
Planning your engagement session
To make planning your wedding less stressful, I aim to ensure that your engagement photoshoot feels like a fun date night.
This guide is designed to help you plan your engagement session, covering details such as locations, themes, outfit choices, and some useful tips.


The first steps
Choosing the Perfect Theme for Your Photoshoot
When selecting your theme, it's super important to consider what's meaningful and relevant to you and your significant other. I know it's tempting to replicate photos seen on social media, but these should reflect your relationship. For example, if you're not the outdoorsy type, a farm tour may not be the best choice. Instead, we can opt for a cozy coffee shop or something that aligns with your lifestyle!
Here are some ideas that we can use to mix in for personal touches
A scenic hike
Downtown with buildings or murals
A vintage style with fun clothes or old cars
A shared hobby such as making pizza, watching sports, fishing
Having a picnic in the park
Going to a fair or carnival
Lifestyle in home showcasing your every day life
It's also totally ok if you want simple classic engagement photos surrounded by a beautiful sunset. There doesn't always have to be "theme" to these, the theme is you're getting married!
 
 
When is the "best time" to take photos

Engagement sessions can be scheduled anytime from immediately after the proposal to a week before the wedding. I usually see my couples booking 8-12 months before the wedding date and around a season they prefer.
Sessions typically last about an hour and I love to shoot when the sun is lower in the sky. Usually about 60 to 90 minutes before sunset.

Save the dates
Save the dates are usually sent out 6 and 8 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 months before you plan to send out your save-the-dates. Between the weather, editing, designing your save-the-dates and printing, at least one month is generally a safe amount of time.
Probably the most asked question I get is "Shawna I have zero idea where we should go, do you have any spots?" and OF COURSE! Listen I am a nature girl so almost all of my "go to spots" are outdoors but that doesn't mean I can't think of a alternative. That is why I direct you with a "theme" first so we can ease some anxiety of location scouting. Down below is the direct link to my location guide, but before you dive into it let me explain some deciding factors.
- Time of year. I find the beauty in all seasons but that doesn't mean every location works for every season! I frequently get a screenshot of this one field filled with flowers and a gorgeous sunset that I shot in July. The problem is I get requested for this exact shot in early March and there's an inch of snow on the ground.
- Choose one location. I get it you want a little of everything! Who wouldn't right?! I am fortunate that my two most popular locations are within 10 minutes of each other, but that doesn't mean I recommend we go to both. Less is more and an hour goes super fast! I find if we settle in one location and use everything it has to offer then your gallery is more cohesive and you get more shots.
Outfits + Tips
Everyone has their own unique style, and there's no right or wrong outfit. The key is to wear something that makes you feel comfortable and confident. Here are some tips to help you pick out the perfect ensemble:
Coordinate your outfit with your significant other, but don't match to the point where you're wearing the same exact outfit.
Neutrals are always a safe bet if you want a timeless look that won't clash with your surroundings.
If you're feeling bold, don't be afraid to wear something colorful to make a statement in your photos.
Keep the season and mood of your shoot in mind when choosing an outfit. For example, darker neutrals will give your photos a moody vibe if that's what you're going for.
If you're wearing patterns, make sure they're subtle so your clothing won't draw attention away from you.
Opt for comfortable shoes since we'll be walking for at least an hour. Also, consider the location of your shoot when choosing footwear. Heels and muddy fields don't mix!
Flowy dresses or skirts are perfect if you love the look of movement in your photos.
Avoid logos and neon clothing. Instead, try a burnt orange or mustard-colored dress in the fall to add a pop of color without going overboard.








Including pets

I am a cat mom and I make sure to include our three babies in our Christmas cards every year, so I always recommend bringing your pets if you can! We will plan for your pet to be at the first part of your session. It works out great if a family member or friend can take them home or hangout at the session to help dog sit!
What if it rains?
Unfortunately weather does ruin our plans sometimes but we have options! First, we can proceed as planned but with umbrellas and a good attitude. Rain sessions are a moody dream but if thats not your style we will reschedule. I try to fit in my reschedules as soon as possible so I open week day evenings as an alternative.

Give yourself some time
I typically set the time of our shoot an hour before sunset for best lighting. Map out our location a day in advance and arrive 5-10 minutes. I won't immediately jump into taking photos when you step out of the car. I like to give us some time to warm up and I give you a rundown on what it's like to shoot with me.

Don't be nervous
I promise you MOST couples I shoot with have never once gotten photos done and are SO nervous and awkward when we start. Its 1000% normal! I will be honest I get nervous too and I have been doing this for years! I mean essentially I am meeting strangers in the woods!
But most importantly by the end of the shoot we are all laughing and we're best buds. Even tricky guys who do not want to be there say "Okay this wasn't anything what I was expecting this was pretty fun" I swear!
Ask questions
If you're a Snaps bride this might be the first time we meet! I want you to ask me questions about this process, if its about your wedding day or even if it's personal. I will talk about my cats for fifteen minutes if that makes you feel more comfortable around me.
Now let's get started.
Just know I have your name written down on my calendar and I wait all week to create with you! Remember after we finish I will send a preview the next day and then full gallery is delivered within fourteen days after. Start getting excited!