Engagement sessions are one of my favorite parts of the entire wedding experience. They’re slower. They’re intentional. They’re full of personality. And they give us the space to create something that feels undeniably you.


If you’re wondering how to prepare, here’s everything I want my couples to know.

A laughing woman in a cowboy hat is embraced from behind by her partner in a sunlit green field.
Couple holding hands from behind, woman in blue crop top and white skirt on sandy path.
Smiling couple embracing on a dirt path through a lush green field at golden hour.
Couple sharing a sunset kiss on a scenic hillside with golden sunlight flare between them.

When to Book Your Engagement Session: Earlier Is Better


One of the biggest misconceptions about engagement sessions is that you can schedule them last minute. Because my busiest wedding months run from May through early October, most weekends during that stretch are already booked with weddings or blocked off around them (think about if you fall into this category yourself).


If you know you want a specific season, it’s always best to reach out as early as possible. At minimum, I recommend booking 2–3 months in advance. If you’re hoping for spring or early fall, earlier is even better.


Weeknights are often the easiest option. Since weekends are typically weddings, weekday evenings give us more flexibility and usually feel calmer overall.

Black and white photo of a joyful woman laughing while being embraced by her partner in an open field.
A couple holds hands walking along a street at night, illuminated by a bright light on a brick building.
A close-up of a delicate diamond solitaire engagement ring on a woman's hand against a navy coat.
A smiling young woman embraces a curly-haired man outdoors at dusk in a romantic moment.

The Best Time of Year (and Day)


We can make beautiful photos any time of year. I’ve shot in snow, summer heat, light rain - it all works if you lean into it. That said, spring is often my favorite. The grass is green again, the air is warmer, and my calendar tends to have more flexibility before peak wedding season fully ramps up.


When it comes to time of day, photography really does revolve around light. The most consistently flattering time to begin is about one to one-and-a-half hours before sunset. That gives us enough daylight to move around while also catching the softer evening light as the sun lowers.


Sunrise is the second-best option - and honestly, it’s incredibly underrated. It’s quiet, it’s peaceful, and it feels intimate in a different way. If you’re willing to wake up early, I’m always happy to meet you there.

Couple sharing a romantic moment under a clear umbrella in a lush green garden setting.
Joyful couple running through a lush green park lawn on a cloudy day.
Black and white photo of a couple lying on grass, heads together, smiling and embracing outdoors.
Couple sharing a romantic moment under a clear bubble umbrella in the rain outdoors.
Black and white photo of couple kissing on a snowy dock reflected in a calm winter lake.
Woman with auburn hair embraces man outdoors in snowy winter landscape, gazing at camera.
Happy couple playing and embracing on a snowy hill surrounded by snow-covered winter trees.
Smiling couple holding a fluffy white goldendoodle dog in a snowy outdoor winter setting.

Dress Without the Stress


Outfits are where couples tend to spiral, but they don’t have to be complicated. The goal isn’t perfection: it’s cohesion and comfort.


I generally recommend avoiding large logos or heavy graphics, simply because they distract from you. Neutral tones or colors that complement each other photograph beautifully, think creams, browns, soft blues, muted pastels. That said, a bold pop of color can look incredible, especially in the summer against green grass.


Movement is one of the most important details people overlook. Clothing that flows or layers well, skirts, loose jackets, textured fabrics, adds dimension and keeps things from feeling stiff.


We typically shoot for about 90 minutes, and you’re welcome to bring multiple outfits. If you want a more casual look and then something slightly elevated, we can absolutely build that in. I also encourage you to send me outfit ideas ahead of time. I’m always happy to give feedback so you feel confident going into it.

Couple sitting on green grass, wearing jeans and white sneakers, with a red dress visible.
A couple shares a kiss on the grass while their golden dog rests beside them outdoors.
Romantic couple leaning in for a kiss on steps of a classic brick building with white columns.
Happy couple holding an adorable dog in front of a brick building with arched walkways.
Couple sharing a romantic kiss inside a classic red pickup truck on a sunny day.
Young couple sitting together in a golden field at dusk, smiling and holding hands.
Couple sharing a tender moment near the open door of a classic red truck at sunset.
Couple embracing beside a classic red pickup truck with an American flag in an open field.

“We’re Awkward in Front of the Camera.”


Almost everyone says this. And it makes sense; being photographed intentionally isn’t something most people do regularly.


This is exactly why engagement sessions are so worthwhile! They give us time to get comfortable with each other before the wedding day. You learn how I work. I learn how you naturally interact. We find your rhythm together.


My approach is rooted in movement and subtle direction rather than stiff posing. Instead of locking you into something that feels unnatural, I guide you through walking, shifting, leaning, laughing, interacting. The goal is for you to feel relaxed enough that you forget about the camera entirely.


You don’t need to show up with poses prepared. I come with direction, ideas, and inspiration. If there are specific images you love and want to recreate, we can absolutely incorporate those. But no one is expected to perform.


Every session looks different because every couple is different. That’s intentional.

Couple sharing an intimate moment at golden sunset, woman touching mans face with engagement ring visible.
Couple leans in for a kiss while sitting on sand dunes during colorful sunset.
Couple poses romantically on a sandy beach at twilight, woman in white floral dress and man in denim jacket.
Couple holding hands and walking on sandy beach at sunset, woman in flowing floral dress and man in denim jacket.

Beyond the Photos


At the end of the day, your engagement session isn’t about perfect outfits or perfectly executed poses. It’s about documenting this in-between season — the quiet before the wedding day, the way you are with each other right now.


If you focus on choosing something meaningful, booking early, wearing something you feel good in, and trusting the process, everything else falls into place.


And I’ll guide you through the rest.