How to Plan the Perfect Engagement Session
Your engagement session is so much more than "practice" for your wedding day photos (though it's great for that, too). It's a chance to celebrate this season of your relationship, get comfortable in front of the camera, and walk away with images you'll want to use for save-the-dates, guest books, and your wedding website. Here's how to plan one that feels like you.
Pick a Location That Means Something
My favorite engagement sessions are the ones with a story behind the location — where you had your first date, a favorite park, the skyline view from your first apartment. That said, a beautiful location with great light works too! Downtown Kansas City, the Country Club Plaza, and local parks with tree cover are all reliable favorites for soft, flattering light.
Time It Right
Golden hour (the hour before sunset) is hands-down the most flattering light for portraits. If your schedule allows it, an evening session will consistently give you warmer, softer, more romantic images than a midday shoot.
Coordinate Outfits (Without Matching Exactly)
Skip matchy-matchy outfits. Instead, pick a shared color palette or complementary tones, think neutral and muted colors that work well together without looking like a uniform. Bring a backup outfit for a mid-session change if you'd like variety in your gallery.
Bring In What Makes You "You"
Love hiking together? Bring your dog? Have a shared hobby? Some of my favorite engagement galleries include a little something personal, a picnic setup, a favorite coffee shop stop, or yes, even a beloved pup along for the ride.
Relax Into It
I know being in front of the camera can feel a little awkward at first, that's totally normal! I'll guide you through prompts and movement (not stiff, staged poses) so it feels more like hanging out together than a photoshoot. By the second location, most couples tell me they completely forgot I was there.
Ready to Book?
An engagement session is included with select wedding collections, or can be booked on its own.