The celebration begins now



I adore when my clients add an engagement session to their wedding package because it means we get to celebrate your love story even sooner! Engagement sessions are like a fun dress rehearsal. Most couples have not had professional photos taken before and that is completely okay. This will give you the opportunity to feel comfortable in front of the camera and with me third-wheeling before your wedding day. It's also great to have photo memories of this unique season in your lives as fiancés!


I created this guide to help you feel more prepared for your session and ensure that we can create something that reflects you both as a couple. Engagement sessions are discussed in the wedding planning guide I emailed to you but this will go into more depth. I'll cover the next steps, session ideas, styling tips, and other details.

STEP 01

 

Curate your photoshoot

I want to help bring your aesthetic vision to life while creating an environment that allows you both to be your most authentic selves. I'll send over my pre-shoot questionnaire where you may also share a mood board. I am also here to help select locations and provide outfit ideas based off of your desired style.

STEP 02

 

Picture time

I am so excited to be capturing this chapter in your love story! I'll do my best to accommodate according to your questionnaire and keep it lighthearted.

STEP 03

 

Photo delivery

You will receive previews within 48-hours and the final gallery shortly afterwards. If film is included in your package, then the film images will be added to the digital gallery once developed.

STEP 04

 

Share your images

There are so many ways you can use your downloaded engagement photos! Share them on social media, add them to your wedding website, create Save the Dates, hang them in your home, or use them for your wedding celebrations.

Designing your photoshoot

A couple in white outfits poses romantically against a vintage red sports car outside a Spanish-style building.

I find that the photoshoot process is a lot more enjoyable when we're intentional about having it reflect you as a couple. A great inspiration is to think of your ideal day or date night together. What is something you both love doing together? What do you both appreciate? I've listed some ideas below:


  • Sipping Cocktails
  • Garden Strolling
  • Library Browsing
  • Out on the Water (Beach or Boat)
  • City Walking
  • Coffee Date
  • Museum Wandering
  • Hiking
  • Elegant Night Out


You can also use your engagement session as a vibe setter for your wedding day. If your wedding embraces flowery pastels at a country club, then we can lean into the old money garden vibes. If you're having a classic black tie evening wedding, then we can dress up downtown. You can even tell me about your favorite movies and books and we can make your session a scene from one of those!

A couple shares romantic moments under a clear umbrella on a rainy day, dressed in formal black and white attire.
A couple in white and blue outfits share tender moments while sitting on a sandy beach with grass in the background.

Style You'll love


What you wear dramatically impacts your photos. It really helps when you try to have your outfits compliment your surroundings. A classy hotel bar is the perfect scene for a silk dress and black coat. That Pinterest "New England summer" outfit board will be great for a waterfront session. Ralph Lauren style coat and sweater combos always look amazing during the fall.


I personally recommend wearing neutrals or softer color shades. The same idea goes for patterns. You don't want your clothes to be too overpowering where it draws the eye away from your face. Make sure you take off any hair ties or fitness watches. I also advise to lean into the weather forecast when styling. If you are miserably uncomfortable, then you'll most likely photograph that way. If it's going to be snowy, then grab that stylish coat and opt for some fashionable boots. Light loose linens could be worth a try when it's 80 degrees and humid. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable and confident!

 

A Few Outfit Ideas from past clients:

 

A couple stands along Lake Michigan with the Chicago skyline in the background during sunset.
A classy couple at Cheekwood Estates in Nashville, Tennessee
A couple sits together on white sand beach at sunset with beachfront homes and palm trees in Clearwater, Florida
A couple in white attire holds hands while walking through a lush garden with blooming white roses in Newfields
Two people in white outfits stand together against a wall with floral wallpaper in moody lighting at Villa Terrace.
A couple playfully running and jumping through ocean waves breaking on a sandy beach in Cambria, California
A close-up view of contrasting outfits with brown coat and white dress against black pants on autumn leaves.
A couple in coordinated black and white outfits poses against a brick wall at Villa Terrace.
A girl in floral dress sits gracefully on green grass near garden hedges in a dreamy outdoor setting at Newfields in Indianapolis
A couple in floral dress and white shirt sitting close together in Centennial Park in Nashville, Tennessee
Two people share a laugh while sitting on a dark couch in an elegant room with patterned wallpaper in downtown Indianapolis
A couple walks along a California coastal cliffside with Pacific Ocean views and wildflowers on a misty afternoon.

 

Store Links

 

some places with great outfit inspo

 

Nuuly

 

 

Meshki

 

 

Anthropologie

 

 

Revolve

 

 

Show me your mumu

 

 

Rent the runway

 

 

Lulu's

 

 

Rihoas

 

A couple relaxes on grass while reading a book together on a peaceful afternoon in the English countryside.

Props


Props can help enhance the storytelling or simply just be something fun! We can elevate your session by popping some champagne, lay out for a picnic, pick some flowers, hang out in a vintage car, or even bring your pet! You'll be able to share these ideas with me in your pre-shoot questionnaire.

A couple overlooks the Chicago River with architectural landmarks and a tour boat passing beneath skyscrapers.

Touch Ups


I always recommend packing with you a few items for touch ups like lipstick, lint roller, tissues, or a comb. Extra dry shampoo or deodorant could be great for some hot days. Always bring a towel to wipe off sand after a beach session. I'm all about being prepared!

Two people converse by a curved white wall in a lush garden setting with a white pergola structure in Newfields Garden in Indianapolis

Permits


Most private properties now require permits for photoshoots. At the very least, we will need to reach out to get prior permission. Clients cover permit costs but I can help with research and contacting properties. This investment can definitely be worthwhile if it's a location you love or if you're looking for an indoor option for questionable weather.

A couple poses playfully in front of ornate gold elevator doors at the Wrigley Building in Downtown Chicago
A romantic couple shares a tender moment at sunset on a sandy beach in Clearwater, Florida as golden light illuminates the scene.

Your love story

 

At the end of the day, it's all about showcasing your love for each other in the most authentic beautiful way. Photographic magic happens when we work closely together as a team and are willing to step out of the usual comfort zones. I always tell my clients that we can romanticize anything and everything. I am so looking forward to capturing your romance soon!