Keep reading for more details on how to prepare for your engagement session, what to wear, bringing pets, location ideas, and more.

Welcome and congrats on your engagement! I'm so looking forward to our time together during your engagement session. I truly believe engagement sessions are an essential part of the wedding process—which is why I include them as a complementary addition to my wedding collections. An engagement session allows me to get to know the two of you better, the nuances of how you interact with each other, what your most flattering poses are, how I navigate lighting, and more.

It typically takes some time to warm up and get comfortable in front of a camera. Engagement sessions are the perfect solution for calming any nerves and feeling like a pro on your big day (we promise to have you warmed up and laughing in no time). Ultimately, this will make an instrumental difference on the wedding day since we'll have already had this opportunity to get to know each other. 

I recommend scheduling your session no later than three months prior to your wedding day to avoid any stress. Next, we can begin thinking about locations. A location that is meaningful to you both is always a great idea. Other ideas can include the beach, parks, your own home, architectural locations, etc. If you need help brainstorming locations, I'm more than happy to help decide, and as always, I'm just an email away.

welcome

planning your engagement session

No matter the season, in our experience we have found that timing your engagement session for when the sun is the least harsh throughout the day—either around two hours before sunset or the first two hours after sunrise—creates the best lighting for photos, which is why it is extremely important to be on time to our session.

the best time to take photos

timing and lighting

Our favorite time to begin sessions is a few hours before sunset. Golden hour makes for the dreamiest photos.

seasons

For example, moody leaves and foliage in the fall or bright and colorful florals in the spring. Styling outfits and choosing props will become easier after you have decided on a theme. Shoot times will vary from season to season.

Let the Seasons Guide the Theme 

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur elit, eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi uten.

Fresh blooms and airy strolls through the park. 

spring

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur elit, eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi uten.

Warm sunset walks on the beach. Tans and sun dresses.

summer

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur elit, eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi uten.

Fall foliage, dreamy lighting, and romance in the air.

fall

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur elit, eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi uten.

Magical snow, snuggling close, winter wonderlands.

winter

If you're planning on using your engagement photos for your save-the-dates, we encourage you to schedule your session at least two months before you're planning on sending your save-the-dates to ensure ample time for possible rescheduling due to weather, editing, and designing and printing your save-the-dates.

We encourage our couples to send save-the-dates 6-8 months before the wedding if it's local, and 8-10 months for a destination wedding.

save the dates

Folktale Winery, Allied Arts Guild, Montalvo Arts Center UC

sophisticated & timeless

Lover's Lane Trail, Lands End, Wilder Ranch, Big Basin, Muir Woods

the great outdoors

Legion of Honor, SF City Hall, Palace of Fine Arts, Lyon Street Steps

architectural

Sutro Baths, Carmel, Big Sur, Natural Bridges, Point Reyes

by the sea

We always encourage our couples to choose a location that is significant or compliments the theme of your wedding.

locations

san francisco bay area locations

If you have a destination in mind for your session, don't hesitate to let me know, I love traveling! Travel fees may apply depending on the location. Dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, etite sed do eiusmod tempor.

destination engagement sessions

As a backup for potential bad weather or rain, we always schedule two sessions in case of needed cancellation. Lorem ipsum dolor sit adipiscing amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur dolor.

what if the weather is bad and it rains?

scheduling and weather

We get so excited when our couples want to include their pets in their engagement session! After many pet-friendly sessions, we have a few tips and tricks to share.

Including your pet in your engagement session means we'll need to choose a pet-friendly location, so keep that in mind when you're choosing the theme and location.

We also encourage our couples to bring your pets favorite treats, groom them beforehand if necessary, and give them plenty of exercise prior to our session.

Since your pet likely won't be in every photo, we always begin the session with your pet and then recommend either dropping them off, having a friend either watch over them or take them home for the remaining time of our session.

We love your furry family members.

pets

Bringing along a few props can be a great addition to your engagement photos. Some examples we love are floral bouquets, picnic set-ups, champagne and glasses, bicycles, rowboats, and vintage cars. We encourage our couples to incorporate props that are meaningful to the two of you and your relationship.

our tips for looking and feeling your best

outfits and style tips

Wondering how you can make your engagement photos look more editorial?

Instead of putting together matching outfits, think about complimenting each other instead. For example, if one of you is wearing khaki pants, the other could wear a flowy cream-colored dress. If one of you is wearing a blue floral dress, the other could wear a soft blue button-up shirt and dark navy pants.

When choosing outfits, don't try and match—rather compliment each other's outfits with thoughtful color palettes.

Most of our couples bring two outfits—one formal and dressy, and one more casual outfit. Don't forget about comlimentary accessories as well!

style tips for her and him

hers and his style tips

style tips for her

Long, flowy dresses look incredible in photos because of the added movement and texture. We encourage you to opt for a dress or two as opposed to pants, shorts, or jumpsuits. Don't forget about the accessories! Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut.

Choose a dress over something casual, you won't regret it!

Outfit tips

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua ut enim. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua ut enim sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut amete.

Professional hair and makeup can help you look and feel your best.

hair & makeup

style tips for him

Dress it up and layer it on. Suit and tie, button-downs, blazers, and sports jackets are all great options for your engagement photos. Layers also add visual interest and texture, so don't be afraid to get creative and stylish! Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempo.

Don't be afraid to dress up for your engagement photos.

outfit tips

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua ut enim. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua ut enim sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut amete.

A haircut, manicure, and a little grooming goes a long way.

grooming

Balance, Don't Match: Colors and Tones

leave it: Graphics and logos

Avoid: Tennis Shoes, Shorts, Sunglasses, Hats

leave it: Spray Tans

Avoid: Bright Colors (Red, Orange, Neons)

LEAVE IT: SMALL PATTERNS

final style notes: things to avoid and outfit suggestions

the rings

We always love to include photos of your rings and encourage our couples to clean their rings before our session to ensure they're looking their best for the photos! Don't forget to give your hands some love too—a little polish and primping goes a long way!

Clean Your Rings & Polish Your Hands

We will make sure you're looking your best at all times—keeping an eye on your hair and makeup and the layers of your clothing—we got you covered! Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, dolore consectetur adipiscing elit, etite sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua elit. Lorem ipsum dolor sit adipiscing.

If you're worried about not knowing what to do with your hands or how to pose—don't be! We will guide you through everything.

posing

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, etite sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua et elit. Lorem ipsum dolor sit adipiscing amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut site. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, etite sed do eiusmod tempor.

 don't forget to go on a date after your session

date night

Since you're already dressed up and looking your best, make the most of it and plan a date night after your session.

Online Gallery Delivered

six weeks

Blog Post With Highlights

four weeks

Social Media Sneak Peek

two weeks

when to expect your engagement photos

"Lorem ipsum dolor sit adipiscing amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut. Duis aute irure dolor reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur dolor Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit".

kind words from our couples

this was an incredible experience

List faqs here and duplicate as necessary

frequently asked questions

question one goes here and here

Answer one goes here. Amet consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua dolore elit. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, etite sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua elit. Lorem ipsum dolor sit adipiscing amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut site.


question two goes here and here

Answer two goes here. Amet consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua dolore elit. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, etite sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua elit. Lorem ipsum dolor sit adipiscing amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut site.


question three goes here and here

Answer three goes here. Amet consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua dolore elit. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, etite sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua elit. Lorem ipsum dolor sit adipiscing amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut site.


-comfortable, flat shoes for in between photos
-both outfits, shoes, and accessories
-makeup for any touch-ups
-Water and snacks
-a warm layer in case it gets chilly

✓ Schedule date, location, and time
✓ Read guide for style tips and suggestions
✓ Schedule makeup and hair appointments
✓ plan and purchase your outfits
✓ Get a manicure and pedicure
✓ have your rings cleaned
✓ gather ANY PROPS YOU WOULD LIKE TO INCORPORATE
✓ bring a packed bag with:

checklist

Engagement Session

—  Améline Moore

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, etite sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua et elit. Lorem ipsum dolor sit adipiscing amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut site dolore et.

thank you

we can't wait for your session