choosing the perfect time, location, outfit & more!
Engagement Session
planning your
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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 have 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 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.
I will cover what to wear, whether to bring pets & how to manage them, location ideas and more!
I am so excited to be working with you and I can’t wait for our time together during your engagement session! It’s normal to be a little nervous about your session.
I am a big fan 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 I pose you. Timelines can be pretty tight on weddings days and 30 minutes may be all we have for portraits - which is why I have found that wedding day portraits turn out so much better when couples do engagement sessions ahead of time.
Welcome
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 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. My goal is for you to leave the session saying, "that was more fun than I thought it would be!"
The guys
A NOTE TO
Engagement sessions can take place anywhere from immediately following a proposal to just a few days before the wedding. I have found that there isn’t a “good” or “bad” time to take your photos. 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 two hours before sunset. I prefer to shoot when the sun is lower in the sky to avoid harsh shadows and bright sun patches. The first two hours after sunrise is also an ideal time to shoot.
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.
"GOOD" TIME TO TAKE PHOTOS?
Time & Light: is there a
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:
Seasons
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 3:30pm 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.
snowfall, hot cocoa and cozy coats
Winter
Spring is a very popular time in Georgia to shoot engagement pictures! It starts to get warm in March and sometimes even as early as February! It just depends as you know! April and May are very prime wedding weekends, so generally, we will do spring engagement sessions on a weekday when possible.
fresh flowers and sunny days
Spring
We know that summer in Georgia is not just hot, it's HUMID! We can do your session in the summer, but we will get hot and sweaty. I recommend early June or September and avoid July/August. Because of the later sunset, sessions sometimes begin as late as 7pm. If you’re taking your engagement photos during the summer, I recommend bringing extra makeup and a few towels to make sure you stay fresh throughout your session.
walks in the park hand in hand
Summer
Fall is one of the prettiest times of the year in Georgia 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! I also shoot a lot of families and weddings in the fall. It's my busiest time of the year hands down! I love fall in Georgia!
colorful leaves and snuggling close
Fall
If your wedding is local, save the dates should be sent between 6 and 8 months before the wedding. For a destination wedding, you will 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 one to 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. I design save the dates for my clients, so you are welcome to use me for this service if you desire!
Save-the-dates
ADVENTURE
vineyard
The above locations are all beautiful but we also love exploring meaningful locations with our couples!
greenery
fields
historic/rustic
Millenium Gate Museum
Federal Reserve Building
Promenade Tower- Midtown
Georgian Terrace
Atlantic Station
Serenbe
CLASSIC & ELEGANT
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 in downtown Atlanta, 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 apple picking and college campuses, the options for engagement session locations are endless!
Atlanta and north ga ENGAGEMENT LOCATIONS
Locations
Marietta Square
Downtown Buford
Historic Decatur Square
Downtown Woodstock
Whittier Mill Park
Westside Provision- Atlanta
Ponce City Market
Kennesaw Mountain
Garrard Landing Park
Leita Thompson Park
Grant Park/Zoo Atlanta area
Roswell Boardwalk/Chattahoochee River
Chastain Park
Berry College
Montaluce
Cenita Vineyards
Yonah Mountain
Frogtown Winery
Sawnee Mountain
Bell Mountain
Stone Mountain
waterfall
Roswell Mill
Hightower Falls
Toccoa Falls
mountains
Cohutta Overlook
Dahlonega
Hiawassee
city
Piedmont Park
Centennial Park
Jackson Street Bridge
While I take most of our engagement sessions in the Atlanta and North Georgia area, I have photographed sessions everywhere from Asheville to New York City to St. Augustine, FL. If you have a location in mind that is significant to the two of you, let me know because if our schedules align, I might be able to take your engagement photos outside of my normal area. I LOVE to travel, so if you want to do it, let's make it happen!
Travel fees may apply depending on the location and my availability.
Engagement sessions
destination
I 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.
I recommend planning for your pet to be at the first part of your session. We will incorporate them into the beginning part of your session. You can bring a friend along and have them take them home.
If you’re going to bring a pet, I 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.
Pets
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 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 accesorries! Statement necklaces, cute shoes and classic watches are great ways to add detail to outfits.
TIPS FOR LOOKING YOUR BEST
Outfits
on to the next
When picking outfits we recommend keeping in mind the word “complement” rather than “match.” For example, if the groom is wearing a blue and pink pastel plaid shirt, 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 jewel tones.
A good rule of thumb: pick 3 or so colors and spread them throughout your attire. Don't be afraid to mix a few subtle patterns or textures (such as linen).
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.
Choosing Outfits
for everyone
on to the next
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.
I love the way larger patterns and textures (like linen) 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
on to the next
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 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
for the ladies
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Able
Zara
Mango
Sezane
Hill House Home
Reformation
Rachel Pally
Nuuly
Christy Dawn
Rylee & Cru
Clad & Cloth
Ivy City
Shopbop
Everlane
Rent the Runway
ASOS
Morning Lavender
J. Crew
Anthropologie
Free People
Jessakae
Petal & Pup
H&M
Vici Dolls
Virginia Dare Dress Co.
Baltic Born Clothing
Madewell
Kate + Grace Boutique
Favorite Shops
for the ladies
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 go this route, we recommend staying a bit “classic”. Now probably isn’t the best time to try out that new contouring technique you saw on TikTok.
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.
Hair & Makeup
for the ladies
on to the next
You can’t go wrong with crisp button up. Or consider layering a blazer or sweater with jeans with this look.
Be careful not to choose a pattern that is too small - it may accidentally make your photo look a little too busy.
Layer up, even in the summer! Layers on men look great on camera, so even when it’s hot outside, trust me when I say that it’s worth an hour or two of discomfort for photos that will last you both a lifetime. Adding another layer will bring extra dimension and visual interest to your photos. Blazers, vests and coats up the level of any look.
Wardrobe
for the gents
on to the next
Wardrobe
for the gents
on to the next
Rent the Runway
ASOS
Suit Supply
J. Crew
Zara
Leather & Cotton
Jack Threads
Frank & Oak
Nordstrom
Cuts
H&M
Urban Outfitters
Madewell
Lululemon
Everlane
Banana Republic
Mango
Reiss
Alex Mill
Untuckit
Amazon - GoodThreads
Bonobos
Abercrombie
Rag & Bone
When I can, I always try to take a photo of your engagement ring if you bring a second outfit. I will do these while you're changing. If possible, try to have your engagement ring cleaned or clean it yourself.
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.
The Ring
I always say, "don't stress over the weather and don't look more than a few days out!" It does no one any good if you're stressing a week or more in advance about the potential for rain. We know in Georgia, especially in the summer, we can have a pop-up rain storm and 5 minutes later, we be all good!
I will touch base with you the week of your engagement session if it looks like it could be a potential for rain and agree that we both keep an eye on it. If you have plans to get your hair or nails done with appointments that have rescheduling fees, we can discuss when we think the best time would be to call the session or how long we can realistically wait until we have to reschedule.
We will get you scheduled! I had a couple who on their third attempt, we came with an indoor rain backup location that we ended up utilizing as it rained the THIRD time we tried to do their session. But in my over 17 years of shooting, that has only happened the one time!
what to do if it rains
Inclement Weather
If you’re planning to bring props to your engagement session, we recommend including them only if they’re meaningful to you.
Shots 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.
props?
should we bring
When it comes to posing for your engagement session, you don’t need to worry about a thing! I will 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 I am actually looking for.
Throughout your session, I will keep an eye on your hair, makeup and outfits to make sure things stay in place. I want you to feel as relaxed as possible and enjoy your time together!
"what do I do with my hands?"
posing
A note on
If you’re anything like my husband and me, 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!
Date Night
As soon as we finish your session, I will do my best (as long as I'm not immediately heading out of town or something) to get you sneak peeks within 24 hours of your session. This is not a guarantee, but I do my best to make this happen. You can expect your full gallery to be delivered within 3-4 weeks of your session.
Images
When to Expect Your
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
mandi@mandimitchellphotography.com