Congrats on your engagement and upcoming wedding!

Engagement photos are the best way to get comfortable in front of the camera. The photos are perfect for save the dates, wedding day guest books, wedding decor, and most of all just celebrating the fact that you’re engaged! It’s a wonderful way for us to get to know each other and chat more about your love story and wedding plans. Pick a location with significance to you two or with a beautiful backdrop, bonus if it’s both. Let’s capture you in the bright morning light or the 1-2 hours before sunset for golden hour magic.

Sessions are a mix of posed and prompted actions. Posing empowers you to feel confident, while prompts lead to candid and genuine reactions. I like to get a mix of both. You’ll get a variety of photos that focus on you two, your love, and this chapter in your story. The session is about celebrating you two, so BE YOU, and let me capture your magic… but I’ve got you covered if you’re not sure what to do with your hands.

This post is part style guide, part suggestions, and a bunch of sample images. Enjoy!

WHAT TO WEAR

Jeans are comfortable and they go with everything! Mix and match with black + white and other neutrals. Jean jackets are great layering options. Focus on outfits that go together, no need to be matchy-matchy.

You can get a bit fancy or throw in a pop of color! Flowy floral dresses, skirt/sweater combo, or a chic dress are always good.

LOCATION

UC Davis Arboretum is the best! So many gardens, paths, and bridges to cross over. There’s something for all the nature lovers and each season offers a variety of blooms! I shoot engagements here the most frequently because there’s always a new area to be discovered.

Apple Hill is another gem with so much greenery and different textures.

Downtown Sacramento! With Capitol Park and Downtown Commons in such close proximity, we can get a mix of cityscape, park vibes, and murals (like this gem by Maren Conrad).

Rock Garden at William Land Park is another local favorite! This beautiful park is located behind Fairy Tale Town. I prefer shooting there in the morning to avoid crowds, but you can’t beat the golden afternoon light if you don’t mind people around.

The Snow! If you want to cozy up with your love in the cold, let’s go! I just got new snow boots and need to test them out.

ACTIVITIES

What do you and your babe LOVE to do together? Perhaps it has to do with music, water, wine, donuts, or coffee- anything you two can’t get enough of or just enjoy! Having something to do during your session can be really fun, make you feel relaxed in front of the lens, and lead to genuine reactions during whatever you’re doing!

PROPS

Props are another fun one! It can show your personality and give you something to interact with. Dogs, signs, flowers, your favorite beverage, anything with significance. If your wedding has a theme, try incorporating that. Or look for available props wherever you might be taking photos!

THE RING

Engagement rings always have a story! I’d love to hear it and photograph it.

HAIR + MAKEUP AND MORE

If you want to get pampered for your shoot, go for it, but don’t feel obligated if that’s not your style.

Lea is an amazing hair and make up artist!
Christi Reynolds can help with the natural glam and hair too!

If you have a specific vendor you’ve been wanting to work with at your wedding, this is a great time to reach out to them!

FAQ

How long are engagement sessions?

Usually about 1-1.5 hours, depending on location.

How many outfits should we bring?

I suggest 2 outfits. Usually a casual and fancier option, but you can do two casual or two fancy! Send me photos of your outfit options, I’m happy to help you decide and make sure everything goes together and with the setting.

When do we schedule?

Engagement sessions are included in all wedding collections. If you book me as your wedding photographer, we will plan the e-sesh at that time. If you’re celebrating an anniversary or just want photos with your boo, schedule anytime.

When are photos delivered?

Your gallery is delivery in 1-2 weeks. I always send a sneak preview a couple days after the shoot!

What if it rains?

If it’s raining, I try not to reschedule until the evening before, just in case there’s a break in the weather. A cloudy day can lead to moody and romantic photos. I have cute clear umbrellas if there’s a sprinkle, but if it’s pouring, then we’ll plan a back up day.

Hope this helps in your engagement session planning and guides you to make the most of our shoot!

Congrats to recently engaged couples. I’d love to be apart of celebrating you two and documenting your love story! Much love!

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Engagement Session Guide