This engagement session was pretty special! Desiree is my husband’s cousin, so I’ve known her for the past 15 years, meaning most of her life. It’s crazy to be old enough to photograph an engagement session of someone you knew as a child!
What an honor to be the one to capture their love story though! You guys killed it! And Foster Park + the glowy sunlight made this session simply magical! 
Engagement sessions are possibly my favorite type of portrait session to do! I LOVE love! So to have two fiancé’s in front of the camera is super sweet to me!
But before you go into your engagement session its important to put some thought and effort into your look to make sure your photos are the best they can possibly be! Here are a few tips to consider…
Coordinate but don’t match.
A good rule of thumb is one or two pops of color between both of your outfits, and the rest can be neutrals.
(Neutrals: denim, black, grey, brown, khaki, white, cream, navy. Get it?)
Dress for your portrait LOCATION.
Springy blooms? Go with lighter neutrals or soft pastels.
Summertime picnic in the park? Stick with light weight clothing to stay cool.
In home session? Don’t be afraid to get a little romantic.
Holiday time engagement? Get festive for a few shots.
Winter session? Stay warm, so you’re not miserable! And layers look great when it’s chilly out.
Take this opportunity to dress up a little bit!
Go shopping for a new dress, some new heels, get your guy his first suit! Pay the extra money to have your hair and makeup done professionally. It can give you a really good idea of how you’ll look on your wedding day. You’ve only got one shot for that, so it’s a great chance to practice during your engagement session! Pay attention to your nails as well, as I’ll be focusing on your left hand for a few shot.
Accentuate your best features.
Got great legs? Show them off with a cute pair of heels and cocktail dress!
I love Teresa’s red hair, and she did a great job accenting it with her dress color!
Bring along a prop that fits your relationship!
A bouquet is a gorgeous accessory to make your photos extra classy.
Is one of you musical? Maybe we can work that into a few photos.
Like having fun together? Be playful with a classic tree swing, or old fashioned bicycle. 
Winter session? Work a fun activity into your session! (Ice skating, sledding, snowball fight.) Winter is fun! Don’t miss out on the opportunity to laugh together.
Bring along a bottle of your favorite beverage for a toast!
Accessorize with a hat or light shawl. Then take them off for a totally different look!
Get your ring cleaned before your session.
I always take a few shots of your bling during our session. Close ups, on your hand and on it’s own. So the more sparkly and smudge-free, the better!
Bring multiple wardrobe options to your session.
It’s a great idea to bring a casual option and a formal option to your session. This way your final gallery will have even more variety.
Find my Pinterest board of wardrobe ideas here!
Jason & Jessica’s engagement session was full of whimsical & romantic winter fun!
A blanket of snow, with their pups frolicking around them. A (failed) attempt at sledding. 😉 Then inside by the cozy fire. I love all the sweet, candid moments from this session!!
Thanks so much to the vendors that helped me bring this wintery dream to life!!
Rubies & Whimsy, in downtown Columbia City, loaned us several pieces for Jessica’s wardrobe & jewelry. Click here to find them on facebook.
Hair and makeup by Megan Shively. Click here to find her on facebook. Available for weddings and special events.
before & after:
Lori & Kevin’s engagement session was super adorable! They just ooze with giddy sweetness for each other! Since I didn’t know these two prior to this session, we chatted a bunch about their relationship during out shoot. Come to find out we had a lot in common! Including getting married one year from the day we started our relationship.
I’m so excited for Lori & Kevin to tie the knot in April!
Here is a session featuring several of my favorite things….
Glowy light, romance, and friends of mine! I’m so excited for Kim & Kyle to get married this fall. Despite the sweat, and gnats, I think they looked pretty darn adorable for their mini engagement session last week! And what a cute accessory that had in their pup, Layla!
Michelle & Justin are engaged! I’m so looking forward to shooting their summer wedding this year! What a sweet couple!
Marla & Jacob are so sweet and kind. I can’t wait to shoot their wedding in a few weeks!
Jason and Maggie gave me the privilege of shooting in the heart of Chicago! I was thankful that they knew their way around, because I don’t do big cities well on my own. We shot at the Lincoln Park Zoo and the Lake front trail. I LOVED having a new setting to photograph in. And I can’t wait for Jason & Maggie’s Christmas time wedding next year!
