FAQ: Planning Your Engagement Session

Good morning! I’ve always wanted to create some content that would help my future brides and grooms, so I’m excited to share some tips when planning for your engagement session. Many couples are so thrilled for their first session together, but aren’t always sure where to start. Below are some questions I get often, and some helpful tips!

Why should we do an engagement session?

-Engagement sessions have been a newer trend in the recent years, and I love how personable they’ve become. Most of my collections include an engagement session, as it’s a way for us to get to know each other and get more comfortable working together. That way, when your big day comes, you two can simply relax and enjoy the process!

When should we schedule our session?

-It really depends on how you’d like to use and share your photographs. If you’re wanting to send out personalized save-the-dates with photographs, I’d recommend scheduling your session at least 7 months ahead of time, so that you can send out save-the-dates about 6 months ahead, as session turn-around is about 2 weeks. Also, if you’re wanting to schedule your session about 7 months out, remember that photographers’ schedules book months out, so contact your photographer as soon as possible!

But we aren’t sure where we would do our session…how do we pick a location?

-Don’t be afraid to get creative. Let’s get outdoors, or head to your favorite date spot. The place you first met, your favorite place to walk, your favorite area of the city. We can adventurous, or simply highlight the everyday. Above all, choose a location that means something to you two and your story because this session is about you two and your story, not the location. Don’t stress! I’m happy to help you brainstorm ideas, too!

I’m nervous in front of the camera!

-I’ll help guide you, don’t worry! The best thing you can do is simply be yourselves and have fun with it. My goal is always to have fun together and create a space you can feel comfortable. Don’t be afraid to love on each other and soak up this sweet time before you’re married. My sessions aren’t rigid, so you don’t have to be either!

What should we wear?

This may be the number one question I get, and rightfully so! Here are my go-to tips:

-1 or 2 outfits – one more casual and one more dressy. But, many couples also stick to one outfit if you’d prefer.

-Pick neutral tones that may compliment being outdoors. Of course, patterns are great too, but I’d suggest that if one of you wears a pattern, the other should wear something a bit more minimal and neutral. Also, have fun with it…you can dress up and make a date, and celebrate!

-Timeless outfits are always a great choice since it’ll be something you love years from now.

-Above all, wear something that is very YOU and something you feel like yourself in! For more inspiration, I’ve created an inspiration board:  Engagement Session Inspiration

How should we prepare?

-Arrive on time. I base timing of sessions around the light. If we don’t get started on time, we’ll lose sunlight and time in our session, and we want to make the best of our time of course!

-Ladies, feel free to invest in hair & makeup. It’s one less thing to think about and you can simply enjoy and relish in the excitement!

So…how should we use and share our photos afterward?

-A few wall and desk prints or a Heirloom Book are the perfect way to enjoy those photographs outside of those save-the-dates. We can also custom design a book for you to use as a guest book at your wedding. That way, you have a beautiful Heirloom that features your photographs as well as a way to tie into the wedding!

Do you have any more questions? Or tips you’d want to share with couples planning for their session? Would love to hear from you! Contact me here or leave a comment below!