An engagement session is a dedicated portrait session for you and your partner — a chance to celebrate where you are right now and create images that stand entirely on their own outside of your wedding day. It's relaxed, natural, and completely centered on the two of you. No big production, no crowd of vendors, no timeline pressure. Just you, your partner, and a photographer who knows how to create space for real moments to happen. Think of it as your first chapter together — documented with intention before the wedding day writes the next one.

Ideally, 3-6 months before your wedding date is the sweet spot. It gives you enough time to use the images for save-the-dates, wedding websites, or any other planning materials, while also giving us a chance to work together and build a natural rapport before your big day. That said, engagement sessions are also completely worth doing on their own timeline — whether you're newly engaged, planning a longer engagement, or simply want beautiful photos of this season of your relationship. Reach out and we'll figure out what works best for you.

Anywhere that feels meaningful, visually interesting, or simply right for the two of you. Urban streets, open fields, beaches, rooftops, forest trails, coffee shops, the neighborhood where you met — the location is entirely your call and I'm always happy to offer recommendations based on the aesthetic and mood you're going for. The best engagement session locations are the ones that feel like you, not just a pretty backdrop someone else picked.

Most engagement sessions run between 1-2 hours, which is plenty of time to work through different locations, lighting situations, and a variety of natural moments without the session feeling rushed or exhausting. For couples who want a more expansive experience — multiple locations, outfit changes, or a specific creative concept — extended sessions can be arranged. We'll talk through your vision during the consultation and build a timeline that fits.

eWear something that feels authentically you — comfortable, confident, and true to your personal style as a couple. Coordinating outfits tend to photograph better than perfectly matching ones, so think complementary colors and tones rather than identical looks. Avoid very busy patterns or logos that can distract from your faces. Layers, textures, and timeless pieces tend to age beautifully in photos. If you're planning an outfit change, that's completely welcome — just bring something that transitions well between locations. When in doubt, reach out before the session and I'm happy to give feedback.

Absolutely — and honestly, please do. Pets are family and they bring an energy to a session that is completely irreplaceable. Dogs especially have a way of creating some of the most genuine, joyful moments of any session without even trying. Just make sure they're comfortable in outdoor environments and bring someone along who can wrangle them between shots so you're not spending the whole session chasing them down. The candid chaos they create is usually worth every second of it.

Yes — as long as the props feel natural and meaningful rather than forced or gimmicky. A bottle of wine from a place that's special to you, a book you both love, a blanket for a picnic setup, or something that genuinely represents who you are as a couple — those kinds of props add personality and context to the images in a way that feels authentic. Props for the sake of props can sometimes pull attention away from what matters most, which is the two of you. If you have something in mind, run it by me before the session and we'll figure out the best way to incorporate it.

sYes — and bundling your engagement session with your wedding coverage is one of the smartest decisions you can make. Beyond the obvious benefit of having a complete visual story from engagement through wedding day, doing both together gives us a chance to build a real working relationship before the most important day of your lives. By the time your wedding day arrives, you'll already know how I work, how to move naturally in front of the camera, and exactly what to expect — and that comfort level shows up in every single frame.

Weather happens — and some of the most beautiful engagement sessions I've ever shot have been on overcast, moody, or even lightly rainy days. That said, if conditions are genuinely unfavorable or unsafe, rescheduling is always an option. I'd rather push the date and deliver images you love than push through weather that compromises the experience or the final result. We'll always make that call together with enough notice to adjust plans comfortably.

Fill out the inquiry form with a few details about your vision, your preferred timeframe, and any location ideas you have in mind. From there I'll follow up to confirm availability, walk you through options, and get everything locked in. If you're also planning to book wedding coverage, mention that in your inquiry so we can discuss bundling both together. The sooner you reach out the better — especially if you have a specific date or season in mind.