engagement session planning guide
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Notes for Choosing the Perfect Location, Time, Outfits, & More
PLANNING YOUR ENGAGEMENT SESSION
Keep reading for more details on how to prepare for your engagement session, what to wear, bringing pets, location ideas, and more.
Welcome! 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. 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 at hello@stephaniemichelledfw.com
a quick note
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
Spring engagement sessions offer a magical canvas with the soft, golden glow of late afternoon sunlight, creating a dreamy atmosphere that beautifully accentuates your love story
Fresh blooms and airy strolls through the park.
spring
The warm weather sets the perfect backdrop for capturing your connection with a touch of that extra sunlit glow.
Warm sunset walks on the beach. Tans and sun dresses.
summer
Imagine capturing your love amid falling leaves, wrapped in stylish layers, and enjoying that crisp, refreshing air.
Fall foliage, dreamy lighting, and romance in the air.
fall
Think cozy fireplace embraces in stylish winter attire, the soft glow of twinkling lights, and the chance to capture the warmth of your connection against the cool backdrop of the season
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
Nasher Museum or Dallas Symphony Orchestra
sophisticated & timeless
Arlington Hall or Dallas Arboretum
the great outdoors
Dallas City Hall or Adriatica Village
european inspired
AT&T Performing Arts Center Dallas or near Adolphus Hotel
big city feel
We always encourage our couples to choose a location that is significant or compliments the theme of your wedding.
locations
dallas & fort worth 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.
destination engagement sessions
As a backup for potential bad weather or rain, we always schedule two dates in case of needed cancellation.
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
Revolve
Anthropologie
Sezane
Nordstrom
Quince
J. Crew
Our favorite shopping resources to look your best during your session.
shopping Guide
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!
Choose a dress over something casual, you won't regret it!
Outfit tips
- Styles By Vero
- Etoilly Artistry
- Anna Sullivan & Acie Artistry
Professional hair and makeup can help you look and feel your best.
hair & makeup
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!
Don't be afraid to dress up for your engagement photos.
outfit tips
Do it at least 2 days before so that you're not having red marks from razors! Highly recommend a manicure but its not absolutely necessary, just a wonderful way to spend time with your lady!
A haircut, manicure, and a little grooming goes a long way.
grooming
Our favorite shopping resources to look your best during your session.
SHOPPING GUIDE
Ralph Lauren
ASOS
Suit Supply
J. Crew
Zara
Bonobos
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!
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
I highly recommend checking out a nice restaurant while you're in your attire with hair and makeup done. Some of my favorites are Carbone, Monarch Dallas, Kessaku, and Nick & Sams. The atmosphere is romantic, dim lighting and the vibes are immaculate. You won't regret it after being on a high from your session! You deserve a nice treat after being models for two hours.
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.
Full Gallery Delivered
six weeks
Highlights Gallery Shared
two weeks
Social Media Sneak Peek
48 Hours
when to expect your engagement photos
"Stephanie did such an amazing job helping us pose & giving direction. She was fun, organized & super calm the entire time which really helped us relax. Not to mention the light looks incredible and we will cherish these moments forever".
kind words from our couples
this was an incredible experience
-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
— Stephanie
At the end of the day your engagement session is a testament to you & the love of your life. Its a time to celebrate, have fun & just memorialize your love at this time in your life. They should serve as a reminder of how much you two cherish each other! I cant wait to celebrate with you & capture your love story.