PLANNING YOUR
ENGAGEMENT SESSION
choosing the perfect time, location,
outfit, + more
Welcome
A NOTE ABOUT THIS GUIDE
I'm so excited to be working with you and I can't wait for our time together during your engagement session!
I'm a big fan 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 to understand how I pose. Timelines can be pretty tight on wedding days and 30 minutes may be all we have for portraits - which is why I've found that wedding day portraits typically go better when couples do an engagement session ahead of time.
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, I've taken engagement sessions anywhere from 18 months in advance to just a few days before the wedding.
There is a lot to think about when it comes to planning your session so I thought I'd put together a little guide that walks you through everything you need to know.
I'll cover what to wear, location ideas, and more!
-xo-
Morgan
A NOTE TO
THE GUYS
I totally get it. Having your picture taken for 2-3 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 might find yourself having a little fun. Think of these sessions as more of a hang out and it will be just fine - hopefully fun!
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. I've found that there isn't a "good" or "bad" time to take your photos. I normally plan sessions based on a particular "look" a couple has in mind, spring flowers for example, or based on schedules.
Sessions are typically 2-3 hours and when I can, I love to begin sessions in the hours leading up to sunset. I 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 are also beautiful.
a few things to keep in mind
SEASONS
While I shoot most of MY engagement sessions between April and late November, sessions can take place all year. Most of MY couples choose a season based on the location where they want to shoot AND SCHEDULES.
FALL
SUMMER
WINTER
SPRING
hot, sunny days + green trees
colorful leaves + harvest goodies
fresh blooms + comfortable temps
snow, hot cocoa, + cozy coats
Fall is one of the prettiest times of the year and also probably the most popular time for couples to want to schedule their engagement sessions. The weather is usually pretty perfect and you can wear both warm weather and cold weather clothing. Win! But, my schedule fills up pretty quickly starting in September so I recommend scheduling fall sessions asap.
In spite of the heat, I'm a big fan of summer sessions! Because of the later sunsets, sessions sometimes begin as late as 6pm. If you're taking your engagement photos during the summer, I recommend bringing extra makeup and a few towels to make sure you stay fresh throughout your session. Some bug spray might also come in handy.
Even though Spring begins in March, I typically don't begin shooting for another 6 weeks because the weather in Iowa is still pretty chilly and unpredictable. When I schedule Spring dates, I typically will also schedule a back-up date in case of rain.
If you're planning to take your engagement photos during the winter, keep in mind that if your session is in the evening, we could begin shooting as early as 2:30pm to catch the sunset. I recommend dressing in layers so that, in between photos, you can warm up. Make sure you bring a little extra makeup and some tissue in case your nose gets a little runny.
A NOTE ABOUT SAVE-THE-DATES
SAVE-THE-DATES
WHEN TO SEND SAVE-THE-DATES
If your wedding is local, I recommend sending out save-the-dates between 6 and 8 months before the wedding. For a destination wedding, you'll want to send them out 8 to 10 months before the wedding.
If you're hoping to use your engagement photos for your save-the-date, I recommend scheduling your session at least two months before you plan to send out your save-the-dates. Between inclement weather, editing, designing your save-the-dates, and printing, two months is generally a safe amount of time to make sure your images and cards are ready.
local weddings
6 -8 months ahead
destination weddings
8 - 10 months ahead
schedule engagement session
2 months before save-the-dates are sent
LOCATIONS
CENTRAL IOWA ENGAGEMENT LOCATION IDEAS
URBAN
RUSTIC
I love when couples choose a location for their session that compliments their wedding. For example, if you're planning a chic, elegant wedding, it may be fitting to take your engagement portraits among the classic architecture in downtown Des Moines, while a local park or garden may be more fitting for a couple planning a more rustic affair.
The best session locations are often meaningful places to the couple; however, I'm also happy to make recommendations. From sporting events to the State Fair to apple picking and college campuses, the options for engagement session locations are endless!
Downtown Pella
Downtown Des Moines
Downtown Ottumwa
Downtown Iowa City
Burlington
a vineyard
apple orchard
American Gothic House
Bentonsport
CLASSIC + ELEGANT
ADVENTURE
State Capitol
Des Moines Art Center
Hertbert Hoover Historic Site
Ledges State Park
Lake Red Rock
baseball game
botanical garden
THE ABOVE LOCATIONS ARE JUST SOME IDEAS BUT I ALSO LOVE EXPLORING MEANINGFUL LOCATIONS WITH MY COUPLES!
DESTINATION ENGAGEMENT SESSIONS
While I take most of my engagement sessions in Iowa, I've photographed sessions everywhere from Chicago to Atlanta to Dallas. If you have a location in mind that is significant to the two of you, let me know. If our schedules align, I might be able to take your engagement photos outside of my normal area.
TRAVEL FEES MAY APPLY DEPENDING ON THE LOCATION AND MY AVAILABILITY.
PETS
I totally understand how important animal friends are and I love when couples 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.
I 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 the pet 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, I recommend exercising your pet before the session and bringing their favorite toy or treats. Depending on your pet's fur type, it might also be a good idea to groom them before the shoot (and bring a lint roller along to the session).
cats
DOGS
ALL THE FURRY FRIENDS
Bring them along!
- OUTFITS -
TIPS FOR LOOKING YOUR BEST
When picking outfits, I recommend keeping in mind the word "compliment" rather than "match." For example, if the groom-to-be is wearing a blue and pink pastel plaid shirt, the bride-to-be might 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 2 (but possibly more) outfits for an engagement session: a more formal outfit and a more casual outfit. I 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.
Heels lengthen legs but if your heels aren't comfortable for walking, bring an extra pair of shoes to slip into in between shots. I 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. I love bright, neon dresses, but I don't love the neon reflection they add to your complexion.
for the ladies
WARDROBE TIPS
MANICURE
HAIR + MAKEUP
ACCESSORIES
THERE WILL PROBABLY BE TIMES DURING YOUR SESSION WHEN I'LL BE SHOOTING YOUR HANDS HOLDING OR THE ENGAGEMENT RING ON YOUR HAND - WHICH MAY MEAN THAT IT'S A GOOD IDEA TO CLEAN UP YOUR NAILS BEFORE YOUR SESSION (THIS APPLIES FOR THE GUYS, TOO).
ENGAGEMENT SESSIONS ARE THE PERFECT TIME FOR A HAIR AND MAKEUP TRIAL! PROFESSIONALLY DONE HAIR + MAKEUP TEND TO LAST LONGER THAN YOUR TYPICAL HAIR + MAKEUP. THEY ALSO TEND TO HOLD UP BETTER FOR HUMIDITY AND WIND.
I 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 SESSION IS A GREAT TIME TO TEST HOW YOUR HAIR + MAKEKUP WILL READ ON CAMERA.
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 CONSIDER A FIT + FLARE OR A FLOWY DRESS - BOTH LOOK GREAT IN WALKING AND PHOTOS WITH MOVEMENT (CUE WIND). CHOOSE AN OUTFIT YOU FEEL COMFORTABLE IN BUT DON'T BE AFRAID TO DRESS UP!
OF COURSE, THESE ARE JUST SUGGESTIONS. WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT TO ME IS THAT YOU DRESS IN A WAY THAT MAKES YOU CONFIDENT + FEEL AMAZING.
for the gents
FAVORITE SHOPS
PATTERNS + COLOR
Be careful not to choose a pattern that is too small - it may accidentaly make your photo look a little too busy. Softer, pastel colors tend 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.
ASOS
J. CREW
ZARA
NORDSTROM
H&M
RENT THE RUNWAY
VON MAUR
TARGET - yup!
WARDROBE
You can't go wrong with a suit and tie. Consider pulling out that suit you had to wear last time you were a groomsment! Layer with a blazer and a fun tie - you can even wear jeans with this look. And, bowties are always a good idea.
what to do if it rains
INCLEMENT WEATHER
It's typical for me to schedule two engagement 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 I've found that the best way to make sure my couples get the look they have in mind for their photos is to schedule two dates at the same time.
I'll check in the week of your engagement session to confirm the time + location we're meeting and to chat about the weather forecast. I know it takes a lot of time to get ready for an engagement session and it's the worst to get dressed up and drive only for there to be rain on your session. Let me knw what works best for the two of you - but if the weather looks like it won't be ideal, I'll typically try to make the call at least 24 hours in advance.
...because you can't predict the weather, having a back-up plan is a good idea.
shiny
+ sparkly
RING CLEANING
When I can, I always try to take a photo of your ring during your engagement session - so it's a good idea to have it cleaned or to clean it yourself before your shoot. To clean at home, soak your ring in warm water with dishwashing soap for 20 to 30 minutes. Then, gently brush the stone with a soft toothbrush, rinse and repeat, if needed.
PROPS
champagne is always a good idea
If you're planning to bring props to your engagement session, I 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, trying to fly a kite together when it's not a part of your relationship may come off as contrived.
POSING
"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! I'll guide you through the entire process beginning with "poses" that are super easy and natural. If I tell you to do something that feels a little funny, it's probably because I know it's going to make the two of you laugh - and that's the photo I'm actually looking for.
Throughout your session, I'll keep an eye on your hair, makeup, and outfits to make sure things stay in place. I want you to feel as relaxed as possible and to enjoy your time together!
Date Night
In my world, date nights are few and far between (hello young kids) but I've always felt that an engagement session is the perfect time for a special date night (or brunch if your session is in the morning)!
The engagement session is another part of celebrating your love and heading off to dinner looking fabulous is a great way to end the session!
HAVE FUN, FEEL SPECIAL, CELEBRATE EACH OTHER.
WHEN TO EXPECT YOUR IMAGES
After our session, I'll head home and back up the images. I'll then pull a few of my favorites and send you 5-10 sneak peek images from the session - my goal is always within 24 hours of our session.
Unless there is a holidy or overly busy wedding schedule, you can expect your gallery to be completed in 4-6 weeks.
THANK YOU SO MUCH !
I know that this guide is a little long but hopefully it covers everything you need to know to prep for your engagement session! However, if there is something I missed, or you need a recommendation, please don't hesitate to email me!
verdigrisphotographydesign@gmail.com
-xo-