Welcome!
One of my favorite ways to help my beautiful brides and grooms is by including really comprehensive guides like these in my literature (I have one for your timeline and one for preparing for your wedding day photos too) just to get all the experience and knowledge in my head transferred over to YOU so your photos end up as amazing and smoothly running as possible! You'll probably find that these guides answer questions you didn't even know you had!
So about engagement sessions - I'm a big fan of these 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 I pose. Timelines can be pretty tight on weddings days and 30 minutes may be all we have for portraits - which is why I'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 significant to the two of you (and even include pets!). While they’re great for save-the-dates, I've also 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 I get asked a lot of the same things over and over again, I thought it would be the most beneficial if I put together a guide that walks you through everything you need to know.
xo
Corrie
I 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 maybe you even had a little fun! So bring your most positive attitude and prepare to get a little lovey with your best friend!
A NOTE TO THE GUYS
BEFORE WE BEGIN
Engagement sessions can take place anywhere from immediately following a proposal to just a few days before the wedding. I’ve found that there isn’t a “good” or “bad” time to take your photos (though a lot of clients avoid winter months). I 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 when when I can, I love to begin sessions about 1.5-2 hours before sunset (though if it's a particularly dark location, we might start earlier). I prefer to shoot on weeknight evenings when the sun is lower in the sky to avoid harsh shadows and bright sun patches. The first two hours after sunrise is also a fantastic time to shoot if you can't make a weeknight work.
I schedule sessions during what I 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?
I
While I shoot most of my engagement sessions between April and late October, sessions can take place all year. Most of my couples choose a season based on the location where they want to shoot.
A few things to keep in mind during each season:
SEASONS
What time of year works best?
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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. I 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.
SPRING
SPRING
Spring begins in March, and though it's sometimes a little chilly (you may want to plan on a cute jacket or sweater to go over your dress) trees usually start blooming around mid-month. Because of the frequency of rain around here, when I schedule spring dates I sometimes schedule both a primary date and a backup rain date.
SUMMER
SUMMER
In spite of the heat, I'm a big fan 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, I recommend bringing extra makeup and a towel or two to make sure you stay fresh throughout your session.
FALL
FALL
Fall is one of the prettiest times of the year in the Ozarks and because of the perfect weather, my schedule typically books up quickly! If you have your heart set on a fall engagement session, I recommend scheduling it as soon as you book!
WINTER
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, I 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.
One thing to note: I love seeing engagement photos used for save the date cards, but I'd rather see you plan an engagement session that you'll enjoy and fits your vision without stressing too much about whether or not the session date works for your save-the-date schedule.
SAVE THE DATES
When should you send them?
III
I 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 at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, while a local park or flower-filled fields may be more fitting for a couple planning a more rustic affair (knowing that there are always exceptions, too). And of course I'm happy to make some suggestions on this (see below), but the best session locations can also be meaningful places to the couple! From creeks to town squares to apple picking and manicured gardens, the options for engagement session locations are endless!
Botanical Gardens of the Ozarks
University of Arkansas
St. Catherine's at Bell Gable
Stone Chapel at Matt Lane Farm
Heroncrest
A private estate home
Locations
Northwest Arkansas & Beyond.
IV
gardens & architecture
Pea Ridge National Military Park
Park Springs Park
Lake Fayetteville
Tanyard Creek
Village on the Creeks
Just nature
Downtown Bentonville
8th Street Market
Dickson Street in Fayetteville
University of Arkansas
The Maude Wall
gardens & architecture
Orchard/Fruit picking
Christmas tree farm
Cooking class
Hiking
Just nature
Dallas Arboretum
Phillbrook Museum of Art/Woodward Park (Tulsa)
Haseltine Estate (Springfield)
Petit Jean State Park (Morrilton)
Steel Creek/White Rock Mountain (Buffalo River)
Marlsgate Plantation (Little Rock)
Terry House (Little Rock)
Moss Mountain (Little Rock)
State Capital (Little Rock)
driving-distance destination
Your dog is huge part of your family, which is why I love when my 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.
I 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 in between shots.
If you’re going to bring a pet, I recommend exercising your pet before the session and bringing a 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
Can I bring my fur-kids?
V
When picking outfits, I recommend keeping in mind the word “complement” rather than “match.” For example, if one of you is wearing a blue and pink pastel plaid shirt, the other 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.
A typical one hour session generally doesn't allow for an outfit change, so just pick your favorite thing to wear and rock it! If we're doing a longer two hour session, feel free to pick two outfits for an engagement session: usually a more formal outfit and a casual outfit. I recommend saving your very 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.
Check out these great color palettes that work well for some inspiration. If you're not a fan of the style of these specific outfits, don't worry! You should definitely dress in your style, but inspiration from just these colors.
OUTFITS
VI
Tips for looking your best!
find it fast
Heels lengthen legs but if your heels aren’t comfortable for walking, bring an extra pair of shoes to slip into in between shots.
I 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. I love bright, neon dresses, but I don’t love the neon reflection they add to your complexion.
Wardrobe Tips
ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
HAIR & MAKEUP
MANICURE
Outfits
for the ladies
Statement jewelry is a great way to add color or pattern to a simple dress.
Lace, chiffon and tulle look amazing in photographs.
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!
Flowy dresses look great in walking and photos with movement.
Choose an outfit you feel comfortable in, but don’t be afraid to dress up!
Accessories
for the ladies
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ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
HAIR & MAKEUP
MANICURE
Outfits
Rent the Runway
ASOS
Morning Lavender
J. Crew
Anthropologie
Free People
Francesca’s
Jessakae
ModCloth
Shop Ruche
Hazel & Olive
Favorite Shops
Lulu's
H&M
Shabby Apple
Vici Dolls
Nordstrom
One Loved Babe
Arden
Filly Flair
for the ladies
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ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
HAIR & MAKEUP
MANICURE
Outfits
Engagement sessions are the perfect time for a hair and makeup trial! Professionally done hair & makeup last longer than typical hair & makeup. They also tend to hold up better for humidity and wind.
I think it’s so important that you look and feel your best for your engagement photos and if you’re planning to do a hair & makeup trial anyways, the engagement session is a great time to test how your hair & makeup look on camera.
Hair & Makeup
for the ladies
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ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
HAIR & MAKEUP
MANICURE
Outfits
There will probably be times during your session when I'm shooting your hands holding or the engagement ring on your hand - which means it’s a good idea to clean up your nails before your session (this applies to the guys too!).
Manicure
for the ladies
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ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
HAIR & MAKEUP
MANICURE
Outfits
find it fast
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.
Wardrobe
WHERE TO SHOP
Outfits
for the gents
Rent the Runway
ASOS
Suit Supply
J. Crew
Zara
Leather & Cotton
Jack Threads
Frank & Oak
Nordstrom
H&M
Urban Outfitters
Where to Shop
for the gents
find it fast
WHERE TO SHOP
Outfits
Sometimes it’s possible for us to put two engagement session dates on the calendar: 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 a great way to get the look you have in mind for your photos is to schedule two dates at the same time.
I’ll check in the week of your engagement session to confirm the time & location we’re meeting and the weather. I know it takes a lot of time to get ready for an 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 even if the weather looks like it won’t be great, we typically try to make the call no more than 24 hours in advance because Arkansas' weather forecasts change so much, so often.
inclement weather
What if it rains?
VII
When I can, I always try to take a photo of your ring during your engagement session - so it’s a good idea to have it cleaned or clean it yourself before your 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.
Ring Cleaning
It's the little things.
VIII
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 something you do together; however, a trying to fly a kite together when it’s not a part of your relationship may come off as contrived.
props
Champagne is always a great idea.
IX
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 the best I can 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?" - Ricky Bobby
X
If you’re anything like my me and my husband, you probably don’t get dressed up all that often. That 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 it!
Date Night
Never waste a great hair day.
XI
As soon as we finish your session, I'll be importing and posting a photo or two to give you a preview on social media as soon as possible. It normally takes me 3-4 weeks to edit and upload an engagement gallery, so unless I have a holiday closure, you can expect to receive your engagement photos between 3 and 4 weeks after your session.
Turnaround time
When to expect your images.
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I include these sessions for nearly all my clients, so count me in! If you haven't booked me as your wedding photographer yet, fill out this short form to inquire about your wedding date!