Engagement Session
Preparation Guide
This guide is designed to help you feel prepared, relaxed, and genuinely excited for your engagement session. My goal is always to create connection, and creating space for real moments to unfold. Everything here is meant to support that.
Think of this as a gentle roadmap, not a checklist you need to follow perfectly.
Welcome to your Engagement Session prep guide
I am absolutely thrilled that you've chosen me as your wedding photographer. Congratulations on this exciting chapter in your lives! Your decision to entrust me with capturing the precious moments of your special day is truly an honor.
As we embark on this incredible journey together, I want you to know that your satisfaction and happiness are my top priorities. I'll be there to guide you every step of the way, from helping you choose the perfect outfits for your engagement session and crafting your wedding day timeline, to capturing those candid moments that truly define you as a couple.
Locations
Choosing the Right Spot
For your engagement session, you can choose a location that means something to you, like where you had your first date, where you met, or your favorite local coffee shop. I always love when couples pick somewhere personal. If nothing specific comes to mind, we can also choose a beautiful spot nearby that fits the vibe you’re going for.
One thing to think about is the season you’re planning your session in, since that will really shape how your photos look and feel. Light is also important, so we’ll want a location with good natural light. If you’re dreaming of something indoors, we can absolutely talk through lighting options together.
Permits and Accessibility
Some locations require permits or have certain restrictions, and I’ll always flag that for you and help you figure it out. If you’re wanting to shoot at a restaurant, bar, or café, I usually recommend reaching out to the owner or manager ahead of time just to make sure we’re allowed to be there. Most of the time they’re very kind about it, and sometimes they’ll even offer early access so we can shoot without a crowd. It’s just always better to check first.
We’ll also keep practical things in mind like accessibility, parking, and how much walking is involved when choosing your location. I want the experience to feel easy and relaxed, not stressful.
What to Wear
Overall Approach
Wear something that feels like you, just slightly elevated. Comfort matters more than trends. If you can move easily, sit down, walk, and laugh without adjusting your clothes constantly, that is a good sign.
I strongly recommend earthy, grounded tones. These photograph beautifully in all seasons and create a calm, timeless feel.
Examples of earthy tones:
Cream, ivory, beige
Warm browns and tans
Olive, sage, deep green
Rust, terracotta, muted orange
Deep red, wine, soft plum
Soft denim, warm grey
Try to avoid bright neon colors, heavy logos, or very bold patterns. These can pull attention away from your connection.
Coordinating Without Matching
You do not need to match exactly. Instead, aim to complement each other.
Choose colors within the same warm or neutral palette
Mix textures, like knits, linen, denim, wool
One person can be more neutral while the other adds a bit of depth or color
Layers and Movement
Layers photograph beautifully and add visual interest. Jackets, sweaters, scarves, and coats can be added or removed easily and help create variety without a full outfit change.
Pinterest Board For Outfit Ideas
Below you’ll find a pinterest board with outfit ideas for every season. I hope this helps give you a starting point, but you’re always welcome to send questions if you have any.
What to Bring
You do not need much, but a few thoughtful items can add to the experience and make the photos unique to you and your story.
Recommended items:
Comfortable walking shoes to move between spots
A neutral bag to carry essentials
A light blanket to sit on
Optional item ideas:
Champagne, sparkling water, or another favorite drink
Two glasses for a casual cheers moment
A board game you love or playing cards
A picnic basket & blanket
A bouquet of flowers
Anything else you can think of you’d wanna include to make for some fun and unique photos
Including Pets
Pets are absolutely welcome.
If you plan to bring a dog, I recommend:
Bringing a friend to help hold the leash when your pet is not in the photos
Using a simple, neutral leash or collar
Planning for a portion of the session with your pet, not the entire time
Bring some treats for them
This keeps things relaxed for everyone and allows us to get both types of images.
Timing and Light
I recommend booking your engagement session about an hour and a half before sunset, the time otherwise know as golden hour. You can simply google “Sunset time Month Day in City” with your chosen date, to find out when sunset will be that day. From there, I recommend booking your session about 1.5 hours before the given time. This will make for the best, softest, and most flattering light. Depending on the location you choose, we can adjust the time slightly. There are some locations where the sun “sets” earlier because of the surroundings, like tall trees, hills and mountains, or because of the direction where the sun sets in your chosen location.
If you prefer to shoot earlier, that’s totally fine. Just know that your photos might have a bit stronger lighting and less soft glowiness to them. I’ve also photographed plenty of sessions earlier in the day and they look beautiful too! I’d just recommend staying away from midday, because that is when the sun is harshest, and there’s less chance of us finding enough shade to shoot in.
What to Expect During the Session
We will start slow, usually by walking to our first spot, and starting with movement or walking poses.
I will guide you with prompts rather than stiff poses. Think gentle direction, walking, pausing, leaning into each other, small movements, and moments to breathe.
If something feels awkward, that is normal. It passes quickly, and I will adjust. If you’re ever uncomfortable with something, please let me know, and we’ll adjust!
After the Session
I’ll start working on your images right away and send you previews within a few days of your session. Your final images will be delivered within 3-4 weeks of your session via an online gallery. These photos are perfect for:
Save the dates
Wedding websites
Announcements
Framing in your home
Most importantly, they become a record of this season of your life together.