you need to know about your
engagement session
everything
First things first, here are a few things to keep in mind!
– We’ll teach you everything! If you've never been in front of the camera together, or even if you have and are wondering what to expect with us, you can be assured that we will tell you everything and instruct you throughout the entire session.
– You don’t have to be experts at posing! As a matter of fact, you don’t need to know a thing about posing! We have a system of posing we use and will instruct you how to do each pose during the session! This is just one of the reasons engagement sessions are awesome... when the wedding day arrives, you will be pros at posing after all the practice you had at your session!
– We will try to make everything as easy and fun as we can! We really enjoy getting to know our couples and having a good time during our sessions!
what you can expect from us
all the details
locations
length
when
Usually engagement sessions happen within 1-2 months of booking because we know y’all are eager to get save the dates out! For the best lighting, we usually start our shoots around 2-3 hours before sunset.
Our engagement sessions are typically about 1.5 hours long. That may sound like a long time to be taking photos, but we promise it goes by so quickly! This also allows for driving time to different locations & outfit changes!
Since our engagement sessions are usually around 1.5 hours long, this gives the opportunity for two locations during your session! This looks like either two completely different spots or if we’re shooting in a general area, we would start at one spot and then transition to a couple of different close spots on the property.
Location ideas
Here are some locations that we frequently shoot at and offer a variety of scenery!
Want to add in some fun elements? These are spots are on our inspiration list!
The locations below would be great options for a more unique session!
- Furman
- Glendale Shoals
- Downtown Spartanburg
- Milliken
- Downtown Greenville
- Historic Hopkins Farm
- Clemson Botanical Gardens
- The top of a parking garage
- On a boat!
- At a fire station
- Rent bikes!
- Get ice cream during your session
- Bald Rock
- Table Rock Welcome Center
- Lake Jocassee
- Lake Lure & Chimney Rock
- Chattooga Belle Farms
- Hotel Domestique
- Charleston
- Biltmore
CLICK HERE to view a full gallery of example photos from our favorite locations!
CLICK HERE to view a full gallery of example photos from our favorite locations!
Greenville
charleston
preparing for your engagement session
Prepare your groom!
clean your bling!
review blog posts
Plan to arrive 10-15 mins early!
Some guys think that engagement sessions are going to be a snap-a-photo-and-they're-done deal. Make sure they know it is going to be a little more involved ahead of time so that everyone is on the same page!
While y'all are changing into your second outfit or at another time during your session, we will take a photo (or 10 ;) ) of your ring by itself. Make sure it's nice and shiny before you come!
This will relieve any stress incase you end up running a little behind or hit traffic. This also gives us some time at the beginning of the session to chat with y'all or walk to where we're starting your session!
One great way for both of you to get a better idea of what your engagement session will be like and what types of poses you will be doing is to take a look at our blog posts! You can view recent posts at the link below:
Recently on the blog
all the details
outfit tips
1. dress up, then down
2. one pattern, one solid
3. neutrals with a pop of color
5. wear something you're comfortable in
4. flowy dresses
6. accessorize!
Most of our couples choose to wear two outfits. We usually suggest starting with something more dressy and then dressing down! Or if you plan to stay dressed up for both, that's great too!
If you have a dress you love and feel AMAZING in, wear it! And if you're not a dress person, you don't have to wear one at all! If you feel confident in what you’re wearing, you will feel way more confident in front of the camera!
If you arrive in a flowy dress of any type, we’re guaranteed to love it! It might sound crazy, but a dress can add so much to the look and feel of your photos!
Statement earrings, necklaces, watches, bracelets, scarves, hats, cute shoes, and in the winter wearing layers (jackets, vests, pullovers) are great ways to take your outfit to next level!
Once again, if one of you is wearing a pattern, it looks best if the other is wearing a solid color. Also, quick tip! Stay away from tiny patterns, as they can end up looking weird on camera!
If one of you is wearing a color, we suggest the other one wears a neutral. Grays, white, & cream are great contrasts with pinks, purples, blues, & greens!
For more inspiration and direct links to dresses, view our Pinterest boards here!
spring/summer
fall/winter
outfit inspiration
what to consider when bringing your dog
to your session
01
02
03
04
bring an assistant
consider the location
know your stress level
bring bribery
Although we want your pet to be a part of some photos, we also want to capture the two of you. Having an extra hand will relieve any stress when it's time for portraits of just the two of you! We're always happy to help too, but sometimes it's easier for us both to be focused on the session and let someone else be in charge of keeping your dog happy!
If you're opting to bring your pet to your session, we would recommend picking a location with limited people and distractions. However, we understand some dogs can handle busy areas without a problem!
Your engagement session is important to get y'all warmed up in front of the camera and to practice all the posing before your wedding day! If bringing your pup is going to be too stressful, consider getting some photos at another time (mini sessions would be great for this!) with your dog included!
Treats, squeak toys, balls....whatever it takes. We want to get that photo of your pet smiling at the camera too!