Many couples ask me if they should get an engagement session, and how to prepare for an engagement session, and I have several thoughts and tips!

Engagement sessions are a great idea for so many reasons, and they are one of my favorite kinds of sessions because there is no time pressure – it’s all about the two of you celebrating this special season of your life.

You get to spend a fun and romantic afternoon together while also getting some beautiful pictures for Save the Date cards, your wedding website, your wedding reception, and your home.

It also allows us to work together before the wedding, which helps you feel more comfortable in front of the camera – and that makes a big difference on your wedding day! When I walk in to photograph your wedding, we’re all comfortable with each other and you know exactly what to expect, and that really shows in the pictures.

We can do your engagement photos at a location that’s meaningful to the two of you, or I can suggest places based on the look you are wanting – from natural, park settings to more urban locations.

These sessions are all about the two of you interacting together in a natural way – NOT standing in stiff poses – and I’m skilled at guiding you along the way!

What should we wear?

Here are a few tips I like to share when you’re thinking about what to wear for your engagement session:

Avoid being too “matchy-matchy.” You’ll want what you wear to complement each other, but not copy. Using a pop of color to tie both of your outfits together always works well.

Neutral colors look beautiful on camera. Blues, creams, blush pink, browns/khaki, and greys look great together. Please avoid bright white!

Flowing dresses for the ladies look gorgeous on camera and give your photos softness and movement.

Feel free to bring an outfit change (one casual look, one dressy look). It’s always good to switch things up a bit, and if we change locations, it will essentially be like you had two photo shoots!

Solid-colored clothing items are great, and if you want to bring in a pattern, have only one person wearing the pattern.

Wear what you feel comfortable in. If you’re not comfortable in what you’re wearing, it often shows in the images.

If you wear heels, also bring flip-flops or other shoes that you can be more comfortable in while walking in-between shots.

Most of all, wear something that is you and makes you feel AWESOME! That confidence will come across in your images. 🙂

Should I get my makeup professionally done?

There are many benefits to getting your makeup done professionally:

Makeup looks different on-camera than in person, and a professional makeup artist will know how much more makeup you’ll need to show well on camera and make you look your best!

It’s also a great trial run for your wedding day! You can find out what works and what doesn’t, and make adjustments for your wedding day.

Should we bring props?

This is completely up to you! If there are certain items that reflect something about you as a couple or your story that you would like to incorporate into photos, bring them (hats, fun shoes, a pet, etc.)!

Is there anything else we should bring?

Bring a bottle of water, lipstick, hairspray for flyaway hairs, and maybe some powder to help eliminate any shine on the skin. Other than that, you’re good to go! Be ready to have some fun!