PLANNING YOUR
ENGAGEMENT SESSION
choosing the perfect time, location, outfit & more!
Welcome
We’re so excited to be working with you and we can’t wait for our time together during your engagement session! It’s normal to be a little nervous about your session. We always tell people that we still get nervous before having our photos taken – and we do this for a living!
We’re big fans 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 we pose. 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 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 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 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.
We’ll cover what to wear, whether to bring pets & how to manage them, location ideas and more!
– Kristen & Tom
A NOTE TO
The Guys
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 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.
TIME & LIGHT: IS THERE A
"GOOD" TIME TO TAKE PHOTOS?
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 begin about two hours before sunset, or three to four hours for an extended session. While the evening light is often the best light of the day, we can do the session in the morning or early afternoon as well. We know how to work around the light and avoid harsh shadows!
Plan on 1.5 hours for a standard session and up to 3.5 for an extended session. This gives us time to explore, change outfits, and drive to another location if needed. Dates book up quickly, so try to schedule your session around three months in advance.
As we are working weddings on the weekends, plan for your session to take place on a weekday evening!
SEASONS
While we shoot most of our engagement sessions between April and November, sessions can be scheduled any time of year. The length of your engagement and the look you’d like for your photos are both things to consider when deciding when to schedule your session.
A few things to keep in mind during each season:
Winter
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.
Indoor locations like the Crystal Bridge at the Myriad Gardens or the Colcord Hotel are great options for a winter session. If you prefer outdoors, downtown OKC is a great option as we don’t have to worry about bare trees and landscape.
Fall
Fall is one of the busiest times for engagement sessions and our schedules typically book up quickly! If you have your heart set on a fall engagement session, we recommend scheduling it as soon as you book. We try to schedule by early November before the leaves fall from the trees.
Summer
In spite of the heat, we’re big fans of summer sessions! Because of the later sunset, sessions sometimes begin as late as 7pm. If you’re taking your engagement photos during the summer, we recommend bringing extra makeup for touchups throughout your session. We can also schedule your session in the morning to avoid the heat.
Spring
fresh flowers and sunny days
Spring is our favorite season for engagement sessions! Even though spring begins in March, the grass and trees don’t really start to green up until April. The weather can be unpredictable, so know that rescheduling for rain or storms is a possibility.
SAVE-THE-DATES
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.
Locations
OKLAHOMA CITY AND TULSA LOCATIONS
Need some location ideas for your session? Click the links below to take a look at the galleries for each location and let me know which style you prefer! I’m also happy to hear your suggestions. We also often use the wedding venue for the engagement session, especially if your wedding will take place in a different season. Keep in mind that certain locations work better at different times of the year.
Standard session includes one location and extended sessions include two. If we are in downtown OKC, we are able to use two locations since they are so close and don’t add extra travel time. For example, we can use the Civics Center for your dressy outfit and then head to the Myriad Gardens for your more casual outfit.
The OKC Venues and the Philbrook all charge location fees and must be scheduled with the venue. If you are intersted in using these locations, let me know and I’ll check their availability. We also charge a $200 travel fee for engagement sessions in Tulsa.
tULSA
OKC Parks
Other places we’d love to try!
The Bower
Harvey Bakery
First National
Dallas Arboretum Gardens
the above locations are all beautiful but we also love exploring meaningful locations with our couples!
Destination Engagement Sessions
Planning a wedding in Oklahoma but live in another state? We’d still love to photograph your engagement session! Or maybe 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 travel for your engagement session!
Travel fees will apply depending on the location and our availability.
PETS
Our dog Maisey is a 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 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 to help get their attention.
OUTFITS
TIPS FOR LOOKING YOUR BEST
When picking outfits we recommend keeping in mind the word “complement” rather than “match.” For example, if the groom-to-be is wearing a navy jacket, 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 neutrals.
Generally couples pick two outfits for an engagement session: a more formal outfit and a casual outfit. We 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! Statement necklaces, cute shoes and classic watches are great ways to add detail to outfits.
for everyone
CHOOSING OUTFITS
When picking outfits we recommend keeping in mind the word “complement” rather than “match.” For example, if the groom is wearing a navy jacket, the bride may want to choose a long, soft blue dress. It can also be a great idea to choose “color-families,” such as pastels or neutrals.
And always keep the location in mind. If we’re shooting in a green field, light green dresses might blend in too much with the surroundings.
for the ladies
WARDROBE TIPS
Heels lengthen legs but if your heels aren’t comfortable for walking or we’ll be in grass, bring an extra pair of shoes to slip into in between shots.
We love the way larger patterns like florals and textures 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 the best, but don’t be afraid of color! Colors that are too bright could reflect on your skin. We love bright, neon dresses, but we don’t love the neon reflection they add to your complexion.
for the ladies
ACCESSORIES
Jewelry is a great way to add color or pattern to a simple dress. Lace and tulle look amazing in photographs. Dresses with sleeves are a great way to help slim arms.
A fit and flare or a flowy dress is always a great option. They look great in walking and photos with movement. Choose an outfit you feel comfortable in, but don’t be afraid to dress up!
for the ladies
HAIR & MAKEUP
We think it’s so important that you look and feel your best for your photos. Investing in professional hair and makeup can go a long way towards creating photos you love for years.
Professionally done hair & makeup last longer than typical hair & makeup. They also tend to hold up better in humidity and wind.
If you’re planning to do any spray tans or waxing, schedule those for a few days before the session to give your skin time to recover.
for the gents
WARDROBE
You can’t go wrong with crisp button up. Roll up the sleeves for a more casual look. Shirts that tuck in will look nicer in photos.
We love adding a jacket with jeans and a button up for an elevated look. And of course, a suit will always look great! Just make sure not to wear your suit jacket in the car so it doesn’t wrinkle.
THE RINGS
We always like to show off your ring during your engagement session, so it’s a good idea to have it cleaned or clean it yourself before the 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.
Your hands will also be shown, so make sure your nails are photo ready!
INCLEMENT WEATHER
WHAT TO DO IF IT RAINS
I’ll check in the week of your engagement session to confirm the time and location we’re meeting and the weather. I know it takes a lot of time to get ready for your engagement session and it’s the worst to get dressed up and drive out to your session only to have it rain! Let me 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 12 hours in advance. We will also reschedule in case of high winds and very overcast days.
SHOULD WE BRING
PROPS?
If you’re planning to bring props to your engagement session, we recommend including them only if they’re meaningful to you.
Drinking coffee at a local coffee shop would be cute if that’s where you met or coffee shops play a significant role in your relationship; however, trying to fly a kite together when it’s not a part of your relationship may come off as contrived.
Of course, a champagne toast is always a great idea!
A NOTE ON posing
“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! We’ll guide you through the entire process beginning with “poses” that are super easy and natural. If we tell you to do something that feels a little funny, it’s probably because we know it’s going to make the two of you laugh – and that’s the photo we’re actually looking for.
Throughout your session, we’ll keep an eye on your hair, makeup and outfits to make sure things stay in place. We want you to feel as relaxed as possible and enjoy your time together!
DATE NIGHT
Another fun tip? 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!
WHEN TO EXPECT YOUR IMAGES
Within two weeks of your session, you will receive a gallery notification with the download code. Make sure to download the full gallery and backup to two different devices! And please tag us in your photos! We love to see all of the wonderful comments and your favorite images!
thank you!
We 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 we missed, or you need a recommendation feel free to email
kristen@kristenedwards.com