A Guide to your Engagement Session

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Your engagement session is where the magic starts—it’s the puzzle piece that brings your love story into focus. ✨ It’s not just about beautiful photos (though we’ll definitely get those!), it’s about capturing you two as you are right now. Think of it as a relaxed, joy-filled date with your favorite person—while I third-wheel with my camera. 😉

The bonus? You’ll get comfy in front of my lens, learn my shooting style, and we’ll build that connection before the big day. So when the wedding comes, everything feels easy, natural, and authentically you.

 

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PLANNING YOUR ENGAGEMENT SESSION

Planning your engagement session should feel exciting—not overwhelming. If you’re not sure where to start, here are a few tips to make the process easier (and way more fun!).

Location
Pick a spot that feels you. This could be the place he popped the question, your favorite coffee shop, or somewhere new that fits your vibe. Wherever we go, the session will be relaxed and easy, with just enough guidance from me to keep things natural.

What to Wear

  • Dress for the setting. Chic and dressy works great in an urban space, while stylish boots or a cozy layer fit perfectly in a rustic setting.

  • Think complimenting, not matching. Coordinated colors and styles photograph beautifully without feeling too “matchy-matchy.”

  • Skip the logos and busy slogans—they can distract from the connection between you two.

  • Choose pieces that fit well and let you move comfortably. (If you’re adjusting clothes the whole time, it’ll show.)

  • Layers are your friend! They add variety without needing a full outfit change—perfect if changing spaces aren’t nearby.

  • A polished look always photographs well, but ultimately, wear what makes you feel confident and celebrates this moment.

Outfit Options
Two outfits are totally welcome if you’d like variety, but don’t stress—it’s just as beautiful to show up in one look you love and be ready to roll!

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I get it—being in front of the camera isn’t something you do every day. It can feel a little weird at first, but that’s where I come in. My goal is to take away the nerves so you can just relax and enjoy the moment with your person. Here’s how I make that happen:

Natural moments, always. I’ll guide you into settings and prompts that feel true to you, not stiff or staged.
Relaxed + easy vibes. A little coaching from me goes a long way, so you’re never left wondering what to do.
Honest guidance. If something feels off, I’ll gently tweak things so everything looks and feels right.
Fun energy. I’m a big smiler, sometimes a little silly, and I bring the good vibes to keep you both comfortable.

And if you’re wondering, “But what do we actually do during the session?!” — don’t stress. I’ve got you covered with tips and prompts that make the whole experience fun, natural, and totally not awkward.

 
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TIPS FOR A FUN AND NOT-SO-AWKWARD ENGAGEMENT SESSION

I often hear couples say "We’re really awkward and don't know what to do in front of the camera.  We've never had professional pictures done before."

Which is TOTALLY okay!

You don't have to be a supermodel to have captivating photos, you just need to be yourselves and in love.  Still nervous?  Don’t worry, I will guide you and direct you during your session, but here are 6 ways that you can ensure that your engagement or wedding photos ( or any other session with your babe ) is emotion-filled and hang-on-the-wall-worthy.

Oh and no worries, after reading this I promise you that we will still snap a few of the two of you smiling and looking at the camera as well.

 

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1. Hold each other

Hold each other, snuggle, hold hands, kiss. The more snuggly and lovey dovey you are the better!

When you look at an engagement pictures or wedding pictures there is so much story to be told just by a simple touch. When in doubt, wrap your arms around each other and let your interactions between you tell your story..

 

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2. Move

You read this right, yes move!

I know it contradicts everything you’ve ever been told; "Hold still for the camera. Sit still. Look at the camera.  Don't move."

Movement creates a story. So walk together, twirl, dance, tickle, give each other eskimo kisses...any of it. All of it.

 

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3. Talk to each other

"But won't we look silly? Won't you get a lot of pictures of us talking that don't look good?"

Yes, and yes. But guess what? For every picture that doesn't really turn out how we want when you're talking, there will be 3 more adorable ones of you talking and laughing and blushing and being totally absorbed in your conversation together. Nothing looks better on camera than actual emotion, genuine smiles, and real laughter.

 

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4. Get close. Like, REALLY close.

"Get a little closer, a little bit more." During your session you’ll hear me say this a lot.

I know everyone is use to "Look at the camera, SMILE!" But throw that out the window. Look at your significant other. Smile at them. There's no way you can get too close to them. So wrap your arms around each other and get a little closer.

 

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5. Be totally, unapologetically silly together!

Be complete goofballs! Don't come to a session with me and act like you aren't completely and utterly goofy people. You wouldn't be marrying each other if you couldn't make each other laugh until your sides hurt! Don't be afraid to show off your silly side by cracking jokes, tickling, making silly faces at each other, because once you start giggling you won't be able to stop!

 

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6. Think of why you’re doing this.

Use your session, and all these tips listed above, to remind each other how much you care about each other and how special the bond you share is.

When you look back at your photos, I want you to look back and say to yourself, "I know exactly what we were laughing about right here!"

 

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Photos don't have to be stressful, or posey, or awkward.

This is a session about YOU, and your love story.

Be yourselves. Be together. Relax together. Be in love. Have fun!