Second, you can showcase your personalities in a more casual setting! You pick the location, bring whomever you want (including any pets you love!) and we'll just hang out! I'm there to learn about you two as much as you are to learn about my way of working!

Since planning a session can be a tad overwhelming (and I get asked the same things over and over again), I figured it would be easiest to send you a guide to eliminate some crazy!

Scroll down for what to wear, how to bring pets and manage them, location ideas, session times and more! 

SOOO excited to begin the process of capturing your love! I know it can be incredibly nerve wracking to have a someone follow you around and photograph you, but I promise I'm here for you! I'll hold your hand the entire way!

I'm 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 my style of shooting. Doing this prior to your day allows us to get all the awkward feels out of the way. That way when I show up for your day, you know exactly how I work, and what feels natural for you both!

to the ENGAGEMENT guide

Welcome

I get it. Having your picture taken might not be in your top-10 favorite things to do. And I'll be honest: at first you might feel somewhat awkward, but I think you’ll find that by the end of the session, it’s a lot easier than you thought! Plus, you might even have a little fun. The best news is that you will never be in front of the camera alone. You have one mighty fine partner by your side, that I will ALWAYS expect you to look at :)! Let's pretend the three of us are just hanging out, and we'll get rid of the uneasy nerves! 

The uneasy

A NOTE TO

or those feeling nervous

Engagement sessions can take place really any time prior to your wedding day! I've seen over the years, that there really isn't a “good” or “bad” time to take photos. Typically I aim to plan sessions based on a particular “look” a couple has in mind: spring flowers or fall leaves for example, or based on a timeline they had to meet, such as wanting to send save the dates! 

Sessions typically last about an hour. Depending on your location, I usually prefer to shoot when the sun is lower in the sky to avoid harsh shadows and bright sun patches. The first hour of sunrise, or an hour before sunset usually are the best!


Is there a "good" time to take photos? 

While I typically capture most of my engagement sessions between May and October, they can truly take place all year. Many 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

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 as early as 3pm to catch the sunset. I recommend dressing in layers so that in between photos you could keep warm. For brides: bringing a little extra makeup and tissues for you and your partner: in case your noses begin to run, always helps as well. 

snowfall, hot cocoa and cozy coats

Winter

Even though Spring begins in March, with Ohio being Ohio, it's typically best to schedule once Spring really arrives. Keep in mind that the flowers may not bloom until the end of April. If you are looking for some soft sunrise shots, let's aim to schedule a few minutes before the sun is set to arrive, to get that pale pink glow!

pretty flowers and maybe a pint of beer

Spring

With summer, the timing for sessions could be a little earlier than you want (for sunrise) and a little later than expected (for sunsets). We also have to make sure we take into account the weather. Usually we beat the heat when we schedule, but we may not beat the rain! Going with the flow and bringing an umbrella just in case is always a good idea, but I have many backup dates just in case we get caught in a storm!

walks on the beach, ice cream cones and maybe a little rain

Summer

Fall is one of the prettiest times of the year but it is also the hardest to schedule! Mainly due to the fact that it's incredibly unpredictable. Those traditional Fall leaves have a tendency to pop up overnight. So if you have your heart set on a fall engagement session, I recommend having a flexible schedule! That way, we can book (or adjust our date) as soon as we see those leaves!

colorful leaves and cloudy snuggles

Fall

Just as a rule of thumb: 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 a 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. 

Save-the-dates

Allardale Park
Any Vineyard
Any Tree Farm
Downtown Peninsula
Pine Hollow - CVNP
Ledges - CVNP

 


Greenery

Edgewater Beach
Mentor Headlands
Indigo Lake - CVNP
Horseshoe Pond - CVNP

Water

Downtown Cleveland
Downtown Akron
Parking Deck Rooftops
Highland Square

City - Like

Cleveland Museum of Art
Akron Art Museum
Voinovich Bicentennial Park

CLASSIC & ELEGANT

I love it when my couples choose a location for their session. (I actually prefer it!) Finding places around your hometown or an area that feels special to you make these memories a heck of a lot more enjoyable!

So please, let's hang out at your local pub, coffee shop, or even corner ice cream store! We could also take a walk around your favorite hiking path, along the beach you spent all summer, or even atop a peak you've been dying to visit! Better yet, let me come to your home and capture you two in some comfy clothes making breakfast or dinner.  This is just another date to add to your list.

I'm still always happy to make recommendations within my area if you want to explore some place new:

Cleveland / ne ohio ENGAGEMENT LOCATIONS

Locations

While the majority of my engagement sessions are in the NE Ohio area, 
I have photographed sessions everywhere from Scotland to New York City, Chicago to Seattle. If you have a location in mind that is significant to the two of you, let me know! I'd love to travel and see if our schedules can align!

*Travel fees may apply depending on the location and our availability.*

Destination Engagement Sessions

Having your pet as a part of your session is something I will always say yes to! Pets are just as much a part of your love story as where your first date took place. Just keep in mind that bringing a pet along means we need to do a few things prior to the session.

Finding a pet friendly location is the first thing! Many parks and places are, but just to be sure let me know where you are thinking and I'll check. I also grab many shots of just the two of you. Because of this, I highly recommend planning to bring a friend or family member to hold onto your furry friend in between moments!


Pets

Even though I'm no fashionista, I'm still incredibly happy to walk you through what might look best, visually! 

As a couple, I suggest finding outfits that you feel comfortable in. Yes you can look nice, but also feel comfy! We will be walking around, sitting on things, maybe canoodling in certain places, so find outfits (and shoes!) that allow you to move naturally without feeling tied down.

For specifics: neutrals / softer colors always photograph well and compliment each other. If you are feeling a pattern (such as a checkered shirt, or a lacy dress), my recommendation is to just make sure your two patterns do not clash. 


TIPS FOR LOOKING YOUR BEST

Outfits

For the girls: Dresses, or jeans with a tee! Both look cute and photograph well.  Also, jewelry is a great way to add some color or a pattern if you are wearing something simple. You can also absolutely use our engagement session as a trial run for your wedding makeup and a hair blowout!  :) Up to you, and how you want to feel! 

For the guys: suits, blazers, ties, or just going with jeans - again find something that you feel YOU in, and keep to softer colors! If you desire a patterned shirt, try to aim for a normal-sized pattern. Sometimes the tiny patterns make the photos feel really busy.


*I will ALSO be capturing your hands! Sooo a manicure - yes for both females and males always help as well!*

I always try to take a photo of your ring(s) during your engagement session!! Because of this, 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.

*Always double check with the instructions from your jeweler prior to an in-home cleaning!*

Ring Cleaning

"What do I do with 
my hands"?

As much as I shoot candidly, I do absolutely hold your hand if you are looking at me like "uhh, I need something to get me started!" The best part of my approach is that my prompts allow you to be yourself! I am never nitpicky, because sometimes those "Pinterest" poses we think feel natural, actually feel incredibly wonky! 

The point of these sessions are for me to get a feel for what makes you laugh, what you love to do, and how you two mesh together, naturally. I tend to feed off of your personalities. I may continue conversations about our favorite TV shows while I shoot, or just be quiet and let you two just interact with each other! Throughout the session, I'll keep an eye on your hair, makeup and outfits to make sure things stay in place. Overall, I want you to feel as relaxed as humanly possible and enjoy being together! 

"What do I do with
my hands"?

As soon as possible after your session is complete, I'll be backing up your images when I get home. It typically takes a week to a week and a half to process through and edit your images. Unless we are in the holiday season, you can expect to receive your engagement photos around that time frame! 

When Can I Expect My Images?

We know that this guide feels like a novel, but hopefully it covers everything you need to know to prep for our session!
If there is something I missed, or you have more questions,  feel free to email me!

THANK YOU!