Here's how to: make the most of a London engagement shoot even if you're really nervous

Ah weddings. Where once our grandparents would tie the knot in their local church wearing classic suit and tie, followed by a get-all-your-friends-to-bring-the-food buffet, now they're really complicated and tiring and expensive and oh let's just elope. Planning has been last-minute for a load of different reasons, so it's safe to say we're feeling a bit blah about cake toppers and form filling at the moment.

For many reasons, getting married on a far-flung beach in Bali isn't a possibility. And although The Wedding will be an extremely intimate shindig in Edinburgh (with me, the groom and family staying in luxurious The Glasshouse, which we totally fell in love with when we reviewed a few months back) we're very much of the 'it's just one day' brigade. Because it's true. It's the years and decades after that really matter.

So, surely if we're not all that fussed about the Big Day, we shouldn't have bothered with an engagement shoot, right?

Wrong. DW and I are spontaneous people, and wanted something a bit different for our invitations and save the dates and thank you cards and all the other things guests want when they're invited to a wedding. An engagement shoot, to us, is a great reminder of where we first met (Euston) and something to show our families in the future. See kids, we were young once!

So what happens on an engagement shoot? What should you wear on an engagement shoot? How should you prepare? And who should be shooting you (not literally unless you're into that)?

The 'togs

Obviously, without them there is no shoot. It's more important than the vintage lace dress you picked up in a Shoreditch retro shop or even where you want to have your photos. We chose Jacob and Pauline, an-uber stylish couple with bags of experience behind them in fashion, editorial and wedding photography. Ok ok, so we've worked together quite a bit over the last year and I immediately knew I wanted them to be involved from the offset. But that's exactly the point. Choose someone you trust.

The location

Being such lousy decision makers, we toyed between heading to Richmond for the afternoon and popping into The Cricketers for a quick gin and tonic, or going to London Zoo and Regent's Park which is a really special place for us. The park won, and although the Zoo didn't work out Jacob and Pauline chose some amazing spots for us to set the scene.

The clothes

Nothing white, nothing black. As J&P have some amazing fashion photography experience, we sent over three outfits that we liked and they picked the best ones. We were asked to wear something that we feel would represent us, and granted, although we were using our photos on our stationery so needed something a bit ore formal, we decided on a mid-length ASOS print dress and DW's maroon suit.

What happens on an engagement shoot then?

We met the photographers in Camden and walked over to the park, taking about the shoot and getting an idea of the day ahead. It was a gorgeous, if muggy and hot day.

The engagement shoot started with a few staged shots. You know the ones, holding hands facing the camera, no smiles. I'll admit, I found it a massive struggle at first. There we were in one of the busiest parks in one of the busiest cities in the world, with hundred of people staring at you while our two photographers got snap happy. London is notorious for people minding their own business. It's the entire fabric of our culture (when was the last time a non-mental person willingly spoke to you on the Tube, huh? Exactly.) But on an engagement shoot, everyone got involved.

After a curious little squirrel wanted to get in the frame, we really found this helped us to relax. Jacob would point us in the next direction, literally, and Pauline would be off shooting from a secret hiding place. They were exactly like stealth photographers, and at one point we felt we were totally alone.

After about ten minutes, it just felt like a walk in the park for us. We did exactly what we normally do. Yes, movements were a bit slower. But the laughter was genuine, the hand holding was genuine, we were genuine. We walked to one end of Regent's park, then back around and to one of our favourite little pubs, The Princess.

Cocktails in hand, we finished the shoot and then said our goodbyes, nervously anticipating the results.

Seven days later...

Jacob called up and gave us our special link and password, and we had a look. I was nervous. It was obvious I struggled to pose in front of the camera so I had no idea what to expect. As you can see, they didn't manage to do a bad job with what they had in front of them. We even got the squirrel shots! We're thrilled with what Jacob and Pauline have done.

If you're wondering whether it's worth having an engagement shoot before the wedding, I would have to say it depends. If you're both natural posers with no hesitation in front of the camera you'll find it a breeze. If, like me, you're a little nervous, it's a great test run for the big day. Plus, it gives us a lovely little memento to cherish for the years to come.

Tips:

Choose a place that means something to you. If you're in London there are loads of famous sights and gorgeous little side streets. Avoid big open spaces though, as it'll mean fairly dull shots.

If your photographer doesn't have fashion experience, book a personal shopping session and let your stylist know what you're shopping for. You'll want something flattering from all angles.

Check your photographer's credentials. We had two for the price of one, which means the shoot was captured from all angles in both Jacob and Pauline's signature styles.