choosing the perfect time, location, outfits, & more!
planning your
ENGAGEMENT SESSION
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! It’s normal to be a little nervous about your session. I still get nervous before having my photo taken - and I do this for a living!
I'm big fans 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 guide you through movements and poses. Timelines can be pretty tight on weddings 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. Think of it like a little dress rehearsal!
Second, you can showcase your personalities in a more casual setting that is significant to the two of you (and even include pets!). While engagement photos are great for save-the-dates, I've taken engagement photos anywhere from 18 months in advance to just a couple days 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, whether to bring pets & how to manage them, location ideas, and more!
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 I think you’ll find that by the end of the session, it’s a lot easier than you thought, and maybe 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!
the Guys
A NOTE TO
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 or fall leaves, for example) or based on schedules.
Full sessions typically last about an hour and a half and I love to begin sessions about two to four 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 if mornings are more your jam.
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 and if your session takes place in the morning, the sun gets more harsh as it rises.
Is there a "good" time to take photos?
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:
Seasons
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Winter
snow, hot cocoa, & cozy coats
If you’re planning to take your engagement photos during the winter, keep in mind that if your session takes place in the evening, 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 (a coat or blanket works great to throw over you!). Make sure you bring a little extra makeup and tissues in case your nose begins running. Wear warm socks and throw a pair of hand warmers into your pockets to hold onto as we move between locations!
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spring
fresh flowers & sunny days
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 it takes a while for the lush grass and blooming flowers to appear after the snow melts. When I schedule spring dates, I usually schedule a primary date, but know that if the forecast ends up being rainy or blustery, we can reschedule!
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SUMMER
bright evenings & warm sunshine
In spite of the heat, I'm a big fan of summer sessions! Because of the later sunset, sessions sometimes begin as late as 5:30 PM. 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.
If your wedding is local, save the dates should be sent between 6 to 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 to mail.
Save-the-dates
Locations
IOWA ENGAGEMENT LOCATIONS
The best session locations are often meaningful places to the couple; however, sometimes couples don't have a particular preference or are coming in from out of town/state and I am happy to make recommendations! From apple orchards and lakeside waterfalls to downtown murals and college campuses, the options for engagement session locations are endless!
Devonian Fossil Gorge
Downtown/Campus
Kent Park
Lake MacBride
Hickory Hills Park
Hancher Lawns
Lake MacBride Waterfalls
IMU/River Walk
Pentacrest
Voxman School of Music
Clear Creek Trail
Wilson's Orchard
Terry Trueblood Recreation Area
UI Visual Arts Building
Iowa River Power Walkway
Iowa City Park
IOWA CITY
The above locations are all beautiful, but I also love exploring meaningful locations with my couples!
CEDAR RAPIDS
Palisades-Kepler State Park
Wanatee Park
Morgan Creek Arboretum
NewBo District
Czech Village
Indian Creek Nature Center
Cedar Rapids Library & Greene Square
des moines
Water Works Park/Arie Den Boer Arboretum
World Food Prize Hall of Laureates Garden
The Brenton Arboretum
Downtown Des Moines
State Capitol / Law Library
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
Des Moines Art Center / Mills Rose Garden
Greenwood-Ashworth Park
Destination Engagement Sessions
Many of my couples live in Iowa so planning an engagement session here is pretty easy! But I also have couples who live out of state and we have a few different options to still make an engagement session happen.
In some cases, if those couples are getting married here, they are already planning trips back for planning purposes. If this happens for you, we can easily schedule the engagement session during your time here. I’ll just need to know ahead of time what your travel dates are so we can coordinate our schedules.
Alternately, you may be a couple who wants me to come to you for a destination engagement session. Couples who have chosen this have liked this option because:
1) it means you won’t have to take extra time off of work to travel to me,
2) the additional cost of me coming to you is actually typically less than the cost of you both coming to me, and
3) it means a session in the place you call home (especially relevant if you’re not getting married where you currently live) or a place you love dearly (if you’d like to meet somewhere for your session that is neither Iowa nor where you currently live).
Please contact me if you want to start exploring travel options for your engagement session and we will work out all the details!
Pets are a huge part of a couple's family life, often referred to as your "first baby." Because of this, 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 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 and bring along a link roller for your clothes.
Pets
Outfits
TIPS FOR LOOKING YOUR BEST
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. 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.
find it fast
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 as 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.
Wardrobe Tips
ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
HAIR & MAKEUP
MANICURE
Outfits
for the ladies
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ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
HAIR & MAKEUP
MANICURE
Outfits
Statement jewelry is a great way to add color or pattern to a simple dress. Lace and tulle textures look amazing in photographs.
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 (they really shine in a spin photo)!
Choose an outfit you feel comfortable in, but don’t be afraid to dress up!
Accessories
for the ladies
ModCloth
Shop Ruche
Lulu's
H&M
Shabby Apple
JessaKae
Vici Dolls
Nordstrom
One Loved Babe
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ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
HAIR & MAKEUP
MANICURE
Outfits
Baltic Born
ASOS
Rent the Runway
Morning Lavender
J. Crew
Anthropologie
Free People
Francesca's
Arden
Favorite shops
for the ladies
find it fast
ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
HAIR & MAKEUP
MANICURE
Outfits
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.
I think it’s so important that you look and feel your best for your engagement photos! Plus, 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.
Hair & makeup
for the ladies
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ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
HAIR & MAKEUP
MANICURE
Outfits
There will be times during your session when I'm 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!).
Manicure
for the ladies
WHERE TO SHOP
Outfits
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. Bowties are always a good idea.
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. Cozy sweaters layered over button ups are a great way to stay warm and stylish during the cooler months.
Wardrobe Tips
for the gents
find it fast
WHERE TO SHOP
Outfits
find it fast
Rent the Runway
ASOS
Suit Supply
J. Crew
Zara
Leather & Cotton
Jack Threads
Frank & Oak
Nordstrom
H&M
Urban Outfitters
Favorite shops
for the gents
Inclement Weather
what to do if it rains
I’ll check in the week of your engagement session to confirm the time & location we’re meeting and the weather forecast. 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 to your session only to have it rain.
If the weather looks like it won’t be great, I typically try to make the call at least 12 hours in advance and we will coordinate our calendars to reschedule to another date.
In some cases, couples are traveling in from out of state or have busy schedules that cannot accommodate another date and, if that's you, do not worry! Even the rainiest days can provide beautiful and romantic photos!
I always take photos 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.
Ring Cleaning
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.
When it comes to posing for your engagement session, you don’t need to worry about a thing! I tell every couple that the less you know about posing for photos, the better! 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!
"What do I do with
my hands"?
"What do I do
with my hands"?
Date Night
If you’re anything like my husband and me, 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!
As soon as your session is complete and I get back home, I plug the memory cards into my computer and begin the process of importing them (to multiple hard drives for safety). I post a favorite sneak peak on social media with 2 days and have a blog post up with some of my favorite images of you guys within 2 weeks. You can expect to receive your full gallery of engagement photos 3 to 4 weeks after your session.
