Engagement Session
PLANNING YOUR
choosing the perfect time, location, outfit & more!
Welcome
A NOTE ABOUT THIS GUIDE
I'm so excited to be working with you and cannot wait for our time together during your engagement session! It’s normal to feel a little nervous about your session. I always tell people that my husband and I still get nervous before having our photos taken - and we do this for a living!
I'm a huge fan of engagement sessions for multiple reasons. First, they allow you to get comfortable in front of the camera. It takes time for most couples to warm up to being photographed and understand how to pose and relax during a session. Timelines can be pretty tight on weddings days and 30 minutes may be all we have for portraits - which is why we’ve found that wedding day portraits turn out so much better when couples do engagement sessions ahead of time.
Second, you can showcase your personalities in a more casual setting that is significant to the two of you and wear attire that is more relaxed. The photos are perfect for save-the-dates, wedding websites, and look beautiful framed for the wedding day! I have taken engagement portraits anywhere from 18 months in advance to a few days before the wedding.
There is a lot to think about when it comes to planning a session and since I answer a lot of the same things over and over again, I thought it would be beneficial if I put together a guide that walks you through everything you need to know.
We’ll cover what to wear, what to expect, location ideas and more!
xo, alyssa
I get it. Having your picture taken for 1-2 hours might not be in your top-10 favorite things to do during your downtime. And at first you might feel sort of awkward being in front of the camera. But I think you’ll find that by the end of the session, it’s a lot easier than you thought, and you even had a little fun. I look forward to it because it’s a great opportunity for us all to hang out a bit before the wedding day.
The Guys
A NOTE TO
A note to
Engagement sessions can take place anywhere from immediately following a proposal to just a few days before the wedding. I've found that there isn’t a “good” or “bad” time to take your photos. I normally plan sessions based on a particular “look” a couple has in mind, spring flowers for example, or based on schedules.
Sessions typically last about an hour and a half and when when I can — I love to begin sessions about two hours before sunset. I prefer to shoot when the sun is lower in the sky to avoid harsh shadows and bright sun patches. The first two hours after sunrise is also an ideal time to shoot.
I schedule sessions during what I believe will be the best light of the day - which means that it’s super important to be on time. If you’re late to an evening session, I could run out of light before I've finished shooting and if your session takes place in the morning, the sun gets more harsh as it rises.
Is there a "good" time to take photos?
TIME & LIGHT
While I shoot most of our engagement sessions between March and late October, sessions can take place all year. Most of our couples choose a season based on the location they are staying or favorite spot along 30A!
A few things to keep in mind during each season:
Seasons
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Winter
sweaters on the beach, bonfires + no people
If you’re planning to take your engagement photos during the winter, keep in mind that your session takes place earlier in the evening, we could begin shooting as early as 3 pm in town to catch the sunset on the beach. I recommend having a few options for outfits in case a cold front makes the temperatures drop - it can get really cold here! Winters are a great time of year to shoot engagements because there's significantly less people in town allowing for an intimate beach session to be divine!
Spring
fresh flowers and sunny days
Spring at the beach is absolutely stunning! Many of the parks around Seaside, Rosemary and Watercolor will have fresh blooms and luscious green spaces! Another gorgeous Spring location is Eden Gardens - it has huge Oaks with Spanish Moss and azaleas blooming which makes it a gorgeous backdrop. It can tend to be rainier in the spring but having backup dates ensures that the session will happen!
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Summer
walks on the beach hand in hand
In spite of the heat and the tourism in full affect, I'm still a big fan of summer sessions! Because of the later sunset, sessions sometimes begin as late as 6pm. If you’re taking your engagement photos during the summer, I recommend bringing extra makeup and backup outfits to make sure you stay fresh throughout your session.
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If your wedding is local, save the dates should be sent between 6 and 8 months before the wedding. For a destination wedding, you’ll want to send them out 8 to 10 months before the wedding.
If you’re hoping to use your engagement photos for your save the dates, I recommend scheduling your session at least two months before you plan to send out your save-the-dates. Between inclement weather, editing, designing your save-the-dates and printing, two months is generally a safe amount of time to make sure your images and cards are ready.
Save-the-dates
Locations
Emerald Coast, fl
I love when couples choose to take their engagement photos here along the Emerald Coast! The best session locations are often meaningful places to the couple; however, I'm also happy to make recommendations. From the European feel of Rosemary beach to the serene and secluded Grayton Beach State Park, there's a gorgeous spot for any style!
Rosemary Beach
Alys Beach
Seaside
Watercolor
Watersound
30A Top spots
Laguna Beach, FL
Grayton Beach State Park
Camp Helen State Park
Inlet Beach
Henderson Beach State Park
Scenic Beaches
Rosemary Beach Main Street
Alys Beach
Pensacola Downtown
Apalachicola, FL
St. George Island
URBAN feel
Eden Gardens
Point Washington
The Bay
Fort Pickens
Off the BEACH
Sailing / Boating
Restaurant / Bar
Taking a Class
Hiking
In Home Session
ADVENTURE
The above locations are all beautiful but I also love exploring meaningful locations with our couples!
Destination Engagement Sessions
While I take most of my engagement sessions along 30A and Destin, I have photographed sessions everywhere from South Florida to Louisiana to Georgia to even Colorado! If you have a location in mind that is significant to the two of you or you have your heart set on an epic destination location, let me know because I would love to travel to capture it!
Travel fees may apply depending on the location and our availability.
I believe the element that sets me a part as a photographer would be the use of film in all of my engagement and weddings photography. I believe the film look stands the test of time. So many photographers mimic this look with their editing and filters for digital cameras but there's just something about the real thing.
I love ethereal photographs filled with light and true colors. From portraits captured in glowing light, to the black and white artistic blur of candid moments, I strive to capture photographs that you can feel.
The most cherished moments often aren't "perfect" snapshots or staged photos, rather photographs documented with intention and purpose.
The Experience
Outfits
TIPS FOR LOOKING YOUR BEST
When picking outfits I recommend keeping in mind the word “complement” rather than “match.” For example, if the groom-to-be is wearing a blue and pink pastel plaid shirt, the bride-to-be may want to choose a long, soft blue dress. It can also be a great idea to choose “color-families,” such as pastels or neutral tones.
Generally couples pick two outfits for an engagement session: a more formal outfit and a casual outfit. I recommend doing the more formal outfit first when you are fresh and the more casual one for last for some more casual style photos! And don’t forget the accessories! Jewelry, cute shoes and classic watches are great ways to add detail to outfits.
find it fast
Heels lengthen legs but if your heels aren’t comfortable for walking, bring an extra pair of shoes to slip into in between shots.
I love the way larger patterns photograph - just be careful not to choose a pattern that is too small - it may accidentally make your photo look a little too busy.
Softer, pastel colors tend to photograph better than bright colors - especially since bright colors could reflect on your skin. I love bright, colored dresses, but I don’t love the neon reflection they add to your complexion.
Wardrobe Tips
ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
HAIR & MAKEUP
MANICURE
Outfits
for the ladies
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Jewelry is a great way to add color or pattern to a simple dress. Additional texture to an outfit looks amazing in photographs.
And dresses with textured details are a great way to help slim arms.
Depending on your location, you might want to consider a fit and flare or a flowy dress!
They look great in walking and photos with movement.
Choose an outfit you feel comfortable in, but don’t be afraid to dress up!
Accessories
ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
HAIR & MAKEUP
MANICURE
Outfits
for the ladies
find it fast
Rent the Runway
ASOS
Morning Lavender
J. Crew
Anthropologie
Free People
Francesca’s
Jessakae
ModCloth
Shop Ruche
Hazel & Olive
Favorite Shops
Lulu's
H&M
Shabby Apple
Vici Dolls
Nordstrom
One Loved Babe
Arden
Filly Flair
Virginia Dare Dress Co.
ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
HAIR & MAKEUP
MANICURE
Outfits
for the ladies
find it fast
Engagement sessions are the perfect time for a hair and makeup trial! Professionally done hair & makeup last longer than typical hair & makeup. They also tend to hold up better for humitiy and wind.
We think it’s so important that you look and feel your best for your engagement photos - and if you’re planning to do a hair & makeup trial anyways, the engagement session is a great time to test how your hair & makeup look on camera.
Hair & Makeup
ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
HAIR & MAKEUP
MANICURE
Outfits
for the ladies
find it fast
There will probably be times during your session when we’re shooting your hands holding or the engagement ring on your hand - which means it’s a good idea to clean up your nails before your session (this applies to the guys too!).
I would suggest nails to complement your outfit! You can't go wrong with neutral colors.
Manicure
ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
HAIR & MAKEUP
MANICURE
Outfits
for the ladies
find it fast
You can’t go wrong with a suit. Consider pulling out that suit you had to wear last time you were a groomsmen!
Classic southern looks with white button downs, slacks and sports coats look great!
Be careful not to choose a pattern that is too small - it may accidentally make your photo look a little too busy.
Softer, pastel colors tend to photograph better than bright colors - especially since bright colors could reflect on your skin.
Cozy sweaters layered over button ups are a great way to stay warm and stylish during the cooler months.
Wardrobe
WHERE TO SHOP
Outfits
for the gents
find it fast
Rent the Runway
ASOS
Suit Supply
J. Crew
Zara
Leather & Cotton
Ralph Lauren
Frank & Oak
Nordstrom
H&M
Urban Outfitters
Wardrobe
WHERE TO SHOP
Outfits
for the gents
Inclement Weather
what to do if it rains
Here at the beach the weather can sometimes be unpredictable. I so wish every day was sunny and beautiful but that's just unrealistic! A lot of the times there is rain on the radar but it clears up to a gorgeous sunset so it is hard to predict! Coordinating backup plans, moving up times or switching to a sunrise session ensures that your engagement session will get captured!
I will check in the week of your engagement session to confirm the time & location we’re meeting and the weather. I know it takes a lot of time to get ready for engagement session and it’s the worst to get dressed up and drive out to your session only to have it rain. If the weather doppler radar looks like rain is imminent then we will revert to our backup plan! Let me know what works best for the two of you!
I always try to take a photo of just your ring during your engagement session - so it’s a good idea to have it cleaned or clean it yourself before your shoot! To clean at home, soak your ring in warm water with dishwashing soap for 20 to 40 minutes. Then gently brush the stone with a soft toothbrush, rinse and repeat if needed.
Ring Cleaning
Props
champagne is always a good idea
If you’re planning to include props to your engagement session, I recommend including them only if they’re meaningful to you. Shots of drinking coffee at a local coffee shop would be cute if that’s where you met; however, incorporating lots of signs or props can be a lot. Props that have meaning or are functional are the best. For instance, popping champagne at the end of the session or bringing a blanket and picnic down to the beach!
When it comes to posing for your engagement session, you don’t need to worry about a thing! I will guide you through the entire process beginning with “poses” that are super easy and natural. If I tell you to do something that feels a little funny, it’s probably because I know it’s going to make the two of you laugh - and that’s the photo I'm actually looking for!
Throughout your session, I will keep an eye on your hair, makeup and outfits to make sure things stay in place. I want you to feel as relaxed as possible and enjoy your time together!
"What do I do with
my hands"?
"What do I do
with my hands"?
POSING
Date Night
If you’re anything like my husband and I, you probably don’t get dressed up all that often. Which means that the day of your engagement session is the perfect occasion for a date night (or brunch if your session is in the morning!)
The engagement session is another part of celebrating your love and heading off to dinner or lunch out is a great way to end the session!
As soon as possible after your session is complete, I will ship your film off to my film lab in Oregon. It normally takes them a couple weeks to send the digital files back after they scan and develop the film. While they are developing, I will be editing the digital files. Unless I have a holiday closure, you can expect to receive your engagement photos between 3 and 4 weeks after your session.
When to Expect Your Images
I hope this guide covers everything you need to know to prep for your engagement session! However if there is something I missed, or you need a recommendation feel free to email
alyssaforbesphotography@gmail.com