Hey friends! If you’re here, it’s because we’ve got a session coming up—and I couldn’t be more excited to create some magic with you! ✨

I put this guide together to answer any questions you might have ahead of time and to help make the whole process feel fun, relaxed, and totally effortless. Whether you’re wondering what to wear, where to shoot, or how to get the most out of our time together—I’ve got you covered.

Let’s dive in!

Think of this session as a fun, no-pressure hangout — with a camera involved. My approach is all about keeping things relaxed, natural, and maybe a little quirky (in the best way). No awkward prom poses, no forced smiles — just you two, being yourselves, while I capture the real, unscripted moments in between. By the end, you’ll have a gallery of about 100 images filled with laughter, connection, and all the good stuff that makes your relationship yours.

Beyond the photos, this session is a chance for us to get comfortable with each other before the big day. You’ll see how I guide you into natural movement rather than stiff poses, and I’ll get a feel for how you interact with each other — whether you’re all about cozy snuggles or more of a playful, let’s-run-around kind of couple. It’s also the perfect time to figure out what works best for you! Maybe you’ll realize you prefer certain angles, or that a little less PDA feels more like you. Whatever we learn, we’ll take that into the wedding day so everything flows effortlessly.

Most importantly, this session is about having fun. I want you to walk away from it feeling excited, confident, and even more hyped for your wedding photos. And if we get a little goofy along the way? Even better!

Engagement sessions are usually one hour long, and I recommend aiming for a weekday evening if possible — the light is beautiful, and the pace is a little more relaxed midweek. Not only does this give us that dreamy, golden-hour light — it also means fewer crowds in popular spots, which makes the whole experience feel more relaxed and low-key.

That said, I totally understand that weekday evenings don’t work for everyone — weekends are absolutely available for those with tighter schedules. Either way, it’s a good idea to book early, as my calendar tends to fill up quickly!

If you’re picturing something a little different — morning light, moody overcast vibes, or even a creative nighttime shoot — I’m all in. Let’s dream it up together.

If you’re planning to use your engagement photos for Save the Dates, keep in mind those typically go out around 5 months before the wedding. Since I deliver engagement galleries within about 4-6 weeks, we’ll want to schedule your session at least 6 months before the big day so you have time to choose your favourites.

Location plays a big role in setting the tone of your session — and I’m game to shoot pretty much anywhere. Whether we’re wandering through a quiet forest, roaming city streets, or hanging out at your favorite weekend coffee spot, I love using the energy of a space to help tell your story.

 

If you have a spot that means something to you — where you had your first date, your go-to neighborhood walk, or even a place tied to your shared hobbies or style — that’s a great place to start. Unique and personal is always a win. It doesn’t have to be dramatic or remote; sometimes the best backdrops are right in your own backyard (figuratively or literally).

If you’re into bold lines and modern architecture, let’s hit up an urban corner or parking structure. More into cozy and colourful? A local market or laid-back picnic might be your vibe. And if your dog is part of the family? Bring them along — I’m always down for that!

Ultimately, the best location is one you feel good in. I’ll help scout the perfect spot if you’re undecided, and we’ll make sure it fits both your personalities and the kind of energy you want your photos to reflect.

What you wear should feel like an extension of you. Think confident, comfortable, and true to your style — just with a little extra polish. You’ll likely be more dressed up on your wedding day, so consider this session a chance to keep things a bit more laid-back, stylish, and fun.

We’ll have an hour to shoot, so two outfits max is ideal — it gives us enough time to explore without rushing through changes. If you want to bring a third just in case, go for it! Just know that every outfit swap takes away from shooting time, so plan accordingly.

When it comes to colour, think about what will pop against your surroundings. Earthy neutrals always photograph beautifully, but don’t be afraid of a bold accent — a splash of blue, a warm rust tone, or a pair of standout shoes can add so much life to a look. Want to coordinate without matching? Go for complementary tones and a similar level of formality — think “effortlessly cohesive,” not twinning.

Avoid super bright neons, loud logos, or anything that might be distracting on camera. And keep an eye out for tags, straps, or transparent fabrics that could cause wardrobe malfunctions mid-shoot. Comfort matters too — if we’re moving around a bit (and we probably will), bring a pair of walking shoes you can swap into between shots.

If we’re not shooting near a restroom, your car will likely be our best option for changing. And speaking of things to bring — try to leave bags, phones, and extras behind when we’re shooting. I can always hold onto the essentials while we’re moving, but the less we’re juggling, the more we can focus on the fun stuff.

Need help choosing what to wear? I’m just an email away and always happy to help you decide!

MAKE IT YOURS

Everything in this guide is here to help you feel prepped, confident, and ready to roll — but at the end of the day, none of it is a rulebook. These are just some helpful tips to get you thinking and to make sure you feel good stepping in front of the camera.

This session is all about you. Whether we’re chasing golden light, running barefoot through the woods, or grabbing a coffee mid-shoot, I want the experience to feel true to your story. Lean into what feels natural, make it personal, and don’t be afraid to let your personality shine.

The best photos always come when you’re having fun and fully in the moment — so let’s make some magic together.

Still wondering how to make your session feel personal?

Take a scroll through my blog to see how other couples brought their stories to life. Every session is a little different — and that’s what makes it fun!

Take me to the blog!