Engagement Session
Planning Guide
ga
ge
me
nt
Notes for Choosing the Perfect Location, Time, Outfits, & More
PLANNING YOUR
engagement session
Keep reading for more details on how to prepare for your engagement session, what to wear, bringing pets, location ideas, and more.
Welcome and congratulations on your engagement! I'm looking forward to our time together during your engagement session. I truly believe engagement sessions are an essential part of the wedding process—which is why I include them as a complimentary addition to my wedding collections. An engagement session allows me to get to know the two of you better, the nuances of how you interact with each other, what your most flattering poses are, how I navigate lighting, and more.
It typically takes some time to warm up and get comfortable in front of a camera. Engagement sessions are the perfect solution for calming any nerves and feeling like a pro on your big day (I promise to have you warmed up and laughing in no time). Ultimately, this will make an instrumental difference on the wedding day since we'll have already had this opportunity to get to know each other.
I recommend scheduling your session no later than three months prior to your wedding day to avoid any stress. Next, we can begin thinking about locations. A location that is meaningful to you both is always a great idea. Other ideas can include the beach, a garden or park, a landmark with interesting architecture, etc. If you need help brainstorming locations, I'm more than happy to help, and as always, I'm just an email away.
welcome
planning your engagement session
No matter the season, in my experience I've have found that timing your engagement session for when the sun is the least harsh throughout the day—either around two hours before sunset or the first two hours after sunrise—creates the best lighting for photos, which is why it is so important to be on time to your session.
the best time to take photos
timing and lighting
My favorite time to begin sessions is a few hours before sunset. Golden hour makes for the dreamiest photos.
seasons
For example, moody leaves and foliage in the fall or bright and colorful florals in the spring. Styling outfits and choosing props (if you want them) will become easier after you have decided on a theme. Shoot times will vary from season to season.
Let the Seasons Guide the Theme
Spring portrait sessions are beautiful because flowers are blooming, the weather is cooler and there's an overall sense of hope for things to come. It's a delightful season for an enagagement session.
Fresh blooms and airy strolls through the park.
spring
The warmth, the sun, the beaches and the blue skies. If you're a summer loving couple, you have endless places to have your engagement session. The heat can be a tricky challenge, but nothing we can't overcome to celebrate your love story!
Warm sunset walks on the beach. Tans and sun dresses.
summer
Autumn is my favorite season, the crisp cool air, the leaves changing color and all of the fun fall activities. A Fall engagement will be perfect for a fall wedding the following year as the engagement photos will be such a sweet compliment to the unfolding visual story.
Fall foliage, dreamy lighting, and romance in the air.
fall
Winter sessions present obstacles with the cold, but they can be just as beautiful as any session, any other time of year. If winter is your vibe, we can plan a portrait session and create stunning images.
Magical snow, snuggling close, winter wonderlands.
winter
If you're planning on using your engagement photos for your save-the-dates, we encourage you to schedule your session at least two months before you're planning on sending your save-the-dates to ensure ample time for possible rescheduling due to weather, editing, and designing and printing your save-the-dates.
We encourage our couples to send save-the-dates 6-8 months before the wedding if it's local, and 8-10 months for a destination wedding.
save the dates
A Scenic Winery, Longwood Gardens, The Rodin Museum, Central Park
sophisticated & timeless
Ridley Creek State Park,
the great outdoors
Untermyer Garden, Old City Philly, Princeton
architectural
Cape May, Port Jefferson
by the sea
We always encourage our couples to choose a location that is significant or compliments the theme of your wedding.
locations
East Coast Locations
If you have a destination in mind for your session, don't hesitate to let me know, I love traveling! Travel fees may apply depending on the location. Dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, etite sed do eiusmod tempor.
destination engagement sessions
What if the Weather is Bad and it Rains?
As a backup for potential bad weather or rain, we always schedule two sessions in case of needed cancellation. In some cases the weather may make a turn when we are already in the course of a session, or perhaps you wish to embrace the rain or snow. Whatever it may be, I am happy to work with and meet your hopes and vision for your engagement session.
scheduling and weather
I get so excited when my couples want to include their pets in their engagement session! After many pet-friendly sessions, I have a few tips and tricks to share.
Including your pet in your engagement session means we'll need to choose a pet-friendly location, so keep that in mind when you're choosing the theme and location.
I also encourage our couples to bring your pets favorite treats, groom them beforehand if necessary, and give them plenty of exercise prior to our session.
Since your pet likely won't be in every photo, I will likely begin the session with your pet and then recommend either dropping them off, having a friend either watch over them or take them home for the remaining time of our session.
We love your furry family members.
pets
Bringing along a few props can be a great addition to your engagement photos. Some examples I love are floral bouquets, picnic set-ups, champagne and glasses, bicycles, rowboats, and vintage cars. I encourage my couples to incorporate props that are meaningful to the two of you and your relationship.
our tips for looking and feeling your best
outfits and style tips
Wondering how you can make your engagement photos look more editorial?
Instead of putting together matching outfits, think about complimenting each other instead. For example, if one of you is wearing khaki pants, the other could wear a flowy cream-colored dress. If one of you is wearing a blue floral dress, the other could wear a soft blue button-up shirt and dark navy pants.
When choosing outfits, don't try and match—rather compliment each other's outfits with thoughtful color palettes.
Most of my couples bring two outfits—one formal and dressy, and one more casual outfit. Don't forget about complimentary accessories as well!
style tips for her and him
Hers and His Style Tips
style tips for her
Long, flowy dresses look amazing in photos because of the added movement and texture. There are endless possibilities when picking a dress. I recommend looking for a dress that is timeless, distinctive and romantic. Ideally the dress should be one where you feel beautiful, authentically you, and one that perhaps your grand daughter can wear one day and feel honored and beautiful in herself.
Choose an outfit that you feel beautiful in
Outfit tips
style tips for her
Professional hair and makeup is great, but is not necessary. If professional hair and makeup is possible go for it, if not, do your best and come ready and confident.
Professional hair and makeup can help you look and feel your best.
hair & makeup
style tips for her
My favorite shopping resources to look your best during your session.
shopping Guide
style tips for him
Dress it up and layer it on. Suit and tie, button-downs, blazers, and sports jackets are all great options for your engagement photos. Layers also add visual interest and texture, so don't be afraid to get creative and stylish!
Don't be afraid to dress up for your engagement photos.
outfit tips
style tips for him
You will be photographed from various angles, you want to look and feel sharp. A fresh haircut with one of your favorite cut styles, a nice loose textured hair cream should keep your hair the way you like it throughout the whole session. I like to photograph couples holding hands, so clean nails are a must.
A haircut, clean nails, and a little grooming goes a long way.
grooming
style tips for him
Our favorite shopping resources to look your best during your session.
SHOPPING GUIDE
Balance, Don't Match: Colors and Tones
leave it: Graphics and logos
Avoid: Tennis Shoes, Shorts, Sunglasses, Hats
leave it: Spray Tans
Avoid: Bright Colors (Red, Orange, Neons)
LEAVE IT: SMALL PATTERNS
final style notes: things to avoid and outfit suggestions
the rings
I always love to include photos of your rings and encourage my couples to clean their rings before our session to ensure they're looking their best for the photos! Don't forget to give your hands some love too—a little polish and primping goes a long way!
Clean Your Rings & Polish Your Hands
I will make sure you're looking your best at all times—keeping an eye on your hair and makeup and the layers of your clothing—I've got you covered!
If you have a favorite side let me know- and I will try to pose you in ways that show off your best side.
If you're worried about not knowing what to do with your hands or how to pose—don't be! We will guide you through everything.
posing
Sometimes couple's want to me to photograph them in a date setting. In those instances we will block off the last 20-30 minutes of your session for a little stop into a coffee shop or bar for some cool portraits. Even if you don't wish to have photos taken in an establishment, perhaps make reservations for a romantic date or stop for dessert at one of your favorite restaurants to mark this special day.
don't forget to go on a date after your session
date night
Since you're already dressed up and looking your best, make the most of it and plan a date night after your session.
Online Gallery Delivered
six weeks
Blog Post With Highlights
four weeks
Social Media Sneak Peek
two weeks
when to expect your engagement photos
"We had the privilege of working with her for our engagement shoot and wedding! She captured everything so perfectly and allowed everything to work smoothly!"
Kind Words From Our Couples
"She captured everything so perfectly"
ESTHER & JAIRO
If you have a question that was not answered below, feel free to email me!
Frequently Asked Questions
I recommend couples pick a location that is meaningful to them or inspires them when they think of their wedding. Places that offer permanence are great because you will be able to return for anniversaries and hopefully one day with your little ones. My husband and I have returned to the place my husband proposed to me for over 12 years. We know that spot will be there for years, as it has stood there for years and years already.
I sympathize with this question because I myself am not photogenic. However, most people who consider them so, are incorrect and actually photograph wonderfully. No matter how you "photograph" though, as a photographer and artist, I will be studying you as I photograph you, I will study your features, the lines in your face and smile, your responses and when you look your best. I will try to accentuate your best features and make you look and feel your best throughout this process.
Absolutely! Also, if you have a Pinterest board with poses you think feel like you and your fiance, send them over and I will make sure to have it handy during your engagement session to reference. I'm happy to include poses you like into the session.
-comfortable, flat shoes for in between photos
-both outfits, shoes, and accessories
-makeup for any touch-ups
-Water and snacks
-a warm layer in case it gets chilly
✓ Schedule date, location, and time
✓ Read guide for style tips and suggestions
✓ Schedule makeup and hair appointments
✓ plan and purchase your outfits
✓ Get a manicure and pedicure
✓ have your rings cleaned
✓ gather ANY PROPS YOU WOULD LIKE TO INCORPORATE
✓ bring a packed bag with:
checklist
Engagement Session
— Kassandra
Thank you once again for trusting me with capturing this special time in your lives together. I can't wait till we're in person, and I am photographing you two in real time! Till then, keep cool, stay true to yourselves and happy planning!
