choosing the perfect time, location,
outfit & more!
FAMILY SESSION
PLANNING YOUR
We’re so excited to be working with you and we can’t wait for our time together during your engagement session! It’s normal to be a little nervous about your session. We always tell people that we still get nervous before having our photos taken - and we do this for a living!
We’re big fans of engagement sessions for a few reasons. First, they allow you to get comfortable in front of the camera. It takes time for most couples to warm up to being photographed and understand how we pose. Timelines can be pretty tight on weddings days and 30 minutes may be all we have for portraits - which is why we’ve found that wedding day portraits turn out so much better when couples do engagement sessions ahead of time.
A NOTE ABOUT THIS GUIDE
Welcome
Second, you can showcase your personalities in a more casual setting that is significant to the two of you (and even include pets!). While they’re great for save-the-dates, we’ve taken engagement photos anywhere from 18 months in advance to a few days before the wedding.
There is a lot to think about when it comes to planning a session and since we get asked the same things over and over again, we thought it would be the most beneficial if we put together a guide that walks you through everything you need to know.
We’ll cover what to wear, whether to bring pets & how to manage them, location ideas and more!
We get it. Having your picture taken for 1-2 hours might not be in your top-10 favorite things to do during your downtime. And at first you might feel sort of awkward being in front of the camera. But I think you’ll find that by the end of the session, it’s a lot easier than you thought, and you even had a little fun. I look forward to it because it’s a great opportunity for us all to hang out and get to know each other before the wedding day.
The Guys
step 01 of 06
Once your wedding date is officially booked, I'll send over helpful information – like engagement session tips, additional wedding vendor suggestions, wedding day guide, and more! – to help make your wedding planning process stress-free and even fun!
Cheers to working together!
02: celebrate
step 02 of 06
An engagement session is included in each wedding experience package. During this session, I will help you get comfortable in front of the camera, we will spend some time getting to know each other better, and of course – take photos that celebrate your love!
Time to get comfortable!
03: engagement session
step 03 of 06
There are a lot of details that go into a wedding day, and I want to make sure I know about every single one. During this time, we will discuss all of these important details – from wedding day timelines to a must-have family shot list and everything in between.
Let's polish all of the details.
04: wedding prep
step 04 of 06
This day is all about you! You've put in the time and work to make it as unique as your love story so every single second of it should be enjoyed! Leave it to me to capture every emotion, moment, and detail so you can look back on this joyous day forever!
It's the day you've been waiting for!
05: wedding day
step 05 of 06
Once I've perfectly curated your wedding photos, I will deliver them via an online gallery straight to your email. Take your time reflecting on this day and your love! I'll also send over information on how you can preserve your images through albums and other heirloom products.
It's like magic in your inbox!
06: delivery
step 06 of 06
TIME & LIGHT
Is there a "good" time to take photos?
Engagement sessions can take place anywhere from immediately following a proposal to just a few days before the wedding. We’ve found that there isn’t a “good” or “bad” time to take your photos. We normally plan sessions based on a particular “look” a couple has in mind, spring flowers for example, or based on schedules.
Sessions typically last about an hour and when when we can—we love to begin sessions about two hours before sunset. We prefer to shoot when the sun is lower in the sky to avoid harsh shadows and bright sun patches. The first two hours after sunrise is also an ideal time to shoot.
We schedule sessions during what we believe will be the best light of the day - which means that it’s super important to be on time. If you’re late to an evening session, we could run out of light before we’ve finished shooting and if your session takes place in the morning, the sun gets more harsh as it rises.
While we shoot most of our engagement sessions between April and late November, sessions can take place all year. Most of our couples choose a season based on the location where they want to shoot.
Seasons
A few things to keep in mind during each season:
When we schedule spring dates, we typically schedule both a primary date and a backup rain date.
Fresh Flowers & Sunny Days
01. Spring
FOUR SEASONS
We’re big fans of summer sessions! Due to the later sunset time, sessions sometimes begin as late as 7pm.
A Walk on the Beach Hand in Hand
02: SUMMER
FOUR SEASONS
Fall is one of the prettiest times of the year and because of the perfect weather, our schedules typically book up quickly! If you have your heart set on a fall session, we recommend scheduling it as soon as you book!
Colorful Leaves and Snuggling Clost
03: FALL
FOUR SEASONS
If you’re planning to take your photos during the winter, keep in mind that if your session takes place in the evening, we could begin shooting as early as 4:00pm to catch the sunset. We recommend dressing in layers so that in between photos you can warm up.
Hot Chochalate and Cozy Coats
04: wINTER
FOUR SEASONS
Our dog is huge part of our family, which is why we love when you choose to incorporate pets into their session. Keep in mind that bringing a pet along often means that we’ll need to choose a pet friendly location.
We recommend planning for your pet to be at the first part of your session and then either dropping them off or having a friend take them home. We won’t use your fur-baby in every single photo so it’s also nice to have a friend available to hold him or her in between shots.
If you’re going to bring a pet, we recommend exercising your pet before the session and bringing your pets favorite toy or treats! Depending on your pet’s fur type, it might also be a good idea to groom them before the shoot.
PETS
When picking outfits we recommend keeping in mind the word “complement” rather than “match.” For example, if the groom-to-be is wearing a blue and pink pastel plaid shirt, the bride-to-be may want to choose a long, soft blue dress. It can also be a great idea to choose “color-families,” such as pastels or jewel tones.
Generally couples pick two outfits for an engagement session: a more formal outfit and a casual outfit. We recommend saving your favorite outfit for later in the session, when couples usually feel more comfortable in front of the camera. And don’t forget to bring a few accessories! Statement necklaces, cute shoes and classic watches are great ways to add detail to outfits.
OUTFITS
TIPS FOR LOOKING YOUR BEST
Statement jewelry is a great way to add color or pattern to a simple dress. Lace and tulle look amazing in photographs.
And dresses with lace sleeves are a great way to help slim arms. Depending on your location, you might want to consider a fit and flare or a flowy dress!
They look great in walking and photos with movement. Choose an outfit you feel comfortable in, but don’t be afraid to dress up!
Accessories
FOUR SEASONS
Heels lengthen legs but if your heels aren’t comfortable for walking, bring an extra pair of shoes to slip into in between shots.
We love the way larger patterns photograph – just be careful not to choose a pattern that is too small – it may accidentally make your photo look a little too busy.
Softer, pastel colors tend to photograph better than bright colors – especially since bright colors could reflect on your skin. We love bright, neon dresses, but we don’t love the neon reflection they add to your complexion.
Wardrobe Tips
FOUR SEASONS
Rent the Runway
ASOS
Morning Lavender
J. Crew
Anthropologie
Free People
Francesca’s
Jessakae
ModCloth
Shop Ruche
Hazel & Olive
Lulu’s
H&M
Shabby Apple
Vici Dolls
Nordstrom
One Loved Babe
Arden
Filly Flair
Favorite Shops FOR LADIES
FOUR SEASONS
Engagement sessions are the perfect time for a hair and makeup trial! Professionally done hair & makeup last longer than typical hair & makeup. They also tend to hold up better for humidity and wind.
We think it’s so important that you look and feel your best for your engagement photos – and if you’re planning to do a hair & makeup trial anyways, the engagement session is a great time to test how your hair & makeup look on camera.
Hair & Makeup
ENGAGEMENT TIps
There will probably be times during your session when we’re shooting your hands holding or the engagement ring on your hand – which means it’s a good idea to clean up your nails before your session (this applies to the guys too!).
manicure
ENGAGEMENT TIps
You can’t go wrong with a suit and tie. Consider pulling out that suit you had to wear last time you were a groomsmen! Layer with a blazer and a fun tie – you can even wear jeans with this look. Bowties are always a good idea.
Be careful not to choose a pattern that is too small – it may accidentally make your photo look a little too busy. Softer, pastel colors tend to photograph better than bright colors – especially since bright colors could reflect on your skin. Cozy sweaters layered over button ups are a great way to stay warm and stylish during the cooler months.
Wardrobe
ENGAGEMENT TIps
Rent the Runway
ASOS
Suit Supply
J. Crew
Zara
Leather & Cotton
jack Threads
Frank & Oak
Nordstrom
H&M
Urban Outfitters
Favorite Shops FOR gENTS
ENGAGEMENT TIPS
For the Ladies & GENTS
It’s typical for us to schedule two session dates. A primary date and a rain date. Having two dates helps us make sure that your photos happen in a timely manner. Coordinating schedules can be tough and we’ve found that the best way to make sure our clients get the look they have in mind for their photos is to schedule two dates at the same time.
We’ll check in the week of your session to confirm the time & location we’re meeting and the weather. We know it takes a lot of time to get ready for your session and it’s the worst to get dressed up and drive out to your session only to have it rain. Let us know what works best - but if the weather looks like it won’t be great, we typically try to make the call at least 12 hours in advance.
Inclement Weather
what to do if it rains
If you’re planning to bring props to your engagement session, we recommend including them only if they’re meaningful to you.
Shots of drinking coffee at a local coffee shop would be cute if that’s where you met; however, a trying to fly a kite together when it’s not a part of your relationship may come off as contrived.
PROPS
champagne is always a good idea
"What do I do with my hands"?
When it comes to posing for your engagement session, you don’t need to worry about a thing! We’ll guide you through the entire process beginning with “poses” that are super easy and natural. If we tell you to do something that feels a little funny, it’s probably because we know it’s going to make the two of you laugh - and that’s the photo we’re actually looking for.
Throughout your session, we’ll keep an eye on your hair, makeup and outfits to make sure things stay in place. We want you to feel as relaxed as possible and enjoy your time together!
Posing
If you’re anything like us, you probably don’t get dressed up all that often. Which means that the day of your session is the perfect occasion for a date night (or brunch if your session is in the morning!)
Your photo session is another part of celebrating your family and heading off to dinner is a great way to end the session!
Date Night
As soon as possible after your session is complete.
Unless we have a holiday closure, you can expect to receive your engagement photos between 3 and 4 weeks after your session.
When to Expect Your Images
We know that this guide is long and hopefully it covers everything you need to know to prep for your engagement session! However if there is something we missed, or you need a recommendation feel free to email us at info@asilomarphotography.com
