YOU'RE OFFICIALY BOOKED
LET'S GET READY FOR YOUR SESSION.
First things first, I'm SO excited to work with you!
Whether you're celebrating an engagement, an anniversary, or simply want some beautiful photos together, this experience is all about capturing your connection in a way that feels genuine to you. You don't need to be professional models or know exactly what to do. I'll guide you throughout the session with plenty of direction and prompts to bring out natural movement, laughter, and those quieter moments together. This guide covers outfit advice, tips for coordinating your looks, what to bring, and what to expect from your session. Take a look through, gather some inspiration, and remember I'm always happy to help with any questions along the way!
Let's talk outfits
Your outfits help set the overall feel of your photos. They don’t need to be expensive or brand new, but a little intentional styling goes a long way! My biggest piece of advice? Coordinate your outfits with each other and with the overall vibe you want for your session.
Think about color, texture, and how dressed up you both are. If one of you is wearing a dress, pair it with something like a button-down, knit polo, or sweater rather than a casual T-shirt so your outfits feel like they go together.
Most importantly, choose clothing that fits comfortably and allows you to move. We’ll be walking, sitting, and interacting throughout the session!
CHOOSING YOUR COLORS
THINK ABOUT THE WHOLE GALLERY
The colors you choose play a big role in the overall look of your photos. Think about your location, the feeling you're going for, and how your outfits will complement each other.
NEUTRALS
White • Cream • Beige • Tan • Brown • Gray • Black
EARTHY + WARM
Olive • Sage • Rust • Camel • Chocolate • Muted Terracotta
SOFT + COOL
Dusty Blue • Navy • Soft Pink • Mauve • Muted Lavender
You definitely don’t have to avoid color! Just keep in mind that very bright or neon shades can reflect onto your skin and become more prominent in the final image.
All black outfits can sometimes lose dimension in photos, so consider breaking it up with a lighter color, texture, or another neutral.
USE YOUR INSPIRATION
Take a closer look at the photos you've been saving and pay attention to the colors the couples are wearing. If you're drawn to images featuring soft neutrals and muted tones, a bright pink outfit will create a very different feel. Use your inspiration to help guide your color choices and the overall look you're hoping for.
NEED A LITTLE SHOPPING INSPO?
For Clothes: Abercrombie & Fitch • Madewell • H&M • Zara • J.Crew • Gap • Banana Republic • ASOS • Old Navy • Nordstrom • Aritzia • Free People • stitchclb (custom embroidery available, too!)
For Accessories: Nordstrom • Madewell • J.Crew • Banana Republic • DSW • ALDO • Steve Madden • Anthropologie • Free People • Mejuri
Finishing Touches
A few small details can make a big difference in your final gallery.
Hair & Makeup
Choose a look that makes you feel confident and still feels like you. A little extra definition around your eyes, brows, cheeks, and lips can photograph beautifully in natural light. Even if you prefer a more natural look, slightly enhancing your everyday makeup can help your features stand out in photos.
For hair, consider a style that will hold up outdoors, especially if it's windy or humid. A little hairspray and a few bobby pins can go a long way! Bring along any products you might need for quick touch-ups, like lip color, powder, or a brush. If you're planning a haircut or color, try to schedule it 1–2 weeks beforehand.
Nails & Grooming
Your hands may be visible in certain poses, so consider getting a manicure in a color that complements your outfit, or make sure your nails are clean and well-kept. A little hand moisturizer goes a long way, too! If you're engaged, give your ring a quick clean before the session. Freshly groomed facial hair and a little attention to the small details can help pull everything together.
Shoes & Accessories
Don’t forget about accessories! Jewelry, belts, and other finishing touches can really elevate your outfits and bring the whole look together. Choose pieces that complement your clothing and reflect your personal style.
ONE LAST THING: Steam your outfits and remove any lint or pet hair before leaving!
Day of Shoot Checklist
Before heading out the door, take a few minutes to make sure you've got everything you need.
✓ Steam or iron your outfits.
✓ Remove lint or pet hair.
✓ Pack water and any touch-up items you'd like.
✓ Bring comfortable walking shoes if needed.
✓ Empty bulky pockets and remove phones, keys, smartwatches, etc.
✓ Pack any props or accessories you're bringing.
✓ Double-check your meeting location and parking details.
✓ Leave plenty of travel time so you can arrive relaxed.
A quick note about timing: I generally schedule sessions around golden hour, when the light is soft and flattering. Arriving on time helps us make the most of that beautiful light!
What about the weather? I'll keep a close eye on the forecast leading up to your session. If the weather looks like it may impact the experience, I'll reach out and we'll decide whether to move forward or reschedule.
What to Expect Upon Arrival
When we meet, we'll spend a couple of minutes chatting before we start. This gives you both a chance to settle in and helps shake off those session nerves. From there, I'll guide you through the entire session with natural prompts and easy posing. I'll show you where to stand, what to do with your hands, and how to interact with each other. We'll capture a mix of classic portraits, playful movement, and those quieter moments together.
Unless we’ve chatted about a different meeting spot, I’ll plan to meet you at the parking lot or entrance of our location so we can walk in together!
DAY OF THE SHOOT
Trust the Process
Throughout your session, I'll mix in a combination of more traditional poses and guided prompts to capture those natural, candid moments. I'll help you with everything from where to stand and what to do with your hands to little movements that encourage you to interact with each other. You don't need to know how to pose beforehand!
There might be a few moments where I ask you to stay exactly where you are for a little longer or do something one more time. Usually, there's something I'm waiting for. Maybe the light is almost perfect, your positioning needs a small adjustment, or we're one laugh away from a photo you're both going to love. Some of my favorite images happen because we gave a moment an extra few seconds instead of rushing to the next thing.
If there are any specific poses or photos you love, feel free to send me some Pinterest inspiration ahead of time. You can also share any favorites you've spotted on my website or social media! Seeing what you're drawn to helps me incorporate the moments you're most excited about while still making your session feel like you two.
After the Session
Once your session is over, the editing process begins! I'll carefully go through your gallery, selecting and hand-editing the very best images while staying true to the warm, natural colors and style you see throughout my work.
Your final gallery will be delivered via email through Pixieset within 1–3 weeks of your session. Occasionally, these emails can end up in your Promotions or Spam folder, so be sure to keep an eye on your inbox! Around the halfway point of that turnaround window, I recommend checking those folders too, just in case your gallery is waiting for you there.
I'll also include instructions right in your gallery to make downloading and saving your photos as easy as possible. I know waiting can be the hardest part, but I promise it'll be worth it!
Thank You!
I'm so excited to work together! Thank you so much for choosing me to capture your photos. It truly means so much that you've trusted me, and I can't wait to create a gallery you'll love looking back on for years to come. Enjoy the excitement leading up to your session, and if you need anything while you're planning, I'm only a message away. See you soon!
MATERNITY + Family
Have a maternity or family session coming up? I’ve put together a few extra tips just for you! From preparing little ones to maternity-specific details and a few things you may want to bring along, you’ll find everything extra you need to know before your session here.
