Pre-Wedding Sessions Guide
Everything you need to know
A pre-wedding session is a relaxed, fun photo shoot that takes place before your wedding day. It’s a chance to celebrate your relationship, get comfortable in front of the camera, and create beautiful images in a meaningful location.
Think of it as a laid-back experience rather than a photoshoot. No pressure, no awkward posing. Just the two of you, being yourselves.
What to Expect
Your pre-wedding session will last around 90 to 120 minutes, depending on whether we visit one or two locations.
We’ll keep things natural and stress-free. You don’t need to know how to pose or what to do. I’ll guide you gently while you focus on enjoying each other’s company.
Most couples feel a little nervous at the start, but within a few minutes it feels more like a walk or a date than a photoshoot. The goal is simple:
❋ To capture real moments
No stiff poses or forced smiles. The focus is on genuine connection, movement, laughter, and emotion. Photos that feel like you, not a photoshoot.
❋ To help you feel comfortable in front of the camera
By the time your wedding day arrives, being photographed will feel natural and easy.
❋ To build trust and connection
Spending time together before the wedding helps us create a relaxed working relationship. This makes a big difference on the wedding day
❋ To enjoy the experience, not just the result
This isn’t about perfection. It’s about slowing down, having fun, and creating memories together before the big day.
❋ To create meaningful images you can actually use
Your photos are perfect for invitations, save-the-dates, guestbooks, websites, and social media. But most importantly, they become part of your story.
Best Time of Year
From my experience, I find that the ideal months for pre-wedding sessions are March to May and October to November. These months offer:
❋ Softer, more flattering light
❋ Comfortable temperatures
❋ Fewer crowds
❋ More flexibility in scheduling
I generally avoid the summer months for pre-wedding sessions due to the heat, busy locations, and the fact that it is peak wedding season.
There is no “perfect” time to do your pre-wedding shoot. Some couples choose to do it a few months before the wedding, while others prefer to do it a year in advance. Both options work beautifully.
Ideally, I like to allow at least one month before your wedding day. This gives us flexibility in case of bad weather, illness, or if you need the photos in time for things like invitations, guestbooks, or other wedding stationery.
At the end of the day, the timing is completely up to you. We’ll plan it in a way that suits your schedule, your vision, and your priorities. I will usually reach out a couple of months before your wedding to start planning your pre-wedding session. If you’d prefer to do it earlier or at a different time, you’re more than welcome to contact me anytime to get the ball rolling.
Pre-wedding sessions are booked on weekdays, and in most cases, we’ll shoot in the evening, around two hours before sunset for the best light.
Location Ideas
Choose a location that feels personal to you and suits your vision. For your pre-wedding, we have the option to either opt for a single location, or two locations that are close by. Here are some great options
❋ Seaside cliffs and beaches
❋ Riviera Bay
❋ Dingli Cliffs
❋ Ghar Lapsi
❋ Gnejna Bay
❋ Fomm ir-Rih
❋ Migra l-Ferha
❋ Old towns and village streets
❋ Mdina
❋ Valletta
❋ Birgu
❋ Countryside
❋ Buskett gardens
❋ Victoria Lines
❋ Ahrax tal-Mellieha
❋ Kuncizzjoni area
❋ Private gardens and unique locations
❋ Palazzo Parisio
❋ Manoel Theatre
❋ Casa Rocca Piccola
These are just a few ideas to get you inspired. You’re more than welcome to browse through my website to see past pre-wedding sessions and discover locations you love.
If you have a special place in mind or would like to suggest something different, I’m always happy to explore new spots together.
Weather and How it Affects Us
Weather plays a big role in outdoor sessions, but it’s not something to stress about.
Unless the conditions are truly unfavourable, we can create beautiful images in almost any weather, whether it’s sunny, cloudy, or even a little gloomy.
Soft clouds often create flattering light, a bit of wind can add movement and emotion, and sunset light gives a warm, romantic feel. The golden hour look is a big part of my signature style, which is why most sessions are planned around this time.
If the weather is too harsh for a comfortable or safe shoot, such as heavy rain or strong winds, we’ll simply reschedule. Your experience and final result always come first.
Tips for Outfits
What you wear makes a big difference to the final look of your photos, and how comfortable you feel during the shoot.
Here are some simple guidelines:
❋ Choose neutral, timeless colours
Beige, white, soft blues, earth tones, and pastels photograph beautifully and never go out of style.
❋ Avoid bold logos and busy patterns
They can distract from the emotion and connection in the images.
❋ Coordinate, don’t match
Your outfits should complement each other without being identical.
❋ Bring two outfits if you like
One casual and one more elegant gives you variety. This is completely optional and up to you. Also consider that not all locations have spots to change your outfit.
❋ Comfort is key
If you feel good in what you’re wearing, it shows in the photos.
❋ Dress for the location
Your outfits should suit the environment. A beach shoot calls for a more relaxed, flowy look, while a Valletta or city session works beautifully with something more elegant and structured.
What is Needed on the Day
You don’t need much at all.
Just bring:
❋ Comfortable shoes for walking
❋ A small bag to carry personal items (phone, keys, wallet)
❋ Water
❋ Your chosen outfits
❋ A positive mood
❋ Trust in the process
Everything else is taken care of. I’ll guide you through the session and make sure you feel relaxed and confident.
Planning Hair and Makeup
Most couples choose to use their hair and makeup trial for their pre-wedding session. It’s a great way to see how everything looks on camera, feel confident during the shoot, and get the most out of both experiences.
How It Works
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Browse our upcoming events to find the one that feels right for you. We host events year-round in all different locations and climates.
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Sign up and pay all required fees to reserve your spot. If plans change, you can cancel up to 14 days before the retreat start to receive a 50% refund.
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After booking, we'll send you a Welcome Packet with everything you need to know—detailed schedules, packing list recommendations, add-ons to consider, and more.
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We'd recommend booking your transportation to and from the event as soon as possible, to ensure you can arrive without any complications or delays.
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Now all that's left to do is pack your bags and get excited for your new adventure.