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choosing the perfect time,
location,
outfit
& more!
ENGAGEMENT SESSION guide
Your
Welcome
A quick NOTE ABOUT THIS GUIDE
We’re so excited to be working with you and we can’t wait for our time together during your engagement session! It’s normal to be a little nervous about your session. We always tell people that we still get nervous before having our photos taken - and we do this for a living!
We’re big fans 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 we pose. Timelines can be pretty tight on wedding days and 30 minutes may be all we have for portraits - which is why we’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. While they’re great for save-the-dates, we’ve taken engagement photos anywhere from 12 months in advance to a few months before the wedding.
There is a lot to think about when it comes to planning a session and since we get asked the same things over and over again, we thought it would be the most beneficial if we put together a guide that walks you through everything you need to know.
We’ll cover what to wear, whether to bring pets & how to manage them, location ideas and more!
And at first you might feel sort of awkward being in front of the camera. But we 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. We look forward to it because it’s a great opportunity for us all to hang out a bit before the wedding day.
A NOTE TO THE GUYS
We get it. Having your picture taken for an hour might not be in your top-10 favorite things to do during your downtime.
IS THERE A "GOOD" TIME TO TAKE PHOTOS?
TIME + LIGHT
We’ve found that there isn’t a “good” or “bad” time to take your photos. We 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 we can—we love to begin sessions about one hour before sunset. We prefer to shoot when the sun is lower in the sky to avoid harsh shadows and bright sun patches.
We schedule sessions during what we 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. We only want the best for you!
Engagement sessions can take place anywhere from immediately following a proposal to just a few months before the wedding.
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, we recommend scheduling your session at least two months before you plan to send out your save-the-dates. Between inclement weather, editing (which takes around 2 - 3 weeks), 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 Date CARDS
Free Session Locations
Lakeland & surrounding area locations
The engagement session that came complimentary with your session is redeemable within the Lakeland, Florida area at no extra cost.
Here are the locations you can pick from that range in style and aesthetic:
Bonnet Spring Park*
Hollis Gardens
Lake Mirror Promenade
CLASSIC & ELEGANT
Circle B Bar Reserve*
Lake Mirror
Lake Hollingsworth
Nature
Downtown Lakeland
Haus 820 Color Wall
URBAN / Architectural
Florida Southern College
Mural Art Downtown Lakeland
The Joinery Food Hall + Lake Mirror *
(think cocktails, craft food and ice cream!)
artistic / lifestyle
ADDITIONAL SESSION LOCATIONS
Tampa, Orlando, Sarasota, St. Pete, and beyond
These locations are places we have photographed couples at during our extensive career. There are additional costs (listed in the description) for these locations. The travel fee is payable the morning of your session. These are booked based on our availability:
Hyde Park, Tampa - $200
Vinoy Park, St. Petersburg* - $350
St. Augustine - $500
+ overnight accommodations fee
Powel Crosley Estate - $350
($300 session fee required & advance booking)
CLASSIC & ELEGANT
Driftwood Island, Longboat Key - $400
Don Cesar + Beach, St. Petersburg* - $350
Bean Point, Anna Maria Island - $400
BEACH
Philippe Park, Safety Harbor - $250
Sunken Garden - $250
(fee required + advance booking)
Bok Tower Gardens* - $350 ($20/person admission reimbursable)
NATURE
Winter Park Historic Building* - $350
(super secret location!)
Ringling Museum - $350
($300 session fee required & advance booking)
Rollins College, Winter Park - $350
artistic
Cooking class
Sailing / Boating
Craft Brewery
(all custom quotes)
ADVENTURE
Le Meridian Hotel, Tampa
*they require a permit - $250
Curtis Hixon Park, Tampa - $250
Super secret parking garage rooftop, Downtown Tampa - $250
URBAN / ARCHITECTURAL
* a favorite location
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 gray shirt, the bride-to-be may want to choose a long, pale cream dress. It can also be a great idea to choose “color-families,” such as warm muted colors or muted neutrals.
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 accessories! Statement necklaces, hats, cute shoes and classic watches are great ways to add detail to outfits.
OUTFITS
Tips for looking your best
Heels lengthen legs but if your heels aren’t comfortable for walking, bring an extra pair of shoes to slip into in between shots.
We love the way larger patterns 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, muted warm 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
Accessories
Where to Shop
Hair & Make up
Manicure
Outfits
for the ladies
NE
XT
We love bold and classic accessories. Gloves, bracelets, sunglasses, hats. Lace and tulle look amazing in photographs.
And dresses with lace 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
Accessories
Where to Shop
Hair & Make up
Manicure
Outfits
NE
XT
Free People
H&M
J. Crew
Anthropologie
Francesca’s
Ann Taylor
ModCloth
Buckle
Tilley's
Banana Republic
Lulu's
Nordstrom
The Loft
Vans
Pac Sun
Billabong
Hurley's
Aldo (shoes)
FAVORITE SHOPS
for the ladies
Accessories
Where to Shop
Hair & Make up
Manicure
Outfits
NE
XT
Engagement sessions are the perfect time for a hair and makeup trial! Professionally done hair & makeup last longer than typical hair & makeup. They also tend to hold up better for humitiy and wind.
We think it’s so important that you look and feel your best for your engagement photos - and if you’re planning to do a hair & makeup trial anyways, the engagement session is a great time to test how your hair & makeup look on camera.
HAIR & MAKEUP
for the ladies
Accessories
Where to Shop
Hair & Make up
Manicure
Outfits
NE
XT
There will probably be times during your session when we’re shooting your hands holding or the engagement ring on your hand - which means it’s a good idea to clean up your nails before your session (this applies to the guys too!).
MANICURE
for the ladies
Accessories
Where to Shop
Hair & Make up
Manicure
Outfits
You can’t go wrong with a dark button down and slacks. Consider pulling out that shirt you love but haven't had a reason to wear! Layer with a blazer and a tie - you can even wear jeans with this look. Bowties are always a good idea, suspenders, think modern hipster (is that a thing?) IMPORTANT: Steer clear of white button-ups. They act like reflectors and can wash out your skin tone.
Be careful not to choose a pattern that is too small - it may accidentally make your photo look a little too busy. Muted, warm colors tend to photograph better than bright colors - especially since bright colors could reflect on your skin. Cozy sweaters layered over button ups are a great way to stay warm and stylish during the cooler months.
Wardrobe Tips
for the gents
Where to Shop
Outfits
NE
XT
FAVORITE SHOPS
for the gents
Buckle
Banana Republic
J. Crew
Leather & Cotton
Nordstrom
H&M
Urban Outfitters
Hurley
Where to Shop
Outfits
Coordinating schedules can be tough and we’ve found that the best way to make sure our couples get the look they have in mind for their photos is to reschedule if bad weather is in the forcast.
INCLEMENT WEATHER
We’ll check in the week of your engagement session to confirm the time & location we’re meeting and the weather.
We 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 us know what works best for the two of you - but if the weather looks like it won’t be great, we typically try to make the call at least 12 hours in advance.
What to do if it rains
PROPS
If you’re planning to bring props to your engagement session, we recommend including them only if they’re meaningful to you. Shots of drinking coffee at a local coffee shop would be cute if that’s where you met; however, a trying to fly a kite together when it’s not a part of your relationship may come off as contrived.
Here is a list to help get the creative juices flowing: blankets, picnic basket, champagne and flutes, sunglasses, save-the-date sign, flowers, sports items, travel memorabilia, etc. The sky's the limit!
Champagne is always a good idea!
So 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.
RING CLEANING
When we can, we always try to take a photo of your ring during your engagement session
We’ll guide you through the entire process beginning with “poses” that are super easy and natural. If we tell you to do something that feels a little funny, it’s probably because we know it’s going to make the two of you laugh - and that’s the photo we’re actually looking for.
Throughout your session, we’ll keep an eye on your hair, makeup and outfits to make sure things stay in place. We want you to feel as relaxed as possible and enjoy your time together!
The special tip is to be yourself.
"WHAT DO I DO WITH MY HANDS"?
When it comes to posing for your engagement session, you don’t need to worry about a thing!
POSING
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
If you’re anything like us, you probably don’t get dressed up all that often.
WHEN TO EXPECT YOUR IMAGES
As soon as possible after your session is complete, we’ll begin the meticulous editing process. It normally takes us about 2 - 3 weeks for image delivery. At that time you can make your image selections or purchase the full gallery release (custom quote). Unless we have a holiday closure, you can expect to receive your engagement photos in that timeframe.
However if there is something we missed, or you need a recommendation feel free to email us at hello@evokephotoandfilm.com.
We know that this guide is long and hopefully it covers everything you need to know to prep for your engagement session!
