5 Tips for a fun Engagement Session

An engagement session is a great chance for me to get to know you better, build some more rapport and a good warm-up session before the wedding day.  Here are five tips I’ve compiled to read through before your engagement session.

1. Location for your Engagement Session

Over the years, I have gathered my go-to photo spots. I can suggest many engagement session locations in Calgary, Canmore, Banff and the surrounding areas if you need them.  There are plenty of beautiful parks, urban areas, cool back alleys, sandstone buildings and mountain settings outside of the city that we can take advantage of.  I also love going to new places if there is a location that is meaningful to you as a couple that we can explore.

2. Season for your Engagement Session

Doing your engagement session in the opposite season of your wedding photos gives you lots of variety.  It will be a nice memory as you look back at your different photos.

Living in Alberta, where the landscape undergoes dramatic transformations throughout the year, offers an exceptional opportunity to explore the diverse beauty of each season. Don’t overlook the enchanting possibilities of winter, where snow-covered landscapes and cozy outdoor scenes can evoke a sense of romance and intimacy unlike any other season.

Embrace the ever-changing beauty of Alberta’s four distinct seasons, and consider the magic that each one can bring to your photos. Whether you’re walking in fields of wildflowers or embracing the winter wonderland, every season offers its own charm and opportunity for romance.

3. Pets and props

Including pets and props in your engagement session can infuse an extra layer of joy, personality, and uniqueness into your photoshoot. Pets, especially furry companions, are cherished members of the family, and having them join the session can create heartwarming moments and add a sense of playfulness to your images.

Incorporating props is another creative way to personalize your engagement session and showcase your unique relationship as a couple. From vintage bicycles and balloons to picnic baskets and signs with meaningful quotes, props offer endless possibilities to express your personalities and interests.

4. What to wear

Wear something that makes you feel confident and comfortable. Opt for clothing that reflects your personal style and makes you feel your best. Don’t shy away from incorporating colour, layers, and accessories into your ensemble to add depth and visual interest to your photos.

Coordination with your partner is key, but avoid overly matching outfits. Instead, go with complementary colours, textures, or patterns that create a cohesive look without appearing too uniform. This allows each of your personalities to shine while still presenting a unified aesthetic in your photos.

For more detailed guidance on selecting the perfect attire for your engagement session, check out my post on “What to Wear,” where I offer additional tips and advice to help you curate the ideal look for your special day.

5. Hair & make up

An engagement session serves as an excellent opportunity to not only capture beautiful moments with your partner but also to test out your wedding-day hair and makeup look. By coordinating with your chosen artist for the engagement session, you can ensure that your desired style aligns with your vision for the big day.

During the session, you can see firsthand how the hair and makeup hold up through various poses and lighting conditions, giving you confidence in your appearance for your wedding photos. Plus, it’s a chance to provide feedback to your artist, allowing them to make any necessary adjustments to perfect your look for the main event.

If you’re looking for recommendations, I’ve had the pleasure of collaborating with some talented vendors who specialize in wedding hair and makeup. You can explore their work and styles to find the perfect fit for your engagement session and beyond. Feel free to check out the suggestions I have gathered from my experiences working with these professionals.

I hope you found these tips useful and I hope to see you soon for your engagement session.