I’m so thrilled to be working with you, and I can’t wait for the fun we’ll have during your engagement session! Feeling a little nervous? That’s totally normal! Honestly, I still get butterflies before having my own photos taken—and this is what I do for a living!
A NOTE ABOUT THIS GUIDE
WELCOME
Below you'll find some handy tips for nailing down the perfect style.
Engagement sessions are one of my absolute favorite things, and here’s why: they’re the perfect way to get comfy in front of the camera. It’s all about taking the time to ease into the experience and learning how I guide you through posing. Wedding days can get super busy, and sometimes we only have about 30 minutes for portraits. That’s why having an engagement session beforehand is such a game-changer—it makes your wedding day photos even more magical!
& why we love them!
ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS
no way, Granny
- Being "matchy-matchy"
- White Socks That Stick Out
- Big Logos and Writing on Shirts
- Small, Intricate, Busy Patterns
- Something that just isn't YOU
- Something uncomfortable that needs constantly adjusted
- Professional Hair and Makeup
- Complementary color schemes
- Comfortable + easy to move in
- Flowly skirts or tops that show movement
- Something you feel AMAZING wearing - we want you to feel confident and look your best!
yes! yes! yes!
Engagement photo styling tips
Engagement sessions typically last 1.5 - 2 hours. I recommend you bring an extra outfit, as you may wish to have two different "looks". Below you'll find some general guidelines to narrow down your perfect outfit.
what to wear
FOR THE GUYS
QUICK NOTE
I totally get it—spending an hour in front of a camera might not make your list of top 10 favorite ways to spend your free time. At first, you might feel a bit awkward, but trust me, by the end of the session, it’ll feel much easier than you expected—and you might even have some fun! I really look forward to these sessions because they’re a chance for us to hang out and get to know each other before the wedding day.
Locations
I absolutely love when couples pick a session location that reflects the vibe of their wedding. For an elegant wedding, a luxury hotel could be the perfect backdrop for your portraits. Planning something rustic? A local park or a flower-filled field might be more your style. The best locations are often places that hold special meaning for you as a couple, but I’m more than happy to help with suggestions. From ski slopes to lavender fields, deserts to college campuses, the possibilities are endless!
We’ve also grouped our location ideas into three exciting categories: epic destinations, fun activities, and avant-garde concepts. If you’d like a curated list of ideas, just let us know!
Posing
When it comes to posing during your engagement session, there’s no need to stress! I’ll guide you every step of the way, starting with simple, natural poses that feel easy and relaxed, we also love to use prompts to make it feel more natural. If I suggest something that seems a little silly, it’s likely because I know it will make you both laugh—and those candid moments are often the ones that create the best photos! Throughout the session, I’ll also keep an eye on your hair, makeup, and outfits to ensure everything looks perfect. My goal is to make sure you’re as comfortable as possible and genuinely enjoy this special time together.
My bread & butter
is there a perfect time to take photos?
timing & light
First look or not, the first time you see each other on your wedding day will be special.
Engagement sessions can take place anytime—from right after your proposal to just a few days before your wedding. There’s no “perfect” time to take your photos; it all depends on the look or vibe you have in mind! For example, if you’re dreaming of a backdrop filled with spring flowers, we’ll plan accordingly. Sessions usually last about an hour and a half, and I love to start about two hours before sunset when the light is soft and flattering. Shooting during this golden hour ensures beautiful, natural photos without harsh shadows or bright spots. Because lighting is so important, being on time is essential. If you’re late to an evening session, we risk losing the best light or may need to move to an indoor location.
destination engagement photos
If you have a special location in mind that holds meaning for the two of you, let me know! If our schedules align, we might be able to plan your engagement session outside my usual area. Destination engagement shoots are always exciting and result in stunning, epic portraits.
Please note that travel fees may apply depending on the location and my availability.
Inclement Weather
We will check in the week of your engagement session to confirm the time & location we’re meeting and the weather! I know it takes a lot of time to get ready for an engagement session and it’s the worst to get dressed up and drive out to your session only to have it rain. If the weather looks like it won’t be great, I typically try to make the call at least 12 hours in advance. Keep in mind that a lot of times, even if the forecast is only at 30%, it’s likely going to rain!
“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.”
- Matthew 4:19
