Engagement Sessions
Engagement sessions are some of my absolute favorite sessions to photograph. There’s nothing quite like capturing the story of a couple before their wedding day. What makes engagement sessions so special is that they can be completely unique to you. This is your chance to show off your personalities, interests, and the little quirks that make your relationship one-of-a-kind.
Maybe you bonded over hockey and love cheering on your local team together, or perhaps your story began at a cozy neighborhood coffee shop. Maybe you’ve made trivia night a weekly tradition. Whatever moments, hobbies, or places define you as a couple, we can find ways to weave them into your session so the images feel authentic and meaningful.
Of course, if you love classic, scenic portraits, we can absolutely create stunning images at a beautiful park or another picturesque location, but the best engagement photos are the ones that truly reflect who you are together. This is your time to be creative, have fun, and make memories that are entirely yours.
Engagement sessions are also an important step because they act as a practice run for the wedding day. We get to meet each other, figure out how you feel most comfortable in front of the camera, and learn how to work together as a team. By the time your wedding day arrives, I won’t be a complete stranger following you around. I’ll already know how to help you feel relaxed, natural, and confident, making your photos even better.
This session isn’t just about getting beautiful photos. It’s about building comfort, connection, and confidence so your wedding day feels seamless, fun, and stress-free.
So, how do we personalize your session?
It might feel a little overwhelming at first, but don’t worry—we’ll create something that’s perfectly “you”! We’ll chat through all the options together, but to get the ideas flowing, here are a few things to start thinking about.
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Is there anything that you do together frequently or love to do together?
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Are there any locations that are particularly meaningful to you? (First date spot, proposal spot, favorite date spot, etc.)
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How do you want your photos to feel? Candid, silly, dramatic, or relaxed?
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Do you want a natural/outdoor setting, an urban vibe, or something totally unique?
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How do you plan to use these images? (save-the-dates, home decor, social media, guest books)
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Are there any items, pets, or mementos you’d like included in your session?
What should you wear?
Your engagement session is all about showing who you are as a couple, and your outfits play a big role in that! The goal is to feel comfortable, confident, and like your best selves, while also making sure your photos look timeless and cohesive.
Tips for Choosing Outfits
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Coordinate, don’t match: Pick colors and tones that complement each other instead of wearing identical outfits. Think soft neutrals, muted tones, or colors that pop nicely together.
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Dress for the season and location: Flowing dresses and light layers work beautifully in spring/summer; textured sweaters, scarves, and jackets look great in fall/winter. Consider where your photos will be taken. Urban, nature, or meaningful locations, and dress accordingly.
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Be true to your style: Your photos will feel more authentic if your outfits reflect your everyday style. If you love casual looks, rock your favorite jeans and sneakers. If you love dressing up, bring your go-to polished outfits.
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Add texture and layers: Jackets, scarves, hats, or statement jewelry add dimension and visual interest to photos.
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Avoid distracting patterns or logos: Solid colors or subtle patterns photograph best and keep the focus on you as a couple.
Extra Tips
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Bring a second outfit if you want variety.
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Wear shoes that are appropriate for your location (and comfortable. Happy feet = better photos!).
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Think about movement. Flowing fabrics or layers can add beautiful natural motion to images.
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Light makeup and natural hair tend to photograph best.
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Suggest bringing meaningful items: pets, hobbies, instruments, favorite snacks, games, or sentimental objects.
Remember, this is your chance to shine and have fun, so choose outfits that make you feel confident, comfortable, and completely yourselves.
When should you plan your engagement session?
Timing your engagement session can make a big difference in how your photos look and feel. I usually recommend planning your session during a different season than your wedding. This way, your engagement photos will have a completely unique look and vibe compared to your wedding images. For example, if your wedding is in the fall, a spring engagement session can give you fresh greenery and soft blooms. If your wedding is in the summer, consider a winter session for a cozy, crisp atmosphere.
Most of my engagement sessions take place during golden hour, which is the hour just after sunrise or the hour before sunset when the light is soft, warm, and flattering. Golden hour creates a natural, glowing look that makes colors pop, skin tones look beautiful, and backgrounds feel magical. It’s the perfect light for capturing romantic, candid moments.
Scheduling with the season and golden hour in mind ensures your engagement photos are not only beautiful but also timeless, flattering, and full of personality.
What happens after our session?
After your engagement session, you can expect a sneak peek within 48 hours and the full gallery within 2-3 weeks.
You gallery will be delivered via email with a link and password to keep you images protected. Your images will have a watermark on the preview but will not when downloaded.
You’re welcome to use your images for any personal purposes. Share them on social media, print them, or include them on your save-the-dates and invitations. If you plan to print, I highly recommend ordering directly through your gallery. I’ve partnered with local Midwest printers whose quality is absolutely fantastic. While you’re free to print elsewhere, I can’t guarantee that colors or exposure will turn out exactly as intended.
If you do share your images online, I’d love it if you tagged me. It’s always so fun to see your photos out in the world!