your thoughts on the comments section below.