PLANNING YOUR
Engagement Session
choosing the perfect time, location, outfit & more!
KHW WEDDINGS
WELCOME
I'm so excited to be working with you and I can’t wait for our time together during your engagement session! It’s normal to be a little nervous about your session. I always tell people that I still get nervous before having my photo taken - and I do this for a living!
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 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 turn out so much better when couples do engagement sessions ahead of time.
Second, you can showcase your personalities in a more casual setting. While they’re great for save-the-dates, I’ve taken engagement photos anywhere from 18 months in advance to a month before the wedding.
There is a lot to think about when it comes to planning a session and since I get asked the same things over and over again, I thought it would be the most beneficial if I put together a guide that walks you through everything you need to know.
I’ll cover what to wear, location ideas and more!
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 typically last about an hour to an hour and a half and when when I can—I love to begin sessions about two hours before sunset. I prefer to shoot when the sun is lower in the sky to avoid harsh shadows and bright sun patches.
I schedule sessions during what I 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.
A NOTE FOR
THE GUYS
I 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, by the end of the session, you’ll find that 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 a bit before the wedding day.
WANNA KNOW MORE
CHOOSING A SEASON
While I shoot all 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.
A few things to keep in mind during each season:
Even though Spring begins in March, we typically don’t begin shooting for another 6 weeks because the weather in Maryland is still pretty chilly. When we schedule spring dates, we typically schedule both a primary date and a backup rain date.
Spring
fresh flowers and sunny days
In spite of the heat, I'm a big fan of summer sessions! Because of the later sunset, 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.
WALKING ON THE BEACH, HAND IN HAND
Fall is one of the prettiest times of the year on the East Coast and because of the perfect weather, our schedules typically book up quickly! If you have your heart set on a fall engagement session, we recommend scheduling it as soon as you book!
colorful leaves and snuggling
If you’re planning to take your engagement photos during the winter, keep in mind that if your session takes place in the evening, I 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 tissues in case your nose begins running.
Winter
snowfall, hot cocoa and cozy coats
Summer
Fall
can you tell me why you shoot film?
Dolor mixtape food truck Austin, assumenda Odd Future Carles anim. Echo Park cillum master cleanse craft beer Tonx.
CAN YOU TELL ME WHY YOU SHOOT FILM?
Dolor mixtape food truck Austin, assumenda Odd Future Carles anim. Echo Park cillum master cleanse craft beer Tonx.
CAN YOU TELL ME WHY YOU SHOOT FILM?
Dolor mixtape food truck Austin, assumenda Odd Future Carles anim. Echo Park cillum master cleanse craft beer Tonx.
Fall
LIKE WHAT
SAVE THE DATE ANNOUNCEMENTS
If your wedding is local, save the dates should be sent 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 dates, 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.
We've got tons of suggested and preferred locations. There is no travel fee for any of our preferred locations. All other locations outside of 30 miles of Easton will require a travel fee.
NOT SURE WHERE TO GO?
GIVE ME SOME IDEAS
Locations
WHAT TO WEAR
OUTFITS
When picking outfits I 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 accesorries! Statement necklaces, cute shoes and classic watches are great ways to add detail to outfits.
CHOOSING OUTFITS
When picking outfits we recommend keeping in mind the word “complement” rather than “match.” For example, if the groom is wearing a blue and pink pastel plaid shirt, the bride 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.
A good rule of thumb: pick 3 or so colors and spread them throughout your attire. Don't be afraid to mix a few subtle patterns or textures (such as linen).
And always keep the location in mind. If we're shooting in a green field, light green dresses might blend in too much with the surroundings.
WARDROBE TIPS
Heels lengthen legs but if your heels aren’t comfortable for walking or we'll be in grass, bring an extra pair of shoes to slip into in between shots.
We love the way larger patterns and textures (like linen) 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.
FAVORITE SHOPS
Rent the Runway
ASOS
Morning Lavender
Lulus
Anthropologie
Petal & Pup
H&M
Vici Collection
Baltic Born
Zara
Mango
Sezane
Reformation
Nuuly
Ivy City
Altar'd State
Windsor
Azazie
ACCESSORIES
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 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!
HAIR + MAKEUP
It’s so important that you look and feel your best for your photos. Investing in professional hair and makeup can go a long way towards creating photos you love for years.
Professionally done hair & makeup lasts longer than typical hair & makeup, holds up better in humidity and wind, and shows up better on camera.
Pro Tip: Schedule your trial for the day of your engagement session!
WARDROBE for the guys
You can’t go wrong with crisp button up. Or consider layering a blazer or sweater with jeans for this look.
Be careful not to choose a pattern that is too small - it may accidentally make your photo look a little too busy.
Softer, pastel or dark jewel tone 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.
What to wear:
THE RING
Your ring is kinda the focal point of your 'engagement' session. So, be sure to have your engagement ring cleaned or clean it yourself.
To clean at home, soak your ring in warm water with dishwashing soap for 20 to 40 minutes. Then gently brush the stone with a soft toothbrush, rinse and repeat if needed.
WHAT TO DO IF IT RAINS
INCLEMENT WEATHER
We will absolutely reschedule if it's actively raining.
I’ll check in the week of your engagement session to confirm the time & location we’re meeting and the weather. I know it takes a lot of time to get ready for engagement session and it’s the worst to get dressed up and drive out to your session only to have it rain. Let me know what works best for the two of you - but if the weather looks like it won’t be great, I typically try to make the call at least 12 hours in advance.
SHOULD WE BRING
PROPS?
Short answer, no.
This session is about celebrating your love for each other. Props distract from the interaction between you two.
However, I am all about a bottle of champagne and glasses!!
POSING
A NOTE ABOUT
"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 enjoy your time together!
YOUR IMAGES
As soon as I get home from your session, I upload all your images to my computer & backup hard drive. It normally takes about 2 weeks to edit your images. Unless there is a holiday, you can expect to receive your engagement photos no later than 3 weeks after your session.
WHEN TO EXPECT
