ENGAGEMENT Session Guide
CONTENTS 01-02
What to Expect
03-04
Choosing A Date
05-06
What to Wear
09-08
Finding A Location
09-10
Homework
11-12
Bride + Groom Session
Y
our engagement is one of the most
At the end of the session it’s a great time to get
exciting times in your life. Celebrating your
feedback for the wedding day. Such as if you
love by taking photos is a way of capturing
would like more photos smiling or which side
not only who you are together but also your
of your face you like best!
individual style apart from your wedding day. On your wedding day you will recognize many
WHAt
to
EXPECT
An engagement shoot is like telling a story,
of the poses and things we did during the
the story of the two of you. It’s a stress free
engagement session, we will be comfortable
environment in which you get to experience
with one another and this will help maximize
how you and your photographer will work
our time during your wedding day.
together and give you extra time to get to know each other before your wedding day. We
Remember to make this unique to you and
get to learn each others personalities and how
your style… the most important thing is that
we interact best together.
this is fun!!! It’s a time to flirt, kiss, laugh and enjoy each other!
choose a date R
omantic photos are largely due to the
you just want them for the experience, you can
time of day and light. Choosing to do your
choose what season and feel you are going for.
photos at sunrise or two hours before sunset will ensure that you have perfect light for your
Many couples use the engagement photos for
photos. Look up sunset for your chosen date as
save the dates. These are usually sent 4 months
it will change based on the time of year.
before the wedding. In this case, you would want to book the engagement session about
Engagement sessions take place during the
5 months before the wedding to make sure the
week. Plan ahead and take an afternoon off
editing and printing can be finished in time to
work. Weekdays will ensure that most public
send the save the dates.
places (parks etc‌) will have less people and be more accessible for shooting.
If you want to make a guest book to display at the wedding or engagement album, we want
Figuring out when to book is largely based
want to book at least 2 months before the
on what how you will be using the images. If
wedding for editing and printing purposes.
T
his is quite possibly the most important
Don’t try to match each other but dress as if
part of your shoot. The clothing can
you were going to an event and compliment
make or break your session. Clothing and
one another.
Accessories are a fun way to express yourself and your style as a couple. Think through
One outfit is usually best, that way we tell one
your outfits ahead of time and go shopping.
story instead of breaking it up. If you’d like to
It’s a great way to add to your photos.
bring a coat or different accessory to change it up, that’s great. If you are dying to do 2
As a photographer in Colorado, I get a lot of
outfits, I’m fine with that!
couples who come to their shoot in jeans and a t-shirt. If that is your style that is completely
You may want to hire a stylist to help with
fine…however this is a fantastic reason to
wardrobe and I highly encourage this. I would
dress up and be stylish! Think of that dress
also suggest a hair and makeup artist (a
you’ve been dying to buy or those fantastic
perfect time to do a trial with your wedding
shoes.
day artist). If you don’t know who to hire for hair and makeup, I can make suggestions.
You want to feel confident and amazing in
Ladies, hair and makeup is a must, you will
whatever you wear as it will show in your
feel incredible and that will make you love
photos.
being in front of the camera.
Accessories are key for both guys and girls. Jewelry, shoes, scarves etc. Guys, if you love to wear hats, bring it (but leave baseball hats at home) Some other ideas include bow ties, suspenders, vests, ties and nice shoes or a sport coat. Bright primary colors are a great idea, but make sure you compliment each other. Look at a color wheel and choose complimentary colors. Patterns are fine, as long as they don’t clash with each other. If one pattern is large,
WHAT to WEAR
make the other small.
I have made a pinterest board to help you with clothing inspiration: www.pinterest. com/daylene_wilson/engagement-style/ At the end of the day, you should trust your personal style.
FIND a LOCATION I
encourage my couples to find a location
If you both love to read, we can go to a
the spot for you. Maybe coffee is your
I want to help you find the perfect spot and
unique to them.
Get together and
library or book store. If you are foodies a
thing, you could incorporate your favorite
I am willing to help you think it through or
think of things the two of you love to do
local market or picnic might be perfect. If
shop. When thinking outdoors in colorado
even location scout for you.
together. The more creative and unique
you are more modern an art museum or
think of drive time‌ many of the mountain
you get the better your photos will be. Try
parking garage could be an option. A city
views are far away and will take a much
to avoid a location that everyone goes to.
block with unique store fronts could be
larger time commitment.
I
t’s getting very popular to put on your
gives you a chance to do slight variations to
wedding clothes and do a pre-wedding
your wedding day outfits; such a flower crown
session. This takes the pressure off of the
that you wanted to wear but thought was too
wedding day portraits, but doesn’t replace
much for coming down the aisle.
them. You can choose to do this as an add-on or instead of an engagement session.
Utmost care will be taken with your outfits and you can have them cleaned after the
BRIDE & GROOM
Session
This is a relaxed atmosphere that allows you
session. Don’t forget to bring your wedding
to choose where your portraits are done and
rings to the shoot.
HOMEWORK T
ake time to think about the person
you have together, something that will
time that they made you proud and
some thought into this and come to the
you are marrying. No really, sit down
make the other person laugh. Think of
you felt like the luckies person in the
session ready to sweet talk your sweet
and think of the things that you love
a dirty little something you can whisper
world to be with them. You don’t have
someone.
about them. Think of inside jokes that
in their ear during the session. Think of a
to write these things down, but put
There are no RULES to an engagement session. These are just some thoughts and commonly asked questions to help you get started. The most important thing is that it is uniquely you and that you have a great time! Can’t wait to capture your love!