Your engagement session is more than just a photoshoot; it’s a way to tell your unique love story. From choosing the right location to curating outfits and details that reflect your personalities, every element plays a role in creating memorable, timeless images. Here’s how to plan your engagement session and set the perfect scene, with insights inspired by an unforgettable open-road-themed shoot.
Josie Grace Photo Featured in MINNESOTA BRIDE MAGAZINE
1. Choose a Location with Meaning and Visual Appeal
The location sets the tone for your engagement session. Consider places that hold personal significance or evoke a mood that resonates with your story. For example, a recent shoot I planned featured a dirt road lined with trees and a nearby lake, bringing an intimate, natural vibe to the session. This spot, located in my hometown of Lakeville, Minnesota, was the perfect escape to channel the “open road” concept I envisioned.
Pro Tip: Look for locations that offer a mix of elements, like water, trees, or scenic roads. These provide versatile backdrops that enhance the storytelling aspect of your shoot.
2. Timing Is Everything: Plan for Golden Hour
Natural lighting can make or break your photos. For a warm, dreamy aesthetic, plan your session around golden hour—shortly after sunrise or before sunset. The soft, glowing light adds a cinematic quality that’s hard to replicate.
During the Lakeville shoot, the golden tones of an August evening perfectly complemented the earthy gold of the vintage Mercedes convertible, creating an ethereal, romantic atmosphere. Timing the session for golden hour made every frame feel magical.
3. Incorporate a Unique, Personal Element
Adding a special detail, like a meaningful prop or theme, elevates your session. For this open-road concept, the centerpiece was a rare 1985 gold Mercedes convertible belonging to my sister. Its vintage elegance and sense of adventure embodied the spirit of the shoot.
Whether it’s a classic car, a family heirloom, or a favorite activity, incorporating something personal creates deeper connections in your photos.
Pro Tip: If you don’t have access to a vintage car, consider rentals or collaborating with local owners to achieve the same timeless vibe.
4. Fashion That Balances Elegance and Comfort
Your outfits should reflect both your personal style and the vibe of the shoot. For Jamie and Peter’s engagement session, we aimed for relaxed yet polished looks. Peter’s rolled-up sleeves and no-tie ensemble gave off modern, casual elegance, while Jamie’s sleek dress and custom tulle scarf added a romantic, feminine touch.
Fashion Tips:
- Coordinate, Don’t Match: Choose outfits with complementary colors and textures.
- Dress for the Scene: If your location has earthy tones, go for neutral or warm hues to blend naturally.
- Add Personal Touches: Jamie’s scarf, crafted from tulle she planned to use at her wedding, brought a sentimental element to her look.
5. Florals: The Unsung Hero of Your Shoot
Florals can transform a scene, adding texture, color, and romance. Collaborating with Captured Blossoms in Minneapolis, designed a meadow-inspired arrangement with local hydrangeas from Northerly Flora and Bleadheart Floral. The cascading florals draped over the convertible’s sides, perfectly blending with its vintage charm.
Floral Tips:
- Choose seasonal blooms for a fresh, cohesive look.
- Work with your florist to design arrangements that enhance the setting and props.
- Sculptural, textured designs—like cascading florals—create a whimsical, natural aesthetic.
6. Tell Your Story Through Poses and Interactions
Your engagement photos should reflect your connection and chemistry. Jamie and Peter’s effortless love was evident in their laughter, tender glances, and playful moments. Capturing these candid interactions brought authenticity to their session.
Some Prompt Pose Ideas:
- Walking hand-in-hand down a scenic road.
- Sitting in the car, sharing a quiet moment.
- Playful gestures, like spinning or stealing kisses, to keep things lighthearted.
7. The Power of Props and Themes
Themes add structure and creativity to your shoot. The open-road concept blended old-school glam with a sense of adventure, thanks to the vintage car and golden hour glow. Other ideas might include a picnic setup, vintage suitcases, or even bikes for a whimsical touch.
Props can also be functional. A bouquet, a bottle of champagne, or even a cozy blanket can serve as beautiful accessories while giving you something to interact with.
8. Keep It Personal
The best engagement sessions are those that feel true to you. For Jamie and Peter, college sweethearts preparing for their wedding, the session reflected their story and personalities. They embraced every moment, making the photos feel uniquely theirs.
Ways to Personalize:
- Choose locations tied to your story, like where you met or a favorite getaway.
- Incorporate items that represent shared interests, such as books, musical instruments, or hobbies.
- Add a nod to your wedding theme for a cohesive feel.
Key Takeaways for Your Engagement Session
- Fashion Matters: Aim for outfits that balance comfort and elegance, incorporating personal touches that reflect your style.
- Floral Magic: Sculptural, textured arrangements bring romance and whimsy to your shoot.
- The Right Ride: A vintage vehicle adds nostalgia, elegance, and adventure.
- Meaningful Backdrops: Scenic spots with personal significance enhance emotional depth.
- Golden Hour Glow: Time your session for dreamy, cinematic lighting.
- Be Authentic: Showcase your love through natural, playful interactions.
Inspiration for Your Next Shoot
This engagement session, inspired by the open road, blended vintage romance with modern elegance. The combination of a rare gold Mercedes convertible, sculptural florals, and a scenic Minnesota backdrop created a dreamy, cinematic feel. Whether you’re planning an engagement session or a pre-wedding photoshoot, let your story, style, and sense of adventure guide you.
Ready to create your unforgettable engagement session? Let’s make it happen together!
