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 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.
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.
If you're planning on using your engagement photos for your save-the-dates, we encourage you to schedule your session at least two to three 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
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
We understand that weather can be unpredictable, and your comfort is our priority. If the forecast isn’t ideal on the day of your session, we’ll work together to reschedule for a time that works best for you. We’ll monitor the conditions closely and keep you updated, ensuring you have a stress-free experience and beautiful photos no matter the weather!
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. Due to past events with certain breeds, we have decided to only allow small dog breeds and the exception of certain large dog breeds. Our safety and the safety of our equipment is important to us. Thank you for understanding.
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 artistic?
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
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
Professional hair and makeup enhance your natural beauty, boost confidence, and ensure a polished, lasting look for your photos. Whether going with a soft and natural look or elegant and subtle look, having both done will elevate your portraits beautifully.
Professional hair and makeup can help you look and feel your best.
hair & makeup
Our favorite shopping resources to look your best during your session.
shopping Guide
For a timeless and polished look, opt for a well-fitted suit or a classic button-down with tailored trousers. You can even simplify it with an earthy toned sweater and your favorite nice, pair of slacks. Neutral or earthy tones photograph beautifully, and layering with a blazer or sweater adds depth.
Don't be afraid to dress up for your engagement photos.
outfit tips
A fresh haircut a week before your session ensures a clean, natural look. Trim facial hair for a polished appearance, and don’t forget skincare—hydrated skin and groomed brows enhance your features effortlessly.
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
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
Our goal is to make you feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera. We’ll offer fun directions, from natural poses to effortless movement, so nothing feels forced or awkward. Whether it's adjusting your stance, finding the best angles, or giving your hands something natural to do, we’ll ensure you look and feel your best—so you can simply focus on enjoying the moment together.
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
After your session, keep the fun going by turning it into a date night! Since you're already dressed up and feeling great, plan a cozy dinner at your favorite restaurant or grab dessert at a local café. Take a stroll together, reminisce about your journey, and soak in the excitement of this special season. Making a night out of it turns your engagement session into more than just photos—it becomes a memory in itself.
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
Eight weeks
Blog Post With Highlights
two weeks
A Lovely Little Highlight Collection
72 Hours
when to expect your engagement photos
" LYNDSEY is AMAZING OMGGG!! She went above and beyond our expectations!!! She did our engagement shoot and wedding! Everything was stunning, no awkward moments, she knew exactly how to prompt us to work with her cinematic photography style!! "
kind words from our couples
100% Recommend to everyone
- Kevin & Anastazia
FAQ
frequently asked questions
Yes! A wardrobe change can add variety to your photos. We recommend bringing 1-2 additional outfits to keep things fresh and dynamic throughout the session.
Absolutely! If you want to include family members, children, or even your pets, just let us know beforehand so we can plan the session to accommodate them.
Just bring yourselves! However, if you're planning to bring props, a change of clothes, or any special items, make sure to pack them ahead of time.
-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
— Lyndsey Michelle
Thank you so much for taking the time to read through this guide! I hope it has helped inspire and prepare you for your engagement session. I'm beyond excited to capture these special moments for you both and can’t wait to create beautiful memories together. If you ever have any questions or need further guidance, I’m here for you every step of the way!