The Ultimate Guide to Planning Your Authentic Engagement Session
You’re engaged!! Wow, what an incredible season! 💍 Wedding planning can feel like a total whirlwind—so much to do, and now you realize “Oh shoot, we still need to book our Save the Dates and engagement session!” And now you’re wondering:
When do we book it? Where do we shoot? How do we make it feel like us?!
Take a deep breath, friend—you’re in the right place. I’ve got you. Not only will I walk you through all the details of planning your engagement session, but I’ll also help you make it feel natural, fun, and so not awkward.
I hear it all the time: “We’re super awkward in front of the camera” or “We’ve never taken professional photos before.” Guess what? Same! I feel awkward in front of the lens too, but behind it? That’s where I shine! And I’ve learned a few tricks to help couples like you feel comfortable, relaxed, and completely you during your session.
This guide is designed to make things simple, fun, and easy to share with your partner. When you book with me, I’ll also send a prep email with everything you need to feel and look your best before the session. But here’s the real deal: What matters most is that you feel like yourself. Whether you wear jeans and sneakers or your Sunday best, your love is going to shine through.
The tips I share are just suggestions based on what I’ve seen work beautifully over time—but they aren’t rules. Whether your vibe is casual or dressy, playful or romantic, the goal is for your session to reflect who you are as a couple.
Let’s make this session feel like a date, capture your connection, and tell your story in the most authentic way—one candid moment at a time. ❤️
Let’s set the tone – what’s your vibe?
First things first—what’s your vibe? Think about the kind of feeling or aesthetic you want for your session. Do you have a favorite movie or romance novel that makes you think, “I want that”? Maybe it’s Edward and Bella lying in a lavender field, or the dreamy canoe scene from The Notebook. Instead of typing “engagement session” into Pinterest and getting overwhelmed by a million ideas, try searching for something specific like “Twilight engagement inspo” or “The Notebook photoshoot ideas.” You can even focus on emotions—like “authentic couples” or “carefree beach moments.”
Get creative with your searches! Use adjectives like fun, adventurous, calm, modern, or romantic to bring your mood board to life. Whether you’re picturing something playful and silly or serene and dreamy, this is your chance to get inspired and figure out the perfect tone for your session.
Pick Your Season
Now let’s think about when you want to have your engagement session. Seasons play a huge role in the overall feel of your photos! Do you want that winter wonderland vibe? If so, make sure your spot isn’t closed for snow. Dreaming of blooming flowers? Timing is everything—spring might hit in March down south, but you’ll be waiting until June up north.
And hey, let’s be real—if you know you’re prone to sweating (no shame in that!), maybe skip summer in Texas for your session. You want to feel comfortable in your photos, and so does your fiancé(e). Think about what season makes the most sense for you and where you’ll be shooting!
Location Location Location
Once you’ve nailed down your vibe and season, let’s talk locations. Where do you see this session unfolding? On a sandy beach? Deep in the woods? A cozy game night at home with pizza? Maybe even in a field off the side of the road where the light hits just right. We’ll find the perfect spot together—one that matches your vision and brings your story to life.
Pick Your Outfits
Outfits are everything when it comes to feeling comfortable and confident during your session. The key is to wear something that feels like the two of you. If it’s 100 degrees outside, ditch the suit and heels—you’ll be sweaty and uncomfortable before we even start shooting. Not into form-fitting outfits? Don’t wear them! Flowy, comfy clothes let you move freely and keep the focus on enjoying your time together.
If you’ve always dreamed of that high-fashion, designer vibe—go for it! But if that’s not your thing, don’t force it. Your photos will reflect how you feel, so the goal is to wear something that makes you feel amazing. Whether that’s jeans and a tee, a breezy sundress, sweatpants, or something dressy, the most important thing is that it feels right for you as a couple. Your vibe should guide your outfit choices—whatever fits your story is the perfect fit for your session.
Let’s Set the Date
Once you’ve decided on your tone, location, and season, it’s time to lock in a date! Talk with your photographer (hi, that’s me 👋), your location or venue, and of course, each other to find the perfect day. I recommend picking a weekday if you want some privacy during your session—it’s usually less crowded, and you’ll have more room to relax and be yourselves. But weekends are always an option as well.
Food For Thought
Splurge on Hair & Makeup for Your Engagement Session ✨
If you’re thinking about getting your hair and makeup done—do it! Your engagement session is the perfect chance to do a makeup trial and see how everything photographs before the big day. Plus, who doesn’t love a little extra pampering? 💁♀️
Oh, and don’t forget to give that ring a good cleaning! I’ll be snapping a few close-up shots, and we want that sparkle to shine bright. 💍
Let’s make you feel amazing and capture every detail, big and small!
Why Authentic Engagement Photos Matter
Engagement photos aren’t about staging the perfect scene—they’re about capturing you two exactly as you are in this season of life. My job isn’t to craft a story from scratch, but to reflect the one you’re already living. I want to photograph the playful glances, belly laughs, hand squeezes, and all the little moments that show just how excited you are to say “I do.”
Why dress up and head to a perfectly manicured garden if that’s not who you are? If your love story feels more at home on a farm or in wide-open fields, don’t force yourselves into stiff clothes just for the sake of the shoot. Toss on your cowboy hat, have a picnic under the sky, chase some chickens, and run through the fields. When you’re free to be yourselves, that’s when the real magic happens—those moments where your joy, connection, and story naturally shine through.
If you’ve got a Pinterest board or other inspiration, send it my way! Gathering inspiration is one of my favorite parts of the planning process—it helps me understand what’s in your heart, even if it’s hard to put into words. Just a heads-up: while I love seeing what sparks your imagination, I don’t work from strict shot lists or replicate exact poses. Instead, I like to let things unfold naturally, creating a flow that feels true to you. But if there are specific moments or poses that mean a lot to you, just let me know—we’ll find a way to make them happen!
Need a little inspiration? Feel free to check out my boards (there are sub-boards for couples and groups, too!). They reflect the quirky, offbeat vibe I love and the kind of authentic, storytelling moments I aim to capture.
At the end of the day, just come as you are. I’ll take care of the rest. ❤️
What should we bring to the session?
- Your Furry Friends – Bring your pets along! They’re part of the family, and they always add the sweetest moments to your photos. 🐾
- A Couple of Outfits – Want to mix things up? Bring a couple looks—one casual, one formal—to give your session variety and make it feel more you.
- Props – Celebrate the moment! Pop a Champagne bottle, bring some glasses, or include anything else that reflects your personality and story.
- Comfortable Shoes – Trust me, you’ll want these for walking between locations. Save the dress shoes for when we start shooting!
- Water – Stay hydrated on those warmer days. Nothing ruins the vibe like being overheated or thirsty!
- Jackets or Layers – If it’s chilly, bring something warm to throw on between shots so you stay cozy and comfortable.
This session is all about you two, so bring whatever makes it fun and effortless!
Frequently Asked Questions
How Far Ahead of Our Wedding Should We Take Engagement Photos?
This one’s totally up to you! If you’re planning to send out Save the Dates, I’d recommend scheduling your session about 3-5 months before the wedding. But honestly? You could do them the week before if that feels right! It really just depends on the season, the vibe you’re going for, and what kind of photos you want. Whatever timing works best for you, we’ll make it happen!
How Long Will it Take to Get our Photos Back?
It will take about 2-4 weeks to get your photos back, depending on when we take them to your wedding date.
Feeling Awkward?
Totally normal! The first few minutes are always a little awkward—don’t stress. I get a little nervous before every engagement session too, so you’re not alone! If you’re into it (and drink alcohol), I might even suggest starting with a quick shot to help us all loosen up. 🎉
It’s okay if you’re not sure what to do at first—that’s what I’m here for. I’ll guide you every step of the way and have you mirror some easy poses to get comfortable. We’ll spend thirty minutes to an hour wandering and photographing at the first location, and if you’re up for it, we can switch outfits before moving to the next spot. No pressure either way—we’ll keep things fun and laid-back!
Are pets allowed?
Yes, please! I absolutely love when couples bring their furry friends along for photos! Just make sure to double-check any venue or park rules to confirm they allow animals. Most parks are pet-friendly, but some only allow pups on the road, not the trails. And since most places require leashes, consider bringing a neutral-colored leash that won’t steal the spotlight.
Some couples say, “I’ll bring my mom to hold the dog when they aren’t in photos,” but honestly? I highly recommend keeping the session just the three of us. Having family or friends around can make it harder for you two to fully relax and be yourselves in front of the camera. Don’t worry—I can hold your pup when needed, or they can hang out nearby while we shoot!
How Do We Make Our Engagement Session Natural?
My best advice? Plan your session around something you both love doing together and turn it into your photoshoot!
- Love pizza dates? Grab your favorite pie and let’s shoot at the restaurant or have a picnic out in a field. 🍕
- Big fans of hiking or biking? Let’s hit the trails and capture your adventure! 🚲
- Want to ride your motorcycle into the sunset? I’m in. 🏍️
- Prefer the water? Spend the day at the beach, splash around, or take your boat out on the lake! 🌊
The goal is to keep things fun and true to who you are as a couple. Your engagement photos should capture your relationship as it really is—whether that’s in a flower garden or on a mountaintop. Do what feels right for you and let’s create something that tells your story perfectly!
Need more ideas? I’ve got plenty—just ask!
Let’s Do This!
Final Trick: Have Fun
I know, I know—sounds cheesy, right? But seriously, this session is all about you two and the love you share. These photos are meant to capture the reason you said “yes” to forever. One day, you’ll show these images to your grandkids, nieces, or nephews, and they’ll see just how deeply in love you were (and still are!). It’ll be a beautiful reminder of what it looks like to choose each other, day after day.
This time is about you—so relax, enjoy each other, and let go. I’ll take care of the rest. 💛
Need some ideas? Check out these couples and engagement session inspo boards!
- The Underwoods
- The Gates
- The Sniders
