Engagement Session Style Guide

Your engagement session is so much more than pretty pictures. It is the start of our journey together before your wedding day, and I want you to feel excited, comfortable, and completely like yourselves in front of my camera. Here is everything I share with my couples when they start planning their outfits and their session.

Why I Always Encourage an Engagement Session

I know this season of life is busy and it can feel like one more thing on the list but I truly believe in this session, and here is why.

It gives you a chance to get comfortable in front of my camera before the wedding day arrives. It gives me the chance to learn you as a couple, how you laugh together, how you hold each other, so I know exactly how to guide you when it matters most. It gives us time to connect, both with the camera and without it, and that builds real trust between us, trust that carries into every quiet or big moment on your wedding day. And honestly, it is just a beautiful excuse to slow down and spend quality time together.

Plan for Two Outfits

I always encourage two looks for your session. One a little more dressy, and one a little more casual. This gives us range through the day and lets your personalities shine in different ways, whether that is twirling in a flowy dress or walking hand in hand in your favorite jeans.

Dress for Comfort and Movement

Whatever you choose, make sure it lets you move. We will be walking, laughing, spinning, maybe even climbing somewhere for the perfect view depending on the location. Comfortable clothing lets us get creative and lets your real personalities come through instead of you worrying about a seam or a shoe the whole time. (Or maybe just bring a change of shoes in case of an adventure.)

Coordinate, Do Not Match

Please do not be matchy matchy. Coordinating tones and textures always photograph so much better than identical colors. Think of your outfits as complementing each other, not mirroring each other.

Avoid Small Stripes and Busy Patterns

Small, tight stripes tend to create a strange visual effect in photos called moire, so it is best to skip them. The same goes for busy patterns, logos, and anything overly bright or neon. These can pull attention away from you and tend to date the photos quickly. Simple, timeless pieces let you be the focus.

Splurge a Little

This is such a great excuse to treat yourself. Consider using your session as a hair and makeup trial run before the wedding, or try out those wedding nails you have been eyeing. It is also the perfect time to break out an epic pair of shoes. I love a good bridal Jimmy Choo moment. Just please, leave the tennis shoes at home.

Do Not Forget Your Rings

Give your rings a good clean before the session. They will be front and center in so many of your photos, and a little sparkle goes a long way.

Dress Up and Be Romantic

This is your chance to be romantic, to dress up, and to feel beautiful together. At the same time, stay true to who you are as a couple. The goal is always polished and clean while still feeling authentically you.

Bring Props That Feel Like You

Think about bringing a little something extra to add personality and fun to your session. Champagne for a toast, flowers you love, even your pets if they are up for an adventure. Anything that feels like a true reflection of you as a couple is worth bringing along.

Dress for Your Location

Lastly, think about where we are shooting. Your outfits should feel like they belong in that setting, whether it is a breezy beach, a city street, or a quiet field. When your look and your location work together, the whole session feels effortless and intentional.

At the end of the day, this session is about you two. Come ready to laugh, to connect, and to have fun. The rest will take care of itself.

Here are a few example to browse through. Some contain my work, some are pulled as inspiration!