Step 2: Plan for your engagement session
SESSION DETAILS, TIPS AND more!
ENGAGEMENT SESSION GUIDE
Read on to learn more about preparing for your engagement session, including tips on what to wear, bringing pets, choosing locations, and other helpful advice.
I'm so thrilled 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 always tell people that we still get nervous before having our photos taken - and I do this for a living!
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 how I pose my couples. 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.
I'm 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 always tell people that we still get nervous before having our photos taken - and I do this for a living!
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 how I pose my couples. 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 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'll cover what to wear, whether to bring pets & how to manage them, location ideas and more!
Welcome!
HERE'S A Quick Overview of What's Inside!
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. 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 a half and when I can - I love to begin sessions about one to 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.
is there a "good" time to take photos?
Optimal Times for Your Engagement Session
Our favorite time to start engagement sessions is a few hours before sunset. This is when the light is softest and most flattering, often referred to as 'golden hour,
"Properly preparing for an engagement session can help alleviate the nerves that accompany being photographed."
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'll cover what to wear, whether to bring pets & how to manage them, location ideas and more!
Engagement sessions are magical year-round! While late May to October offers the most variety in locations due to weather, I'm happy to capture your love story any time. Let's chat about your dream location and find the perfect season to make it happen!
Here's a breakdown of what each season offers
Embracing Each Season
spring
summer
fall
winter
SPRING
Apr - May - Varies
Montreal's spring can be a little unpredictable, even though the calendar says March! To capture stunning outdoor photos during peak bloom and comfortable temperatures, we usually start shooting a bit later in the season. When you book your springtime Montreal wedding, we recommend scheduling both a primary date and a backup rain date to ensure flexibility. This way, you can relax and focus on celebrating your love, no matter what the weather brings.
SUMMER
JUN - AUG 6:30 - 8:30 PM
We adore summer engagement sessions! Longer days mean magical golden hour light for your photos, but also slightly later start times (around 6 pm). Here's a summer session pro-tip: pack some blotting papers and a cooling towel to keep you feeling fresh throughout the shoot!
spring
summer
fall
winter
AUTUMN
SEPT - OCT - VARIES
Montreal's fall foliage is legendary, and so are the engagement sessions it inspires! With crisp air, vibrant colors, and stunning scenery, it's no wonder our fall calendar fills up fast. If you're dreaming of capturing your love story amidst this autumnal wonderland, we recommend booking your session as soon as you know your date!
spring
summer
fall
winter
WINTER
DEC - MAR 1-3PM
If you’re planning a winter engagement session, remember that we may start shooting as early as 2:30 p.m. if it’s in the evening to catch the sunset. We suggest dressing in layers to stay warm between photos. Don’t forget to bring some extra makeup and tissues, just in case your nose runs from the cold
spring
summer
fall
winter
If you're planning on using your engagement photos for your save-the-dates, we encourage you to schedule your session at least two to three months before you're planning on sending your save-the-dates to ensure ample time for possible rescheduling due to weather, editing, and designing and printing your save-the-dates.
We encourage our couples to send save-the-dates 6-8 months before the wedding if it's local, and 8-10 months for a destination wedding.
savethe dates
DESTIONATION ENGAGEMENT SESSION
DESTINATION ENGAGEMENT SESSIONS
DESTIONATION ENGAGEMENT SESSION
Although most of my engagement sessions take place in the Montreal area, I've captured couples in places like Banff, New York, Las Vegas, and Macau! If you have a special location in mind, let me know—if our schedules align, we could potentially do your engagement session outside my usual area.
Travel fees may apply depending on the location and our availability.
It’s not super common in Montreal but it DOES happen occasionally.
If this happens on your session date I'll make sure to reschedule you right away. Even if it means moving around thing in my own schedule. I know how important it is to have these photos taken and how excited you are!
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 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 if the weather looks like it won’t be great, I'll typically try to make the call at least 12 hours in advance.
what if the weather is bad OR it'S RAINING?
UNPREDICTABLE
WEATHER
THE engagement photos betty took for us are so elegant, ARTISTIC, and REAL. SHE has IMPECCABLE taste and TALENT to notice and capture the BEAUTY around her in HER UNIQUE WAY.
LINA & STEVEN
First, let's make sure we choose a location that's pet-friendly. This is important, especially if you're planning your session around a specific theme or setting.
To keep your pet happy during the shoot, we suggest bringing their favorite treats, grooming them beforehand if needed, and giving them plenty of exercise before we start.
Since your pet might not be in every photo, we typically begin the session with them. Afterward, it's a good idea to have a friend watch them or take them home for the rest of the session. This way, you can focus on your engagement photos without any distractions.
WE're all
about your
furry friends!
We love it when couples bring their pets to their engagement session!
After doing many pet-friendly shoots, we've gathered some helpful tips to make everything go smoothly.
outfits
recommendations & tips
When selecting outfits for your engagement session, think 'complement' rather than 'match.' For example, if the groom-to-be wears a blue and pink plaid shirt, the bride-to-be could choose a flowing soft blue dress. It’s also helpful to focus on color families like pastels or jewel tones to create a cohesive look.
Couples often opt for two outfits during their session: one formal and one casual. We suggest saving your favorite outfit for later, as you may feel more relaxed as the session progresses. And don't forget the accessories! A statement necklace, trendy shoes, or a classic watch can really elevate your style.
our tips for looking and feeling your best
Curious about how to give your engagement photos an editorial feel?
Many couples bring two outfits to their engagement session—one formal for a touch of elegance, and another that's more laid-back. Don't forget to include a few matching accessories to tie it all together!
We recommend opting for dresses over pants, shorts, or jumpsuits to maximize the ethereal quality of your photos. Flowy dresses create stunning visual effects in photographs, adding a sense of movement and depth to your images. Don't forget to accessorize! While heels can elongate your legs, prioritize comfort and bring a spare pair of shoes for walking between shots. (Swipe to Slide 5 to see the moodboard).
Larger patterns can make a bold statement in photos, but be mindful of choosing patterns that are too small, as they may appear overly busy in your images.
Opt for a dress instead of casual wear
Outfit tips
style tips for her
Here are some suggestions! Statement jewelry can bring a splash of color or pattern to a simple dress, while lace and tulle gowns are stunning for a classic look. Lace sleeves add an elegant touch and can flatter your figure. Consider your venue when choosing your outfit—flowy or fit-and-flare dresses often photograph beautifully, especially in settings with lots of movement. The key is to feel confident and radiant. Pick an outfit that makes you feel amazing, and don't hesitate to add a hint of glamour to showcase your unique style.
Accessories can help you look and feel your best.
accessories
style tips for her
Professional hair and makeup not only last longer but also withstand humidity and wind better than typical styling. It's crucial to feel and look your best for your engagement photos. Plus, if you're already planning a trial, your engagement session serves as the perfect opportunity to see how your hair and makeup translate on camera.
This is the perfect time for your makeup & hair trial!
MAKEUP & HAIR
style tips for her
Expect moments during your session where we capture close-ups of your hands, especially featuring your engagement ring. It's a good idea for both partners to tidy up their nails beforehand.
Also, make sure your ring is sparkling clean!
Get ready for some close-up shots
manicure
style tips for her
outfit inspiration
something Flowy
A white dress
little black dress
suit/jumpsuit
For additional outfit inspiration, I've created a Pinterest Board filled with ideas that showcase how different colors and clothing styles complement each other. Use it to find the perfect combinations for your engagement session. You can access the Pinterest Board through the link below.
Lulus
ASOS
Christy Dawn
Hill House Home
H&M
Vicii Dolls
Madewell
Reformation
Rent the Runway
Nordstorm
Everlane
Artizia
Anthropologie
Nordstrom
J. Crew
Free People
Revolve
Zara
Our top picks for finding the perfect attire for your session.
shopping Guide
Elevate your look with layers! Whether it's a sharp suit and tie, a classic button-down, or a trendy blazer or sports jacket, layering adds depth and texture to your engagement photos. Don't hesitate to experiment with different combinations to showcase your unique style and personality!
Do not underdress for your engagement session - go all out!
outfit tips
style tips for the gents
style tips for the gents
Taking the time for a fresh haircut, tidy manicure, and a bit of grooming can make a world of difference in your overall appearance.
Get Ready & Look your best!
grooming
Lulus
ASOS
Christy Dawn
Hill House Home
H&M
Vicii Dolls
Madewell
Reformation
Rent the Runway
Nordstorm
Everlane
Artizia
Anthropologie
Nordstrom
J. Crew
Free People
Revolve
Zara
Our top picks for finding the perfect attire for your session.
shopping Guide
THE GUYS
If you're a bride that is a little anxious about how your groom is going to react to this whole "picture" thing, you're not alone. We received so many emails from brides who are worried that their groom won't be into it and I have great news for you...you both are more photogenic than you think! We are constantly surprising couples by discovering their hidden modelling skills and our most common response from our groom is, "That wasn't as bad as I thought! It was actually fun". Boom! Mission accomplished! When the groom says that taking pictures was FUN, we have done our job well! Your engagement session is supposed to be fun and relaxed, not forced or awkward. As you prepare for your shoot, there are a few things that you can do to help your groom know what to expect.
First of all, I highly recommend sitting down with your guy and showing him 2-3 of your favourite engagement sessions that I have photographed. Spend more time together scrolling through a few blog posts, this will allow him to gauge what his expectation should be. I also recommend that you allow for plenty of time to get to your shoot! There is nothing worse than when a couple shows up late, and they have been arguing in the car! That is definitely going to put your groom in a bad mood! Last but not least, remember to have patience with him, and don't assume that he's not going to have a good time...I think you'll be surprised how much you will both enjoy your session with us!
You don't want to have key chains or phones showing through your pockets! (Especially for guys!)
empty your pocket
The basics + Things to do
The sun sets quickly especially if your shoot is not in the summer months. The later you arrive, the less time to shoot!
Arrive on time
As much as I would like to say that we always have restrooms for outfits changes, more often than not, our clients do quick outfit changes in their car if there are no other options
Changing outfits
If you're wearing shoes that are difficult to walk in but look awesome, bring some comfy shoes to change to while we walk to each shooting location!
Comfy Shoes / Flip Flops
They reflect color onto skin & can be difficult to edit.
Colors to avoid: BRIGHT REDS, NEOS, ORANGE
Things to Avoid
Tiny patterns cause something called "Chromatic abberation" in digital images. Men's checkered shirts are fine if the "checks"are on the larger side.
AVOID PATTERNS SMALLER THAN A QUARTER
If one of you is wearing very dark jeans, the other may want to wear lighter jeans. If one of you is wearing a navy tip, the other shouldn't wear a dark/heavy colored top. To a certain degree alternating the "heaviness" of your outfits can make your images look more balanced.
alternate heaviness
This can look a bit awkward in photos. If one of you is dressed up and the other is casual, it can look a bit odd in your images
avoid one of you being casual while the other is more dressy
Tennis shoes, Graphic tees, Bold logos on shirts, Sunglasses & Baseball hats
other things to avoid
posing
TIPS
Don't worry about posing for your engagement session—we'll guide you through every step. We'll start with easy, natural poses and work our way up. If we ask you to do something a little silly, it's because we know it'll lead to genuine laughter, and those are the moments we love to capture.
During the session, we'll keep an eye on your hair, makeup, and outfits to make sure everything looks perfect. We want you to feel relaxed and have a fantastic time together!
Champagne: It makes for fun & joyful photos.
Fun items or meaningful items: Customized Newspaper.
Activities: Consider props related to activities you enjoy together, like a picnic setup, or even a shared hobby.
champagne is always a great idea!
props
If you’re planning to bring props to your engagement session
logistics
- We photograph engagement sessions on weekday evenings because our weekends are dedicated to photographing weddings!
- We love shooting at gorgeous locations. We recommend 2 locations max for engagements. A general rule of thumb is the more locations & outfits, the less images and time we'll spend photographing.
- We love travel to our shoots! However, if we have never been to your desired location, we may need some advice on where to park! And if it's outside of town we might charge additional travelling fee.
If you're like us, Leslie, and me, dressing up isn't a regular thing. That's why the day of your engagement session is the perfect excuse to put on your best outfit and make a whole day out of it. Whether you're planning an evening shoot, making it ideal for a romantic dinner, or a morning session, perfect for brunch, it's an opportunity to indulge in some quality time together.
make it a date night
date night
Since you're already dressed up and looking your best, make the most of it and plan a date night after your session.
When your engagement photos will be ready?
GALLERY DELIVERY
Once your session is complete, we'll start editing your digital images to ensure they look perfect. Our turnaround time is usually about two to three weeks, after which you'll receive a link to your private online gallery where you can view, download, and share your beautifully edited engagement photos.
FAQ
frequently asked questions
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CHECKLIST
A FEW last minute tips & things to remember
CONFIRM DATE, LOCATION, AND TIME
REVIEW GUIDE FOR STYLING TIPS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
BOOK HAIR AND MAKEUP APPOINTMENTS
SELECT AND PURCHASE YOUR OUTFITS
GET A MANICURE, PEDICURE, haircut and even a facial!
HAVE YOUR RINGS POLISHED
COLLECT ANY PROPS YOU WANT TO USE
PACK A BAG WITH THE FOLLOWING:
Wanting everything to be picture perfect is means you need to come prepared. Here is a quick checklist to make sure you're not missing anything for your session
✓COMFORTABLE, FLAT SHOES FOR BETWEEN locations and shots
✓both outfits, shoes, and accessories
✓Water and snacks
✓MAKEUP FOR ANY TOUCH-UPS
✓A WARM LAYER IN CASE IT GETS Cold
If you have any questions or would just like to chat, we're here for you. Thank you so much for taking the time to read through our guide!
We hope this guide helps make the process of planning your wedding details much easier and less stressful.We just can't wait to start planning with you and getting to know you! If you haven't scheduled your engagement session yet, let's get that in the books.
Feel free to email us any time at hello@designedbybetty.com.
