PLANNING YOUR
choosing the perfect time, location, outfit & More!
ENGAGEMENT SESSION
Second, you can showcase your personalities in a more casual setting that is signficant to the two of you (and even include pets!). While they’re great for save-the-dates, we’ve taken engagement photos anywhere from 12 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 we get asked the same things over and over again, we thought it would be the most beneficial if we put together a guide that walks you through everything you need to know.
I'm discussing what to wear, bringing pets, location ideas and more!
- xx Alora
I am so excited to be working with you and can’t wait for our time together during your engagement session! It’s normal to be a little nervous about your session. I always tell people that we still get nervous before having our photos taken - and I do this for a living!
I am a huge fan of engagement sessions for a few 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 my process is. Timelines can be pretty tight on weddings days and 30 minutes may be all I have for photos - which is why wedding day photos turn out so much better when couples do engagement sessions ahead of time.
A NOTE ABOUT THIS GUIDE
Welcome
We 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 more fun. I look forward to it because it’s a great opportunity for us all to hang out a bit before the wedding day and have some good laughs.
The Guys
A NOTE TO
Engagement sessions can take place anywhere from immediately following a proposal to just a few days before the wedding. We’ve found that there isn’t a “good” or “bad” time to take your photos. We 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 we can—we love to begin sessions about two hours before sunset. We 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.
We schedule sessions during what we 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, we could run out of light before we’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 we shoot most of our engagement sessions between April and late November, sessions can take place all year. Most of our couples choose a season based on the location where they want to shoot.
A few things to keep in mind during each season:
Seasons
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If you’re planning to take your engagement photos during the winter, keep in mind that if your session takes place in the evening, we could begin shooting as early as 2:30pm to catch the sunset. We recommend dressing in layers so that in between photos you can warm up. Make sure you bring a little extra makeup and tissues in case your nose begins running.
snowfall, hot cocoa and cozy coats
Winter
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In spite of the heat, we’re big fans 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, we recommend bringing extra makeup and a few towels to make sure you stay fresh throughout your session.
walks on the beach hand in hand
Summer
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, we 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
The above locations are all great. but I am also open to wherever you have in mind that is special to you!
Maybury State Park
William Livingstone Lighthouse
Belle Isle Conservatory
Matthaei Botanical Gardens
GRass + Trees
Red Hook - Floral Mural
Eastern Market
The Illuminated Mural
urban
Kensington Metro Park
Belle Isle Beach
Sunset Point
BEACH
Great Lakes Coffee
Anthology Coffee
Trinosophes
*a place special to you*
coffee shops
DIA
Detroit Public Library
Belle Isle Casino
Edsel & Eleanor Ford House
Henry Ford Estate
James Scott Memorial Fountain
classy
We love when couples choose a location for their session that complements their wedding. For example if you’re planning a chic, elegant wedding, it may be fitting to take your engagement portraits among the classic architecture in downtown DC, while a local park or flower-filled fields may be more fitting for a couple planning a more rustic affair. The best session locations are often meaninful places to the couple; however, we’re also happy to make recommendations. From ski slopes to lavender fields to apple picking and college campuses, the options for engagement session locations are endless!
detroit ENGAGEMENT LOCATIONS
Locations
While we take most of our engagement sessions in the Maryland area,
we’ve photographed sessions everywhere from Richmond to New York City to Austin, Texas. If you have a location in mind that is significant to the two of you, let us know because if our schedules align, we might be able to take your engagement photos outside of our normal area.
Travel fees may apply depending on the location and availability.
Destination Engagement Sessions
Our dog is huge part of our family, which is why we love when couples choose to incorporate pets into their session. Keep in mind that bringing a pet along often means that we’ll need to choose a pet friendly location.
We recommend planning for your pet to be at the first part of your session and then either dropping them off or having a friend take them home. We won’t use the pet in every single photo so it’s also nice to have a friend available to hold him or her in between shots.
If you’re going to bring a pet, we recommend exercising your pet before the session and bringing your pets favorite toy or treats! Depending on your pet’s fur type, it might also be a good idea to groom them before the shoot.
Pets
When picking outfits I recommend keeping in mind the word “complement” rather than “match.” For example, if the groom-to-be is wearing a black and white striped shirt, the bride-to-be may want to choose a black dress or another color. It can also be a great idea to choose “color-families,” such as neutrals or earthy tones.
Generally couples pick two outfits for an engagement session: a more formal outfit and a casual outfit. I recommend saving your favorite outfit for later in the session, when couples usually feel more comfortable in front of the camera. And don’t forget to bring a few accessories!
TIPS FOR LOOKING YOUR BEST
Outfits
click here for my engagement pinterest inspiration outfits
I’ll check in the week of your engagement session to confirm the time & location we’re meeting and the weather.
We 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.
Let us know what works best for the two of you - but if the weather looks like it won’t be great, we typically try to make the call at least a day-6 hours in advance.
Rescheduling due to weather is free of charge and no issue on either part. It's Michigan, crazy weather is all we KNOW here, haha.
what to do if it rains
Crazy Weather
If you’re planning to bring 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 or where you like to chill together. I say, it's better to be the best version of yourself than a knock off of something else *wink*
coffee is always a good idea
Props
"What do I do with my hands"?
When it comes to posing for your engagement session, you don’t need to worry about a thing! I’ll 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 we’re actually looking for.
Throughout your session, I’ll 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"?
POSING
If you’re anything like us, 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 is a great way to end the session!
Date Night
As soon as possible after your session is complete, I'll upload them to an online gallery straight to the email we have been using to communicate.
You can expect to receive your engagement photos between 3 and 4 weeks after your session.
When to Expect Your Images
I know that this guide is long and hopefully it 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:
hello@alorarachelle.com
