THE ENGAGEMENT GUIDE
HEY THERE FIANCÉ!
BEFORE WE GET INTO THE GOOD STUFF,
You're engaged!! How exciting to be writing the next chapter of your lives. I’m truly grateful to be the one documenting this alongside you, all while learning more about your story and really connecting through it all. Let’s talk about it, and let me help prepare you for the journey. I truly don’t believe engagement sessions are just about photos, it’s a moment in your lives that’s pivotal, and shapes the next couple of months and years as you plan ahead. It’s the beginning of your union, to two becoming one!
The excitement in the journey to marrying your best friend, it’s a milestone worth being intentional over. I approach these sessions in a way that highlight my couples connection and stories, their natural gestures of love. Simply documenting them in a way that beautifully reflects them. It's about preserving a feeling you’ll want to come back to years from now.
Aside from this, think of this experience as a date (with me as your 3rd wheel), plan it with intention, and make space to be fully present together. I’ll guide you every step of the way while letting your connection lead.
Throughout my work and time with various couples I’ve learned that the most meaningful engagement sessions are planned with real consideration. The places you love, the things you enjoy doing together, and the moments that feel effortless and iconic to who you are. I think reflecting and thinking, how do we want to remember this time in our lives? Is a great place to start! Discussing this together, who knows what you’ll come up with!
Outside of that also consider and think about,
▹ Where do you love to spend time together?
▹ What does a perfect day or date look like for you?
▹ Do you feel most at home in the city, by the water, the mountains?
▹ What feels most familiar, and what does it mean to your relationship?
From there, the process fans out and we shape the details around your session.
PLANNING YOUR SESSION
There are a few key elements to consider when planning your engagement session. While every couple is different, your location definitely helps in creating a seamless, relaxed experience.
CONSIDERING Locations
It sets the tone and backdrop for your session — whether it's a romantic vibe during sunset hours or quiet foggy city streets at dusk. I love when couples choose places they’re already drawn to, rather than what feels “expected”. To make this easier, I’ve created a curated a personalized Location Guide featuring session friendly spots across New Jersey, New York City, Pennsylvania & DC.
Each location was chosen considering accessibility, and your overall experience in mind. You’ll find a mix of iconic backdrops and hidden gems perfect for creating something that feels both timeless and personal.
Before IT Unfolds
IN GREAT PREPARATION, there'S GREATER clarity
WHAT TO WEAR
What you wear should feel like you, elevated, comfortable, and natural. When choosing outfits, here are a few things/components to keep in mind:
Movement
Flowy fabrics, layers, and pieces that move with you photograph beautifully and allow for really natural interactions (you're less stiff, compared to something more restrictive).
Authenticity
If you don’t normally wear something, this probably isn’t the day to start 👀 (lol) or it could be if you’re truly that spontaneous! If you don’t know where to start, I think the perfect middle ground could be a look/outfit that feels like an elevated version of your everyday style.
Color Palette
Solid colors, neutral tones, soft earth colors, and subtle contrasts photograph timelessly. I advise against bold logos or busy patterns that can distract from the moment or background because the focus is you and your connection!
Location-Friendly
Let your surroundings guide your wardrobe, city sessions lean loose chic and effortless, while outdoor locations often pair well with softer textures and layers. You can also find an inspiration collage below (tap to view) with outfit ideas to help you visualize different looks and vibes!
NOSTALGIA THAT LASTS
The goal isn’t perfection.
it’s presence.
These photos are meant to feel lived-in, honest, and full of emotion. Years from now, I want you to look back and remember exactly how this season of life felt.
WHAT IF’S & TIPS
SHOULD THE
Fur Babies JOIN? YES!
Your pets are part of your story, and your growing family. I absolutely love incorporating your fur babies into engagement sessions. So before you ask, the answer is yes!
Some locations may require a little extra planning, and certain environments can be more challenging than others, but we’ll talk through all of it together. Whether it’s leash and cage logistics, timing, or having a helping hand nearby, we’ll make it work in a way that keeps everyone comfortable and happy.
Champagne PartAy
Soak up the moments, I’ve got the moment covered!
This is a celebration and sometimes celebrations call for a little champagne. Fun elements like popping a bottle, toasting, stopping somewhere along our session for a glass of wine or bringing along a favorite drink can add energy, movement, and spontaneity to your session. While I may be third-wheeling and toasting with you from behind the camera, the focus is always on you and the joy of this moment. It’s playful, romantic, and absolutely worth celebrating over a sip.
A MENTAL NOTE AS YOU PREPARE
If you feel awkward at first, good. That means you’re human. It’s not every day someone tells you where to put your hands, step to the left for ✨the light✨, and how insanely good you look while doing it!
You’re not alone and I promise, you don’t need to know how to pose. A lot of couples worry they’ll be placed in front of the camera and expected to do things that feel stiff or out of character. That’s not how I work. I’ll never ask you to perform or force anything that doesn’t feel natural, and I would love your feedback if it does!
All I want is for you to be yourselves, love on each other the way you do any other day of the week. I’ll guide you with gentle prompts, movement, and direction that feels more like improv rather than posing.
Think of it as a date, like actually with some added direction, all while we explore and really have a great time together. To be a documentary photographer I need to witness your connection, the laughs, and a whole lot of love. Bring that, and I’ll take care of the rest.
READY TO CREATE SOMETHING MEANINGFUL?!!
It really is my hope that together we can create imagery that feels effortless, and entirely your own.
A Final Note,
Thank you so much for taking the time to read through this guide and for trusting me. It truly means more than you know. I don’t take this honor of documenting your love lightly! I’m so excited to create something honest and lasting together.
If you ever have questions, ideas, or simply want to talk through your vision, I’m always here, even long after your questionnaire is submitted. This is just the beginning, and I can’t wait to see where your journey into marriage and life together takes you.
xo, with grace
your professional third wheel
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