Your engagement session is more than just a photo shoot—it’s a chance to get comfortable in front of the camera before your wedding day. It helps ease any nerves, allows you to experience our approach to photography, and gives you a beautiful way to tell your story as a couple.
Beyond the photos, this session is also an opportunity for us to get to know each other. We’ll learn how you interact naturally, what poses feel most like you, and the angles that suit you best. Most importantly, you’ll see firsthand that you can trust us to capture you in a way that feels effortless, romantic, and true to who you are.
By the time your wedding day arrives, being in front of the camera will feel natural—allowing us to document your love candidly and beautifully.
Engagement Session
Planning Your
To start, let’s get in the right mindset. Here are a few questions to consider when shaping your session:
What activities bring you both the most joy?
- Is there a place—local or beyond—that holds special memories or a destination you dream of visiting together?
- When you look back on these photos 20 years from now, what do you want to remember? How do you want to feel?
Making Your Engagement Session Your Own
While most engagement sessions take place between April and early November, they can happen any time of year. The best season for your session often depends on the location you have in mind.
Here’s what to keep in mind for each season:
Seasons
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Winter
snowfall, hot cocoa and 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 2:30pm to catch the sunset. We 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.
Summer
walks through town hand in hand
In spite of the heat, we're big fans 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, we recommend bringing extra makeup, water and a few towels to make sure you stay fresh throughout your session.
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For busier locations, sunrise is ideal to avoid crowds and distractions.
For more private or scenic locations, sunset offers extra time for hair, makeup, and travel while creating that soft, golden glow.
If you’d like to include two locations, we recommend keeping them within five minutes of each other so we can make the most of the best light.
Once we’ve chosen a date and location, we’ll provide a timing estimate to ensure your session is beautifully lit and perfectly timed!
Timing and Logistics
Finding the Light
For local weddings, send save the dates 6–8 months in advance. For destination weddings, aim for 8–10 months to give guests plenty of time to plan.
If you’d like to use your engagement photos, schedule your session at least two months before you plan to send them. This ensures time for editing, designing, and printing, so everything is ready on time.
Save-the-dates
Sending Your
Locations
The location we choose for your engagement session plays a huge role in the overall look and feel of your photos—not just in terms of color and light, but in how personal and meaningful the images feel to you. While classic, open spaces are always beautiful, we encourage you to consider locations that truly reflect who you are as a couple.
Think about the places that feel like home to you—a stroll with your dog through your neighborhood in Chicago, cozying up in your favorite local coffee shop, or an elegant evening downtown if dressing up is part of your lifestyle. Choosing a setting that feels authentic to your relationship makes your engagement photos even more special.
Beyond the sentimental value, location also impacts how light interacts in your photos. My favorite locations are those filled with natural light and reflectors, such as paved walkways, stone steps, and neutral-colored buildings (beige, white, or light grey). These elements help create the signature light and airy feel you see in our work.
On the other hand, locations surrounded by dense trees, red brick, or asphalt pathways tend to absorb light, making images look darker and moodier. While there’s no right or wrong choice, we’ll work together to find the perfect setting that aligns with both your vision and the timeless aesthetic of our photography.
How to pick the best location for your engagement photos
Malia and Josh at Newfields (photo permit required)
Molly and JIm in downtown Chicago
Agnes and Mitch at Laurel Hall- (photo permit required)
Engagement Session Location IDeas
Amanda and Jordan at The Rookery (photo permit required)
Kali and Zack at their alma mater
Tyler and AJ at their favorite local whiskey bar
These locations photograph beautifully, with natural light and reflective surfaces that create bright, timeless images. While each one makes a stunning backdrop, we also encourage you to consider locations that feel personal and meaningful to you.
Please note that some locations require a photo permit or have specific time restrictions for sessions. If you’re interested in a particular spot, let us know, and we’ll help navigate any necessary arrangements.
Click on the images below to explore real engagement sessions at each location!
Francesca and Tim's Pizza Party Engagement Session
Maggie and Isaac's Colorado Session
Julia and Will's Coxhall Gardens Engagement Photos
Destination Engagement Sessions
If there’s one thing you should know about us, it’s that we love to travel. If you’ve ever dreamed of having your engagement session somewhere beyond your hometown—we’re all in. Whether it’s dancing in the desert, strolling through your favorite vacation spot, or wandering the streets of Paris in the fall, we’d love to make it happen with you.
A pre-wedding getaway can be the perfect way to step away from wedding planning and just enjoy time together. It doesn’t have to be a big, extravagant trip—even a long weekend in a meaningful place can be just what you need.
If you’re already planning to travel somewhere soon, or if you’re not based in the Midwest and would love for us to come to you, email us to see if our schedules align! We’d love to explore a beautiful new location with you and create something truly special. Let’s start dreaming!
Our dogs are a huge part of our family, so we love when couples include their pets in their engagement session! If you’d like to bring yours, we’ll just need to pick a pet-friendly location.
A few things to keep in mind:
Plan for your pet to be there only for the first part of the session, then have a friend take them home.
Since they won’t be in every shot, a friend to hold them between photos is helpful.
Exercise them beforehand and bring treats or a favorite toy to keep their attention.
A quick groom can make a big difference in photos.
We’re happy to help make this fun and stress-free!
Pets
You don’t need to worry about posing—we’ll guide you through everything! We start with natural, easy movements that feel effortless, and if something feels a little funny, it’s probably just to get you laughing—that’s the moment we’re really after.
Throughout your session, we’ll also keep an eye on your hair, makeup, and outfits to make sure everything looks great. Our goal is for you to feel relaxed, confident, and completely in the moment.
Feeling Comfortable in Front of the Camera
Feeling Comfortable in Front of the Camera
POSING
Props
A little extra magic
Props can be a great way to add personality to your session and help you feel more at ease in front of the camera. Champagne, flower bouquets, picnics, bicycles, and classic cars all make beautiful additions.
If you'd like to bring props, just let us know in advance so we can plan for them!
Whenever possible, we love capturing a beautiful close-up of your engagement ring—so having it cleaned beforehand can make all the difference!
For a quick at-home clean, soak your ring in warm water with a few drops of dish soap for 20–40 minutes, then gently scrub with a soft toothbrush. Rinse and repeat if needed for extra sparkle!
Ring Cleaning
Inclement Weather
what to do if it rains
To ensure your engagement session goes as planned, we typically schedule two dates—a primary date and a backup rain date. This helps us stay ahead of any weather challenges while making sure you get the look you envisioned.
Since the forecast can change quickly, we’ve learned not to make a final weather call until about 24 hours before your session. The week of your shoot, we’ll check in to confirm the time, location, and forecast. We know how much time goes into getting ready, and the last thing we want is for you to get dressed up and head out—only for the weather to take a turn.
Your outfit choices are one of the most exciting parts of your engagement session! This is your chance to embrace your personal style—whether that means going bold and fashion-forward or keeping it timeless and classic.
Always dreamed of a red-carpet moment? This could be the perfect time to purchase or rent a designer dress. Love the idea of looking effortlessly chic? Go all in on sleek, tailored elegance.
Or maybe you've always been drawn to the equestrian aesthetic—crisp blazers, tall boots, and rolling countryside. If that vision speaks to you, let’s bring it to life.
Whatever reflects your style, confidence, and story best—we’re here for it. Let’s make it uniquely yours.
What to Wear
How Many Outfits?
Most of our couples bring two outfits to their engagement session for a mix of styles. You might start with a casual look and switch to something more formal, or go for two elevated, dressy outfits if that’s more your style.
We’ll plan time for a quick outfit change—just let us know in advance so we can work it into the session!
Pairing Colors
When choosing outfits, aim to coordinate rather than match. Instead of wearing the same color, select tones that complement each other—like a soft pink dress with a pastel blue shirt.
Sticking to color families (such as pastels, neutrals, or earth tones) helps create a cohesive and timeless look. Here are some of our favorite color pairings!
Blue and Pink
Sage and Lilac
Cream and Brown
Navy and Blue
Cerulean and Sage
Pink and Cream
Selecting Your Outfit Colors
Examples of Colors that work well together
Blues
Pinks
Greens
Browns
Neutrals
Purples
- Heels lengthen your legs – If they aren’t comfortable for walking, bring flats to slip into between shots.
- Larger patterns work best – Avoid small, intricate prints that can look too busy on camera.
- Soft, pastel, and neutral tones are flattering – Bright colors, especially neons, can cast unwanted reflections on your skin.
- Flowing fabrics add movement and elegance – Dresses and skirts with a little movement create beautiful, romantic images.
- Statement accessories elevate your look – A chic hat, delicate jewelry, or a structured bag can add a refined touch.
- Consider a second outfit – A mix of dressy and casual looks adds variety to your gallery.
Outfit Tips for Ladies
Selecting Your Outfits
Wardrobe
We highly recommend professional hair and makeup for your engagement session. It’s the perfect chance to do a trial run before the wedding, and even if you’ve already had one, having it done again ensures a polished, photo-ready look.
Makeup designed for photography enhances your features in natural light and helps prevent shine, while a professional hairstyle ensures everything stays in place—no matter the weather. Plus, it takes the stress off your plate so you can relax and enjoy the experience.
Hair and Makeup
Some Thoughts On
Manicures
Throughout your session, we’ll capture close-up moments of your hands—from holding each other to showcasing your engagement ring. Because of this, we recommend taking a little time to tidy up your nails beforehand—and that goes for both of you!
A simple polish or a clean, well-groomed look can make a big difference in your final images. It’s a small detail, but one that helps your photos feel even more polished and timeless.
To make things simple, we’ve put together a curated Pinterest board filled with outfit and accessory ideas to help you find the perfect look. We’ve included options at a range of price points, and each image links directly to the website where you can purchase the exact item if you’d like!
Click here to view our Pinterest board!
Direct Links on Pinterest
Selecting Your Outfits
Wardrobe
We know spending time in front of the camera might feel a little awkward at first, but trust us—it’s easier than you think! By the end of your session, you’ll feel relaxed, and you might even have fun.
Engagement sessions aren’t just about photos—they’re a chance for us to get to know each other so that on your wedding day, you’ll feel completely at ease, and we’ll know how to capture you at your best.
The Guys
A NOTE TO
Wardrobe Tips
Some styles look great in person but don’t always translate well on camera. For a classic, timeless look, we recommend avoiding busy patterns, plaids, or flannels, as they can be distracting in photos.
Instead, opt for solid colors, sweaters, or dress shirts—and if you want to elevate your look, layering with a vest, blazer, or suit jacket adds a refined touch.
for Gentlemen
We love a fun pop of color, but neon tones can reflect onto your skin, creating color casting that isn’t always fully removable in editing.
If you’re set on wearing neon, opt for less reflective fabrics or schedule an outfit consultation with Alison to explore the best options!
Neons
What to Know About
- Patterns smaller than a quarter – Tiny prints can create a distracting, almost pixelated effect in photos.
- Baggy or ill-fitting clothing – Well-tailored outfits always photograph better and create a more polished look.
- Spray tans – Even high-quality spray tans can appear orange or uneven on camera, especially in natural light.
- Logos and large text – Graphic tees and branding can be distracting and take away from the timeless feel of your photos.
What to Avoid
Once your session is complete, we’ll begin editing right away. Your full gallery will be ready within 30 days, unless we’re closed for a holiday.
Your images will be delivered via email, so keep an eye on your inbox—we can’t wait for you to see them!
After Your Session
Make the Most of Your Engagement Session
If dressing up isn’t something you do every day, why not take advantage of the opportunity? Your engagement session is the perfect excuse for a date night (or a cozy brunch if it’s a morning shoot).
It’s all about celebrating your love, and what better way to keep the joy going than with a special meal together after the session? Whether it’s a dinner or a relaxed coffee date, it’s a great way to soak in the moment.
need more help?
If you're stuck deciding between two outfits or aren't sure how a certain dress or suit will look on camera, let's schedule an outfit consultation! We'll hop on a zoom chat and go over everything together!
Schedule an
Outfit Consult
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