choosing the perfect time, location & More

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Planning your

Engagement Session

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!

The engagement session is one of our favorite parts of our time together because it gives you both a chance to be in front of our cameras before you get married, which is going to make your wedding day experience feel so smooth, seamless and comfortable. Not only that, but we get to create something so special together.

A note about this guide

Another great benefit of your session is you can showcase your personalities in a more casual setting that is significant to the two of you. 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, posing, whether to bring pets, location ideas and more!

We get it. Having your picture taken for an hour 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 might even have 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.

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.

We're natural light specialist because we believe that natural light, from the sun and its reflections, create photographs that are soft, romantic, and timeless. All engagement sessions begin two hours before sunset during the "golden hour," when the light is the dreamiest. And sessions typically last about an hour.

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.

Time & Light

Is there a "good" time to take photos?

Even though Spring begins in March, we typically don’t begin shooting for another 6 weeks because the weather in Pennsylvania is still pretty chilly. When we schedule spring dates, we typically schedule both a primary date and a backup rain date.

Spring

Fresh flowers & Sunny days

Summer

walks on the beach hand in hand

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.

Fall

colorful leaves and snuggling close

Fall is one of the prettiest times of the year on the East Coast and because of the perfect weather, 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!

Winter

snowfall, hot cocoa and cozy coats

If you’re planning to take your photos during the winter, keep in mind that the sun sets earlier so 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.

Seasons

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:

Inclement Weather

what to do if it rains

It’s typical for us to schedule two engagement session dates. A primary date and a rain date. Having two dates helps us make sure that your photos happen in a timely manner. Coordinating schedules can be tough and we’ve found that the best way to make sure our couples get the look they have in mind for their photos is to schedule two dates at the same time.

We’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 12 hours in advance.

Classic & Elegant

Merchant Exchange Building
Carinwood Estate
Appleford Estate
Fairmount Waterworks
Rittenhouse Square
Hunting Hill Mansion
Skyland Manor
Philander Chase Knox Estate
Rodin Museum
Philadelphia Art Museum

Rustic

Vineyards
Sugartown Strawberry Farm

Gardens & Arboretum

Longwood Gardens
Tyler Arboretum
Morris Arboretum
Grounds for Sculpture
Bartarm's Garden
Van Vleck House & Garden
John James Audubon Center

Parks

Ridley Creek State Park
Marsh Creek State Park
Verona Park
Fairmount Horticulture Center
Vally Forge State Park
Locke Ridge Park
NYC Central Park
Liberty State Park

Urban

Philadelphia Old City
Elfreth's Alley
Race Street Pier
Philadelphia Boat House Row
Hoboken
Navy Ship Yard

Beaches

Point Pleasant Boardwalk
Asbury Park
Ocean City Beach
Sandy Hook

The above locations are all beautiful but we also love exploring meaningful locations with our couples!

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 Philly, 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 meaningful 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!

Locations

Pennsylvania, New jersey & New york Locations

Destination Engagement Sessions

While we take most of our engagement sessions in the metro area, we’ve photographed sessions everywhere from Philadelphia to New York City to the Rockies in Colorado. 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 our availability.

When picking outfits we recommend keeping in mind the word “complement” rather than “match.” For example, if the groom-to-be is wearing a blue and pink pastel plaid shirt, 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 jewel tones.

Generally couples pick two outfits for an engagement session: a more formal outfit and a casual outfit. We recommend starting with your more formal outfit first while hair and make-up is fresh then change into your casual outfit if you bring one. And don’t forget to bring a few accessories! Statement necklaces, cute shoes and classic watches are great ways to add detail to outfits.

TIPS FOR LOOKING YOUR BEST

Outfits

Heels lengthen legs but if your heels aren’t comfortable for walking, bring an extra pair of shoes to slip into in between shots.

We love the way larger patterns 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 better than bright colors - especially since bright colors could reflect on your skin. We love bright, neon dresses, but we don’t love the neon reflection they add to your complexion.

Wardrobe Tips

for the ladies

For the Gents

For the ladies

outfits

Where to shop

Hair & makeup

Manicure

Accessories

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Statement jewelry is a great way to add color or pattern to a simple dress. Lace and tulle look amazing in photographs.

And dresses with lace sleeves are a great way to help slim arms. Depending on your location, you might want to consider a fit and flare or a flowy dress!

They look great in walking and photos with movement. Choose an outfit you feel comfortable in, but don’t be afraid to dress up!

Accessories

outfits

Where to shop

Hair & makeup

Manicure

Accessories

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for the ladies

For the Gents

For the ladies

Wardrobe

For the Gents

You can’t go wrong with a suit and tie. Consider pulling out that suit you had to wear last time you were a groomsmen! Layer with a blazer and a fun tie - you can even wear jeans with this look. Bowties are always a good idea.

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 better than bright colors - especially since bright colors could reflect on your skin. Cozy sweaters layered over button ups are a great way to stay warm and stylish during the cooler months.

outfits

Where to shop

find it fast:

For the ladies

for the gents

Where to shop

Rent the Runway
ASOS
Suit Supply
J. Crew
Zara
Leather & Cotton
Jack Threads
Frank & Oak
Nordstrom
H&M
Urban Outfitters

outfits

Where to shop

find it fast:

for the gents

For the Gents

For the Gents

For the ladies

on to the next

find it fast:

outfits

Where to shop

Hair & makeup

Manicure

Accessories

outfits

Where to shop

Hair & makeup

Manicure

Accessories

find it fast:

Props

If you’re planning to bring props to your engagement session, we 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; however, a trying to fly a kite together when it’s not a part of your relationship may come off as contrived.

champagne is always a good idea

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.

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 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.

Fur Babies

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.

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!

Posing

"What do I do with my hands?"

Date night

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!

As soon as possible after your session is complete, we’ll ship your film off to our lab in Utah. It normally takes them about 10 business days to send the digital files back to us - and then it takes us about a week (queued in editing list) to edit your images. Unless we have a holiday closure, you can expect to receive your engagement photos between 4 and 6 weeks after your session.

When to expect your 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
vanessamarieweddings@gmail.com