Engagement
session guide
You’re here — you’re engaged!
We can’t wait to meet you & celebrate one of the most fun seasons in your lives! Danny and I want you to get the absolute best results during your session, so below you’ll find our engagement session guide with our tried & true prep tips, styling advice, and a bit on what to expect during our time together. It’s going to be so much fun!
LET’S GET IT.
PREPPING FOR YOUR SESSION
Wedding planning tends to take over once you’re engaged — but your engagement session is such a fun + important stop along the way! It provides such a meaningful time for us to get to know each other and how we can best serve you on the wedding day. We will start off by sending over our Couple’s Questionnaire a few weeks before your session, this will be a deep dive into your comfort levels in front of the camera, what type of shots you like best, and a bit of personal questions to keep conversations open + flowing during the shoot. These questions help us best plan our time together and get a feel for the vibe you bring as a couple. There are no right or wrong ways to answer the questions, so be as honest as you can!
As your session is coming up we want you to think of it as a once-in-a-lifetime date night, and less like an awkward chore. Plan a nice dinner for after the session wraps, splurge on the jeans you’ve always wanted, wear the shoes you don’t normally have an occasion to wear, reach out to the hair & makeup artist you might have your eye on for the wedding day, leave plenty of time to get ready with ease, grab a drink beforehand, MAKE A DAY OUT OF IT, you only get this season once, live it up!
The couples who show up to their sessions relaxed, happy, and ready to enjoy the moment will see much better results in their photos than those who have been running behind all day, and haven’t had a chance to connect beforehand. So plan what needs to be planned in advance, take a minute to spend intentional time together beforehand, and arrive to your session ready to hold hands, cuddle up, probably kiss each other 700 times, and have so much fun — we’ll handle the rest!
WHAT TO WEAR
Neutral color schemes that go together but don’t 100% “match”. Pinterest has great ideas if you search “engagement session outfit inspo” Some of our personal favorite styling colors for photos would be White, Black, Grey, Beige, Brown, Navy, Neutral Greens.
Texture, Layers and Accessories are a great way to add depth to your photos. Think linens, sweaters, denim jacket, a trendy jean, textured skirt, dress with fun sleeves, hair accessories, or a dope hat. Have fun with it!
Whatever you’re most comfortable in. A good style and an aesthetic color scheme can go a long way, but make sure your choices are something you are comfortable moving around in because your comfort makes a huge difference!
Most of our couples will bring an outfit change for their session, usually one look will be a bit more formal and the second a bit more casual. You definitely do not have to prepare two outfits if you’d rather keep it simple, but it’s a great option to get a lot of variety in your photos.
WHAT NOT TO WEAR
Bright or distracting colors. If one person is wearing neutrals and then the other is wearing a bright blue shirt — no matter what happens in your photos, your eye will always go directly to the bright blue shirt. You do not have to shy away from color, but rather plan colors that compliment each other rather than one eye catching bold color moment.
Any type of shirt with a large or noticeable logo. It can be distracting, and can age your photos. Try to avoid any logos if possible!
Athletic Attire. Think golf shirts, dri-fit polos, anything you would find in a sporting goods store. Instead opt for a linen button down, something with some texture, a denim jacket, or even a well fitting neutral colored cotton t-shirt photographs super well.
Anything that isn’t seasonally appropriate. If your session is taking place in the summer, please remember Georgia summers are HOT & HUMID, so keep that in mind when deciding on your fits. If your session takes place in the winter, now is not the time to go for a strappy short dress — I promise you’ll be able to tell you are super cold in your photos, so grab a cute coat to throw over the top for a warm option that still will look bomb in your photos. Fall & Spring definitely offer the most flexibility — but we love all of the seasons around here!
WHAT TO EXPECT
During the session we’ll chat, walk, and keep things super conversational and fun while we find the best places to stop and shoot. Danny and I will take the reins and direct you guys with fun prompts and adaptable simple posing tips to keep things natural while making you feel like the hotties that you are. This is where we’ll take the answers you give us on the questionnaire to cater to what you’re comfortable with and the vibe you like best.
Usually about halfway through the session is when you’ll change into your second look (if applicable). This works easier at certain locations with accessible restrooms, but if you’re not opposed to potentially changing in your car that can be a bit more flexible! Danny is able to hold a bag or anything that you might have with you so you guys can stay in the moment!
Like I mentioned above, couples tend to start with their “fancier” outfits first, then switch to the more casual options at the end. This works out best because you’ll naturally be more comfortable and into it toward the end of the shoot when we’ve all gotten in the groove. The more casual looks fit the more active type of fun prompts we usually save for the end of our time together. But we can do it either way!
Engagement sessions typically last around an hour, but Danny and I will shoot until we’re confident we have all we need to deliver the best gallery for you.
After your session you’ll get a sneak peek within a couple of days, and your final gallery will be sent over in about 2 weeks.
Locations
Here’s a few of our favorite spots to shoot, plus a quick visual for reference.
We are down for anything — so if you have an idea we’d love to hear it!
Piedmont Park | Atlanta
iconic views, variety of nature scenery, large stone stairs, open fields, hills, great city views.
Old Fourth Ward Park/The Beltline | Atlanta
pretty golden hour, half urban feel / half nature feel, best of both worlds, cityscape views
Oakland Cemetery | Atlanta
beautiful sunset light, historic cemetery, mature foliage, “til death” vibes. Easy parking.
Macey’s Family Property | Powder Springs, GA
huge open field, tree lined driveway, easy parking, restrooms to change in, wrap around porch with swing, woods, the whole place to ourselves.
Around the City Spots | Atlanta GA
different hotel options (Georgian Terrace, etc), Urban city feel, Top level of a parking garage views. Sometimes tricky parking / changing.
Blackburn Park | Brookhaven
beautiful sunset, nature vibes, hills, trees, trail, lake views, easy parking / changing.
Taylor Brawner Park | Smyrna, GA
Large field, pretty sunset, easy parking, large historic mansion, great trees, easy access.
Cloudland Canyon State Park | Northwest GA
REQUIRES SMALL TRAVEL FEE. Mountain views, short to moderate hike to gorgeous rocky waterfall, canyon views, lots of nature.
Other Location Options |
Sweetwater Creek State Park | Lithia Springs GA
Wooded Trails, Rocky Creeks.
Arabia Mountain | Stonecrest GA
Small Travel Fee. Rocky Mountaintop look, otherworldly feel, epic sunset views.
Downtown Decatur & Decatur Courthouse | Decatur GA
Urban meets smaller town feel, super cool courthouse architecture.
Historic Marietta Square | Marietta GA
Historic buildings, brick roads & exteriors, cozy old time feel.
Callanwolde Fine Arts Center | Atlanta
May require a reservation and fee to shoot there, probably not available to shoot there on weekends due to weddings.
Gardens filled with florals, Old historic home, huge lawn, large trees.
Cator Woolford Gardens | Atlanta
May require a reservation and fee to shoot there, probably not available to shoot there on weekends due to weddings.
Large stone staircase, huge lawn, white historic mansion, multiple garden areas with florals, a small creek & bridge.
Botanical Gardens | Atlanta
Requires reservations, admission tickets, and additional fee for photography, specific times around peak season.
Montaluce Winery | Dahlonega GA
Small travel fee. May require a reservation and fee to shoot there, probably not available on weekends due to weddings.
Vineyard, gorgeous sunsets, lake, huge trees, Italian vibes.