ENGAGEMENT SESSION GUIDE
choosing the perfect time, location, outfit & more!
WELCOME
I am 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. I always tell people that I still get nervous before having my photos taken - and I do this for a job!
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 we’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 that is significant to the two of you (and even include pets!). While they’re great for save-the-dates, I've taken engagement photos anywhere from 18 months in advance to a few months 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.
We’ll cover what to wear, whether to bring pets & how to manage them, location ideas and more!
A note to the guys
I 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 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!
Is there a "good" time to take pictures?
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 two hours and when we 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.
The first two hours after sunrise is also an ideal time to shoot.
I 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.
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.
A few things to keep in mind during each season:
Spring
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. But if you are seeking beautiful florals, look no further!
Summer
Despite the heat, I'm a big fan of summer sessions! Because of the later sunset, sessions sometimes begin as late as 6 pm. If I'm taking your engagement photos during the summer, I recommend bringing extra makeup and I'll bring a few towels to stay fresh!
Fall
Fall is one of the prettiest times of the year in the Midwest and because of the perfect weather, my schedule typically books up quickly! If you have your heart set on a fall engagement session, I recommend scheduling it as soon as you book!
Winter
We could begin shooting as early as 2:30 pm 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 I'll bring tissues in case your nose begins running.
Save the dates
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.
Locations
I love when couples choose a location for their session that complements 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 IC, while a local park or flower-filled fields 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 tourist towns to sunflower fields to apple picking and college campuses, the options for engagement session locations are endless!
Classic & elegant
Old Capitol in Iowa City
Greenhouse
An old mansion
Winery or brewery
Rustic
The Amana Colonies
Vineyard
Flower or tree farm
Kent Park
URban
Downtown Cedar Rapids
Downtown Iowa City
Beachy
Palisades-Kepler State Park
Coralville Reservoir
Lake Macbride
Destination Engagement Sessions
While I take most of my engagement sessions in the Iowa area, I am totally open to destination sessions! If you have a location in mind that is significant to the two of you, let me know because 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 our availability.
Pets
My pets are a huge part of my family, which is why 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 in the first part of your session and then either dropping them off or having a friend take them home. I 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 your pet's favorite toy or treats! Depending on your pet’s fur type, it might also be a good idea to groom them before the shoot.
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 or three 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 earrings, cute shoes, and classic watches are great ways to add detail to outfits.
For the ladies
Wardrobe
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, colorful dresses, but we don’t love the reflection they add to your skin.
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 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!
Hair & Makeup
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.
Manicure
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!).
For the Men
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 groomsmen! Layer with a blazer and a fun tie - you can even wear jeans with this look. Button downs, flannels or a simple t-shirt can go a long ways! Cozy sweaters layered over button-ups are a great way to stay warm and stylish during the cooler months.
Inclement Weather
We’ll check in the week of your engagement session to confirm the time & location we’re meeting and the weather. We 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 out to your session only to have it rain. Let us know what works best for the two of you - but if the weather looks like it won’t be great, we typically try to make the call at least 12 hours in advance.
Ring Cleaning
When we can, we always try to take a photo of your ring during your engagement session - so it’s a good idea to have it cleaned or clean it yourself before your shoot! 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.
Props
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, trying to fly a kite together when it’s not a part of your relationship may come off as contrived.
"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!
Date Night
If you’re anything like us, you probably don’t get dressed up all that often. Which means that the day of your engagement session is the perfect occasion for a 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 is a great way to end the session!
Thank you!
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 lilymariephotography@gmail.com or text 319-383-8544.