engagement session planning guide
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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 congrats on your engagement! I'm so 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 there's no time limit. 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 (we 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, parks, your own home, architectural locations, etc. If you need help brainstorming locations, I'm more than happy to help decide, and as always, I'm just an email away.
welcome
planning your engagement session
No matter the season, in our experience we 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 extremely important to be on time to our session.
the best time to take photos
timing and lighting
Our 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 will become easier after you have decided on a theme. Shoot times will vary from season to season.
Let the Seasons Guide the Theme
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
The Colonnade, Nelson-Atkins, The Spanish Steps, Downtown KC
Kansas City
Pioneers Park, Different Parks + Gardens, The Capitol, Platte River
Lincoln
Hitchcock State Park, Memorial Park, Downtown Omaha, Chalco
oMAHA
Jester Park, World Food Prize Hall, Waterworks Park, Salisbury House
des moines
We always encourage our couples to choose a location that is significant or compliments the theme of your wedding.
locations
midwest 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.
destination engagement sessions
As a backup for potential bad weather or rain, we often always schedule two sessions in case of needed cancellation.
what if the weather is bad and it rains?
scheduling and weather
We get so excited when our couples want to include their pets in their engagement session! After many pet-friendly sessions, we 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.
We 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, we always 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 we love are floral bouquets, picnic set-ups, champagne and glasses, bicycles, rowboats, and vintage cars. We encourage our 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 our couples bring at least two outfits—one formal and dressy, and one more casual outfit. Don't forget about comlimentary accessories as well!
style tips for her and him
hers and his style tips
Long, flowy dresses look incredible in photos because of the added movement and texture. We encourage you to opt for a dress or two as opposed to pants, shorts, or jumpsuits. Don't forget about the accessories!
Choose a dress over something casual, you won't regret it!
Outfit tips
Having a professional take care of your hair and makeup is one of the best ways to ease stress - and trust me - they'll make sure you look and feel your best!
Professional hair and makeup can help you look and feel your best.
hair & makeup
Our favorite shopping resources to look your best during your session.
shopping Guide
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
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, T-Shirts, Baseball Caps
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
We always love to include photos of your rings and encourage our 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
We 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—we got you covered!
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
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
four weeks
Social Media Sneak Peek
a few days
when to expect your engagement photos
-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
- Anna Brace
If you have questions at any point regarding the photos, what to wear, where to go, please don't hesitate to reach out! We'll sit down and figure out exactly what you're wanting your photos to look like!