for the #CKPcouple
Engagement Session Guide
Welcome
The basics
Outfits
Pets
Locations
Schedule your Session
Ready to rock your Engagement session?
I’m so excited to be working with you! Your engagement session should be a super fun part of your wedding planning process. I am so excited to have a chance to get to know each other, as we work to capture some gorgeous photos of you and your partner! I know that many people can feel uncomfortable getting their photo taken— I'm right there with you! Many of my couples feel a little nervous getting in front of the camera for the first time, but by the end of their session, they feel like pros! I am so excited to guide you through your entire engagement session experience— from outfit and location selection, right down to posing! Your engagement session is a great opportunity to capture such a special season of life! After all, you'll only be each other's fiancé for so long! It’s also great wedding day practice— you’ll become more comfortable in front of the camera resulting in portraits you love both from your engagement session AND on your wedding day.
You probably have a lot of questions about how this whole engagement session thing works. Though it's a little long, I hope this guide starts to answer some of your questions and helps with any uncertainties. Please take your time to review the guide and let me know if you have any questions. I am here to help!
WELCOME
You can pick a date anytime before your wedding. Some couples choose to get them done as soon as they book, while some wait until a specific month.
Engagement sessions can be taken any time of year! If you’re sending out save the dates, you’ll want to schedule your session at least two months before you plan on sending them.
Since I'm usually shooting weddings on weekends, most engagement sessions take place on a weekday.
What day
I truly believe that natural light, from the sun and its reflections, create photographs that feel fresh, timeless and true to you as a couple. I begin all engagement sessions two hours before the scheduled sunset or at sunrise in the two hours after following, during “the golden hour,” when the light is the dreamiest. We can connect about what time this will be based on your session date!
For busier locations, I typically require sunrise sessions. The early wakeup call is always worth the beautiful morning light.
What Time
For most sessions, we handle this on a case by case basis. That said, there are a number of factors that go into the call! I typically begin watching the weather for an engagement session 48-hours in advance. If I see that there is a 60% or greater chance of rain at the time of the session 24 hours in advance, we'll make the call to postpone. I typically use the app Dark Sky to track weather.
If you’re working with a hair/ makeup artist’s please let me know as, we will make the call earlier in the week.
What If It Rains?
You can expect a sneak peek on social media within 48 hours of your session. Make sure you are following me on Facebook and Instagram! From there, you can expect to receive your full gallery of lightly retouched images in your email inbox within four weeks.
Trust me, I cannot WAIT for you to see your images! I will always deliver your full gallery as soon as I'm able to. You will also receive full download instructions with your final gallery.
when do we see our photos?
Chances are good, this is first time you have been in front of the camera as a couple— know that is SO normal! In fact, it's a GREAT thing! I get to teach you everything I know about posing, making you pros by the time we're done together!
The first 15 minutes of your session might feel out of your comfort zone. After that, there’s a moment where you two get into a groove and everything starts to feel natural. I’ll walk you through the prompts and poses, tweaking them as needed to make sure you look your best.
WILL YOU HELP US POSE?
Choosing Your Outfits
The moment you've been waiting for! It is OFFICIALLY time to start chatting outfits, friend! We'll start with a few basics, and from there, I'll dive deep into suggestions for each of you. Know that most of my couples choose 1-2 outfits each. One is generally more formal (think button ups or dresses) and one more casual (think, jeans or a blouse).
Remember, though, you don’t have to bring two looks if it’s too stressful or you’d rather just stick to one fabulous look. One outfit that you love and feel confident in will be so much better than one outfit you love and another you’re not very excited about. So, one or two? It’s really up to you!
Choosing Colors
When choosing colors for your outfits, I recommend selecting lighter tones and more muted shades. By avoiding ultra-bright, bold colors, it will help bring all the attention to your faces and let the eye focus on the way you feel about each other.
Mt style lends itself shades of soft pink and muted blues, mixed with sophisticated light neutrals like heather gray, creams, leather brown and white. That softer color palette fits beautifully into almost all natural outdoor environments and cityscapes.
In addition, it may also help to consider the colors of your wedding or future home (If you have an idea of what those may be!) when planning out your outfits.
Coordinating your looks
As you’re coordinating your outfit with your fiancé’s, keep in mind that your outfits will look the most cohesive on camera when the color palettes coordinate, but don’t necessarily “match.”
You should each aim to wear a different dominant color, but stay within a similar color palette family. So if you’re wearing a blush dress, soft blue earrings and nude heels (blush being your dominant color), then they could wear a navy coat with gray pants, paired with brown leather shoes and maybe even a blush pocket square. Now they have their own dominant color (navy) while still incorporating a few touches of your color palette.
Most of the time, if one of you is wearing a more feminine outfit, it's easier to pick that out first and then put together your partner's outfit based on that.
Quick tips to consider
Location and season matter. While an outfit may look super cute, you would never want to be extremely uncomfortable! Comfort is key to confidence, so consider that in outfit selection. Additionally, consider your location. You want to make sure that all of our attention will be on YOU. I recommend selecting outfits that will "pop" in your engagement session location and that will not compete with the natural background.
If changing outfits, I try my best to find you a public restroom. That said, sometimes, they aren't open or accessible. In that case, I usually recommend you change in your car. It may be helpful to bring along a sheet or blanket to help with modesty.
Any questions about outfit selection? I'm here to help! Simply send me a note with outfit photos and any questions you have.
For FEMININE CLOTHING
Say Yes to the Dress: Long, flowy dresses and skirts look amazing on camera because they bring extra movement to your photos. Especially when juxtaposed with nature. Cute, shorter-length dresses photograph beautifully as well. Dresses and skirts tend to look most stunning on camera because they really flatter figures well and add gorgeous dimension. Whether or not you've said yes to THE dress yet, I recommend avoiding pants and shorts for your session, and saying yes to a dress or two!
One? Two? It's up to you! Most of my couples who choose two outfits will bring one “wow” dress, and then another shorter sun dress or cocktail dress for a more casual “us on a date” feel. But, if you want to bring two “wow” dresses and forgo the more casual dress altogether, give yourself permission to do it! That said, confidence is key! If you find one outfit that you LOVE and are only so-so about the other outfit options, stick with one outfit! One outfit that you love and feel confident in is better than two outfits— one of which you love with another you are only so-so about.
Rock the heels: Heels elongate your legs, making them look fabulous. Closed-toes heels in particular look great on camera because they carry out the line of your leg all the way down to your toe. If your toes are showing in a peep-toe heel, you might want to schedule a pedicure before your session so you don’t regret letting your feet show. Quick Tip: Bring a pair of flats to wear when moving from place to place. Your feet will thank you later!
Flattering your features: In my experiences, every person, regardless of their shape, has an area of their body that they're self-conscious about, so recognizing what that is in advance is key. Choosing flattering silhouettes and colors that compliment your natural features is the best way to ensure you’ll love the way you look in your photos. For example, three-quarter length sleeves create an awesome slimming effect on arms, so be on the lookout for an option with a longer length sleeve. You could also bring a cute jacket, blazer or cardigan along, too. Skinny straps or strapless dresses have the opposite effect on arms on camera, so I recommend avoiding those whenever possible if your goal is a set of slimmer-looking arms.
Make a statement: Pairing an accessory or two with your outfit can really help bring some extra dimension to your images. Big statement necklaces bring a lot of pop to the photos, while the smaller, delicate ones are not as noticeable on camera. Belts, bracelets and earrings bring great visual interest, so choose one or two that don’t compete for attention. Fresh florals in a crown or bouquet can be a really romantic touch as well.
Skip the spray tan: Although it might seem counter-intuitive, I recommend that you do not get a spray tan before your session, even a few days prior, because it tends to photograph orange even when it’s applied subtly and by a professional. Your actual skin tone will photograph the most beautifully.
For FEMININE CLOTHING
Go pro for hair and makeup: Professional hair and makeup is on the top of most of my couples’ checklists because it looks amazing and removes the stress of getting ready on your own. Whether it’s lash extensions or blown-out hair, professional hair and makeup will give you an extra boost of confidence in front of the camera, and it always photographs like a dream. If you’re working with a makeup artist for your engagement session, have them apply your makeup in natural light, if possible, so that it looks fresh and not too heavy. Plus, that’s the type of light we’ll be shooting in, so it’ll give you the best expectation of how it will translate on camera. Many of my clients feel like their makeup is “too much” at first, since it’s more than they would wear on a normal day, so if you feel that way at the beginning, don’t worry! Good makeup artists know how to get it just right for the camera — and my couples always love the final result.
A little polish goes a long way: When it comes to your session, keep in mind, we will be able to see your hands and toes at some points! Though they may not be center stage, you'll want your nails looking clean. I recommend treating yourself to a mani/pedi before your session. Neutral colors look amazing! Think: French manicure or tones of blush, nude and white.
Don’t forget, your ring will be center stage, so give yourself permission to get it cleaned!
For FEMININE CLOTHING
Dress it up: From James Bond to Don Draper, masculine frames look most striking in a well-tailored suit. If you don't have one, now’s the perfect time to invest in something you'll wear for the rest of his life! The best part? It’s a lot less expensive than you might think! While custom suits can cost thousands of dollars, some of the most well-known brands have off-the-rack suits in their stores for a fraction of the price. Solid shades of gray or navy are a strong complement to most outfits, whereas pinstripes or plaid patterns tend to distract the eye.
Mix it up: Many of my couples love to mix a suit coat, blazer or sport coat with a different pant color. It adds some extra visual interest, and can be more fun than wearing two full suits in a row. I'm a big fan of this fresh take on a timeless classic.
Layer the look: Next time you walk by a store like J. Crew, you’ll notice the masculine mannequins and models are always wearing several layers at once. Layers look great on camera, so even when it’s hot outside, trust me when I say that it’s worth an hour or two of discomfort for photos that will last you both a lifetime. Adding another layer will bring extra dimension and visual interest to your photos. Blazers, vests and coats up the level of any look. If the temperature permits, you could even consider adding a v-neck sweater with a pop of color from a long-sleeved collared shirt and tie underneath. Don’t be afraid to get a little creative with layers!
For MASCULINE CLOTHING
It's all about the details: Long pants and closed-toed shoes are the most sophisticated look. For your session, it’s best to leave the shorts, sandals and jeans at home. Suit pants, dress pants or colored pants typically look best. Brown leather dress shoes complement almost every look, whether it be a full suit or a blazer and colored pants. Ties, bowties, pocket squares, colored socks, belts, tie clips, and watches are sharp complements to any look. Consider mixing up details to make one outfit into two! A simple change or addition of a tie can totally change a look.
Empty your pockets: Before we begin, double check to make sure you don't have any phones, wallets, keys, or other items in your pockets. I'm always happy to hold anything for you in my bag!
For MASCULINE CLOTHING
FOR FEMININE PIECES:
• Rent the Runway
• Pretty Plum Sugar
• Morning Lavender
• ASOS
• Lulus
• Loft
• J. Crew or J. Crew Factory
• Show Me Your Mumu
• Francesca's
• nuuly
PLACES TO SHOP
FOR MASCULINE PIECES:
• Banana Republic
• H&M
• Nordstrom
• ASOS
• J. Crew or J. Crew Factory
• Kohl's
• American Eagle
• Abercrombie
• Cole Haan
PETS
If you have a fur baby you’d want to bring along, we can totally make that happen! There are a couple things to keep in mind:
• They will only be in the photos for the first part of the session, so ideally you’ll be able to enlist a trusted friend to take them home or for a walk once they're done.
• You know your pup best! Be sure to select a location where they'll be safest and most engaged.
• Bring along treats toys, and rewards to keep them excited about the session!
• If possible, bring a neutral colored leash/ collar that won’t clash... that said, safety is my top priority! Please do not change lead type for your session if it will put your pup at risk.
Click here for all of my tips for including your pup in your engagement session!
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classic DC
nature inspired
charming streets
beachy
cherry blossoms
cute and quaint
LOCATIONS
We can choose a location that’s urban, natural, dreamy, or anything in between based on what “look” you’re going for. You can also choose a location that’s special to you. The possibilities are honestly endless. Most people don’t have a specific location in mind, and I’m happy to recommend some. One thing to keep in mind when choosing the location is the season: In winter when all of the leaves are gone, more architectural settings are going to look better, like a downtown session or a session at the capital building, in the summer or fall, oftentimes locations with gorgeous greenery or foliage are amazing! I'm super lucky and get to serve couples that are local to many different places! I've listed a few location "moods" below to help get your ideas flowing! Click the mood for a blog post with inspo! Like what you see or have a question about a spot? Let me know!
location moods:
Don’t forget to plan a breakfast or dinner date. You’re already going to be all dressed up! Why not take advantage of it? I know the wedding planning process can feel all-consuming, so take some time after your session just for the two of you to relax and have some fun together.
Photo Delivery Timeline:
• 1 Week: social media sneak peek with a few of my favorite photos
• 4 Weeks: blog post with some highlights of our time together
online gallery with all of your final, retouched, high-resolution images
After your session
Links and Inspiration to help you rock your engagement session:
• Outfit Inspo Pinterest Board for Feminine Looks
• Outfit Inspo Pinterest Board for Masculine Looks
• What to Expect from Your Engagement Session
• Engagement Session Emergency Kit
• Tips and Tricks
• Including your Pup
• Pre-Session Prep
• If you're feeling nervous, click here!
additional resources
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1. Set date & time
2. Set & confirm the perfect meeting location
3. Review guide for style tips
4. Schedule hair and makeup appointments, if necessary
5. Choose your outfits
6. Treat yo'self! Get your nails done, if necessary.
7. Clean your ring(s). Let's see the sparkle!
8. Pack a bag with:
- Flats, slippers, or flip-flops for walking between photo spots
- Outfit two (including shoes and accessories)
- Touch-up makeup
- Water bottle
- Coat or cover-up
9. Celebrate your engagement with your session followed by a morning or night out at your favorite restaurant!
Pre-Session To-Do list
one final note
email me
I know I just gave you a lot to think about. I created this guide to help make your engagement session experience something you’ll look back fondly on for years and years to come. At the end of the day, though, the location you choose and the outfits you select won’t matter nearly as much as the memories you make together.
Above all, all wardrobe choices should make you feel comfortable and confident! Your future marriage is the most important thing to me, and I want your engagement session to be a time for you to just be yourselves and enjoy it. Have fun together. Laugh a lot. And I’ll take care of the rest!
Have a question?
