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Congrats on choosing your wedding date, wedding planner, photographer, and venue! These are some of the most challenging decisions in wedding planning that you can now happily check off your list. With that excitement aside, it’s time for the fun stuff – your engagement photos!

I want you to know that I’m honored to be your photographer and humbled that you’ve trusted me with the responsibility of helping you create memories you’ll look back on and cherish for a lifetime. I can’t wait to celebrate with you on your big day and be at your side to capture all the memories you’ll make with each other and the people you love most. But first, let’s talk about your engagement session!

Why Is An Engagement Photos Session Important?

As a photographer, I truly believe your engagement session is super crucial for a few reasons. Firstly, it’s a chance for us to hang out and get to know each other better before the big day. Secondly, it helps you get comfy in front of the camera so you’ll be total posing pros by your wedding day. Thirdly, you’ll walk away with a bunch of stunning photos perfect for save-the-dates, your wedding website, prints for the rehearsal dinner or reception, and even frames for your new home together. But most importantly, it’s a way to freeze this special time in your lives. You know, that short but sweet window when you’re fiancés? Let’s capture those moments, take a breath, and cherish them for years to come.

This guide is packed with my best tips, insider secrets, and even a FREE Engagement Session Planning Checklist. Your only job is to be yourselves, laugh a lot, have fun and let me do the rest! I can’t wait to get you in front of my camera and I’m so excited to see you soon!

Timing

First things first, let’s talk timing. Your engagement shoot can take place at any time before your big day. However, I highly recommend booking it at least 3-6 months in advance to avoid any unnecessary stress. With our busy weekend schedule filled with weddings, I typically shoot engagement sessions on weekday mornings or evenings for the best light.

When you’re planning “getting ready” time before your engagement photos session (scheduling your hair, makeup, etc.) please give yourself a lot more time than you think you’ll need. Make sure to account for things like traffic, getting lost and parking, so you can prevent unnecessary stress, arrive a few minutes early to your session and be ready to start on time. We’re only able to shoot when light is still in the sky, so we’ll want to take advantage of every minute we have together before the sun goes down!

Location for Engagement Photos

When it comes to location, I encourage couples to choose a place that has special meaning to them. Whether it’s where you first met or where you shared your first date, a sentimental location adds a personal and meaningful touch to your photos. Don’t worry if you can’t think of a specific location, I’m more than happy to help you brainstorm and decide on the perfect spot. And remember, with great lighting, any location can look fantastic! From coffee shops to campuses to parks and museums, don’t be afraid to think outside the box and let your creativity run wild.

Go for Natural Light

For most of my sessions, outdoor, open-air environments are always my first choice. I love shooting in wide-open natural spaces because the light is divine, especially during golden hour. There are great options all around the state, so even if you’ve never seen me photograph in a specific place before, I’m always up for exploring a new spot together!

Why not think about some cool spots you or your friends might have access to that others don’t? Think private estates, family ranches, exclusive clubs, or fancy resorts. Take a sec to mull it over and ask around your friends and work pals. You might uncover some hidden gems! Also, don’t forget about Airbnb or other rental sites. My past clients have scored some awesome locations that way!

Your engagement session includes my travel time anywhere in the OKC area. If you’d like to go somewhere else in the state, I’m up for the adventure! If you’d like to shoot outside of the city, there will be a travel fee to account for the extra hours of drive time there and back, the time required beforehand for me to scout locations and the overall longer session time. For destination sessions, I allow three hours (instead of two) so we have enough time to drive to multiple scenic spots.

If I happen to be in or around a location you’ve always dreamt of for your engagement photos, and our schedules align, let’s make it happen! I’m all in for meeting you in a stunning spot and making magic. If you’re eyeing a destination outside the state where I’m not already scheduled to visit, just give me a heads-up, and I’ll sort out a custom quote for you.

What to Wear for Your Engagement Photos Session: Ladies

Dresses and skirts always look amazing on camera because they really flatter the female body – which explains why you see loads of dresses on the red carpet and not so many pantsuits! I suggest going for long, flowy dresses or skirts because they look awesome on all body types, pop on camera, and bring that extra movement and dimension to your photos. Maxi (or floor-length) skirts and dresses will give your photos that fun twirl, add a touch of romance to your walking shots, and look super pretty against nature backgrounds like gardens, forest, fields, or beach. Shorter cocktail-length dresses or midi skirts also photograph beautifully. Some of my brides even bring two dresses – one for each vibe! I’d say skip the pants and shorts for your session and say yes to a dress (or skirt!) or two!

What About Two Outfits?

Many of my brides who opt for two outfits usually bring one show-stopping dress and then another shorter cocktail-length or midi/maxi skirt for a more relaxed, “date night” vibe. But hey, if you’re feeling two “wow” dresses and skipping the casual option altogether, go for it! The camera adores runway-worthy attire, and so do I! However, remember, it’s totally okay if the idea of two looks stresses you out. If sticking to one fabulous outfit feels more your style, that’s perfectly fine too! One look you adore beats having one outfit you love and another you’re not too keen on. So, whether it’s one or two, it’s entirely up to you!

If you’re having a hard time making up your mind, feel free to shoot me an email with pictures! I’d be happy to help you narrow down your options or give you my opinion about what will look best on camera!

Colors

When it comes to picking outfit colors, I suggest going for lighter, neutral tones and softer shades. Bright, bold, or neon colors tend to distract from the main focus: YOU and your love for each other 🙂 Opting for light neutrals like cream, taupe, camel, or light gray is always a safe bet. Soft pinks and muted blues, combined with sophisticated light neutrals, are also camera favorites. This softer, more neutral palette blends seamlessly into almost any natural outdoor setting, ensuring the spotlight remains squarely on you!

Here’s a tip: Aim for each of you to sport a distinct dominant color while sticking to a cohesive color palette. For instance, if you’re rocking a blush dress with nude heels (blush being your main color), he could opt for a navy coat paired with gray pants, complemented by brown leather shoes, and maybe even a blush pocket square. This way, he maintains his own dominant color (navy) while weaving in touches of your palette. Typically, brides select their dress first, then coordinate their partner’s outfit accordingly. That’s why I’ve got a section for each of you!

Flattering Your Features

Every woman (no matter her size or shape) tends to have those spots she feels a bit self-conscious about. Being aware of these areas when picking your outfits is key. Opting for styles and colors that highlight your natural features is the surefire way to make sure you feel awesome in your photos.

If you’re a little anxious about your arms, keep an eye out for longer sleeves when you’re shopping around. If your dress happens to have shorter sleeves (or none at all), think about bringing along a cute jacket, blazer, cardigan, or pashmina to add into your ensemble. When it comes to skinny straps or strapless dresses, they can sometimes have the opposite effect on arms in photos—they might make them look a bit bigger. If it’s chilly outside, bringing along a warm coat to slip into between shots is a smart move so you don’t end up freezing in your dress!

Shoes

Let’s talk shoes! Heels work wonders for elongating women’s legs and adding some definition to those calves. A trusty pair of neutral pumps is always a winner! If you’re rocking a peep-toe heel and your toes are peeking out, it might be a good idea to schedule a pedicure before your engagement photos so you’re not left regretting any toe show. And oh, don’t forget to pack a pair of flats for moving around between spots. Your feet will thank you later!

Accessories for Engagement Photos

Accessories can really jazz up your photos, whether it’s a necklace, belt, bracelet, earrings, hat, or scarf. Opting for one or two can add some visual interest, just make sure they don’t clash for attention when worn together. For instance, if you’re rocking bold earrings, you might want to go for a more understated necklace, or skip the necklace altogether.

One last tip about jewelry: Your ring hand will be featured in a lot of the photos, so I recommend getting your ring cleaned and treating yourself to a manicure.

Go Pro for Hair and Makeup

Most of my brides opt for professional hair and makeup for their engagement photos. It takes off that getting-ready stress all by yourself. These photos are gonna stick around forever, so why not treat yourself? Pro hair and makeup will give you that extra boost of confidence in front of the lens, and it always photographs like a dream.

If you’re working with a makeup artist, see if you can get your makeup done in natural light. That way, it stays fresh and not too heavy, just like the light we’ll be shooting in. It sets up the best expectation for how it’ll look on camera. Sometimes my brides feel like their makeup’s a tad “much” at first—it’s more than they’d wear on a regular day. But no worries! Good makeup artists know how to dial it in just right for the camera. My brides always end up loving the final result.

If you need a recommendation for hair and makeup, I’ve got you covered. I work with the best teams in the biz—they’re sweet as pie, crazy talented, absolute pros, and all-around amazing people. Just give me a shout, and I’ll shoot you their info. I know they’ll take great care of you!

What to Wear for Your Engagement Photos: Men

Just like a dress is the most flattering silhouette for the female body, a blazer, sport coat, or suit jacket works wonders for men. You can’t beat the classic combo of a dress shirt, slacks, and a sharp blazer, or the timeless appeal of a well-tailored suit.

Suits

When it comes to selecting a suit for engagement photos, remember: it’s not about the price tag, it’s all about the fit. For men, the key is to have a suit jacket that fits snugly (but not overly tight) and pants that hit the right length without excessive breaks. Just like high heels give women a taller appearance, excess fabric piled up on top of a man’s shoes can visually shorten his stature.

If you already have a suit you love and want to wear for your session, be sure to try it on a few weeks beforehand with the shoes you plan to wear. This gives you time to make any necessary alterations and ensures you look your absolute best on the big day!

Solid shades of gray or navy are a strong complement to most women’s outfits, whereas pinstripes or plaid patterns tend to distract the eye, so stay away from too strong of prints, and opt for solids instead.

Layers

Next time you stroll past stores like J. Crew or Banana Republic, take a peek at the male mannequins and models—they’re always rocking multiple layers. And you know what? Layers on men look fantastic on camera. So, even if it’s sweltering outside, enduring an hour or two of discomfort is totally worth it for photos that’ll last a lifetime.

Shoes and Accessories

For a sophisticated and masculine look, long pants and closed-toed shoes are the way to go for men. They divert attention from the legs and feet, keeping the focus where it belongs: on the face you fell in love with. So, when it comes to your engagement photos, leave the shorts and sandals at home. Opt for suit pants, dress pants, or even colored pants instead. Brown leather dress shoes are a versatile choice that complements almost any ensemble, whether he’s in a full suit or a blazer paired with colored pants.

Accessories like ties, bowties, pocket squares, colored socks, belts, tie clips, suspenders, vests, and watches add sharp finishing touches to any suit. If you’re bringing two suits to the session, consider starting with a traditional necktie and belt, then switching to suspenders or a vest for your second look. But if two suits seem too much to handle, no worries! One look is perfectly fine. Many of my grooms stick to one suit and simply switch up their dress shirt and/or pocket square/tie. Others keep the same pair of pants and change their jacket. You can still mix and match accessories to complement both of her dresses without doing a full change during the session. So, whichever route you choose, you’re winning!

After the Session

After your engagement photos are done, make sure to plan a date! You’ll already be looking fabulous, so why not make the most of it? I get that wedding planning can be a whirlwind, so take some time to unwind, enjoy each other’s company, and celebrate this wonderful phase of your life! It’s a chance to relax, have fun together, and cherish these precious moments.

Even though I’m so excited about your wedding, the thing I’m MOST excited about is your marriage! One of the best pieces of advice I can give you is this: never stop dating each other. So if you ask me, your engagement session is a great excuse to plan a date night!

Grab the Free Engagement Photos Checklist

I’ve just shared quite a bit with you to consider! Please don’t feel overwhelmed 🙂 Take it step by step. Click here for a free Engagement Session Checklist to keep you organized and on track. Remember, if you have any questions along the way, I’m here to support you! Whether it’s choosing between dresses, selecting locations, or needing recommendations, I’ve got you covered. Just one email away!

At the end of the day, though, the location you choose and the outfits you wear won’t matter nearly as much as the fun you have together and the memories you make as a couple. The style choices you make will definitely enhance your photos, but the most important accessory to bring with you is joy –– which is the one that makes the biggest difference in your photos anyways. You don’t need to have prior experience in front of the camera. Just show up with a smile and I’ll take care of the rest!