Tara and Eric were so fun to work with! A more laid back couple you won't find, and they proved as much by trudging through fields with grass up to our waists. I loved watching them interact and laugh together; I always can tell the couples who are really in love by how much fun they have together. I am so excited for their wedding next year, and can't wait for you to browse through some of my favorites below!  Special thanks to The Day's Design for providing the lovely floral crown and Indie Film Lab for the film development. Enjoy! 

Last month on a perfect fall day, Allison and Mike made their way to the beautiful Michigan State campus to pledge their love to one another, forever. As far as wedding days go, this one felt sprinkled with a little bit of magic. Maybe it was the fact that we had our first snow of the year, or maybe it was how the ivy covered buildings made the occasion feel that much more historic and momentous; but whatever it was, it was pretty special.  Pops of pink and bursts of glittery gold added just the right amount of sparkle against the colorful fall backdrop. Allison & Mike-- it was such an honor to spend the day with you (even if we DID have to endure Michigan State beating Michigan during your reception!)  Here's to many, many joyful years!  

Scroll down to view some of my favorites from their day! 

Click the arrows to  browse more favorites!

You're knee deep into wedding planning, and the costs are piling up. You're looking to snip extra expenses here and there when a brilliant idea hits you: let's forego our complimentary engagement session and see if we can trim some of the cost off of our wedding photography package. 

Before drafting up your e-mail to me, let me explain why I insist on an engagement session as a wedding photographer and why you should really, really want to have one as well.

Why An Engagement Session?

My number one reason for requiring an engagement session is pretty simple: it allows us to get to know one another. I don't know about you, but if I were to meet my photographer-- the person I was trusting to capture THE most important day of my life-- the day of my wedding, it would make me pretty uncomfortable. And let's be honest, you are going to be spending a majority of your day not only with your soon-to-be-spouse, but also with whomever you hire to capture the day. In fact, you might be spending more time with your photographer than your almost husband or wife depending on the timeline of your day. For that reason alone I believe it is extremely important that you get along with and enjoy the company of the professional you hire.

Wedding days can get a little crazy and in the past I have gone so far as to sew a bride into her gown (from the inside, while she was wearing it). Situations like this are made a little less awkward if we have at least met once before your big day (and yes brides, I am armed and ready to do what it takes to make your wedding day go off without a hitch, including seamstress duties)! Here at Ashley Slater Photography, our clients become more than just clients. I honestly feel like I leave each event with a new set of friends and I believe that friendship and trust comes from getting to know one another away from the pressure of your big day.

Work Your Angles

Engagement sessions allows me to photograph and get feedback from you. Maybe I think you look like the bomb.com from a certain angle, but you prefer a different side? These times help me figure out what you love best, what your genuine smiles and reactions look like and how you photograph in general. This is just one more reason that will aide in ensuring your wedding day goes off without a hitch!

Document This Season of Life!

Back when I was an almost-bride and had just gotten engaged, life was a whirlwind! I still look back on that time as some of the sweetest in my life, and I love having photos that document my husband and I as we were planning and anticipating married life. I love getting to capture that time for you, and honestly... how  many other times will you splurge on professional photography? Enjoy this season of your life as you prepare to become a Mr. & Mrs!