Engagement Session
tips, ideas, and questions
Now that you’ve picked a date, a photographer, and probably a venue, it’s time to celebrate! Those are some of the toughest decisions in wedding planning, and you can officially cross them off your list. Hooray! Now, on to the fun stuff—like your engagement session!
An engagement session is a wonderful way to get comfortable in front of the camera and with me as your photographer. During this session, you’ll see how I approach posing, lighting, and capturing your connection, which can make a big impact on how your wedding day flows. I’ll arrive on your big day already knowing how you interact, your best angles, and how to photograph you in the most genuine and flattering way!
If you decide not to do an engagement session, don’t worry—we’ll have plenty of time to get to know one another during your timeline meeting and pre-design call before the wedding.
These meetings are a great opportunity to connect, discuss your vision, and ensure your wedding day feels smooth and effortless.
For those scheduling an engagement session, I recommend booking it 3 to 6 months in advance to avoid stress. Since weekends are busy with weddings, I typically shoot engagement sessions on weekday evenings, usually between 5-7 pm depending on the season. In winter months, 3-5 pm works best due to earlier sunsets.
When planning your session, consider locations that hold special meaning to you as a couple. Whether it’s where you had your first date or a favorite spot you love to visit, sentimental settings make your session even more personal. If you’re unsure, I can help you find the perfect location. From farms and campuses to city alleys and even fire stations, I’ve photographed it all—so don’t shy away from creative ideas! Keep reading for outfit inspiration and tips to make your engagement session unforgettable!
Have A Wedding With Me And Still Need To Book Your Engagement Session?
ENGAGEMENT SESSION
+ 1-2 Hour session
+ 1 year online gallery
Engagement Session with Kara
10"x10" Album with 10 Pages (Options for upgrade)
$1000
BOOK YOUR ENGAGEMENT SESSION
The Basics + What To Bring
It’s always a little intimidating to have your picture taken, even if it’s just a photo on an iphone that is taken by a friend. We still want to look nice, make sure nothing is in our teeth and that our hair is behaving! I realize that preparing for your engagement session can be a little overwhelming. As you keep scrolling, I’ll be providing tips for outfits, handling nerves and recommendations that will make your shoot the best it can possibly be!
POCKETS: Empty your pockets! Literally. You don’t want to have key chains or phones showing through your pockets. (especially for those who are wearing pants!)
TIMING: The sun sets quickly especially if your shoot is not in the summer months. The later you arrive, the less time we have to shoot! Once the sun is set, the shoot will be over.
RING CLEANING: If possible, it is ideal to clean the ring before your shoot. I love to shoot a few macro shots of your diamond while you change outfits! The cleaner the better.
CHANGING CLOTHES: As much as I would like to say that we always have restrooms for outfit changes, more often than not, our clients do quick outfit changes in their car if there are no other options.
DEEP BREATHS: I’m going to help you along the way and it’s going to be a blast! I will instruct you on everything you need to know. Enjoy this time together, and make a date out of it! Plan dinner afterwards and celebrate!!
PARKING FEE: This may not apply to your shoot, but you always want to plan in advance for parking fees that we may encounter. We’ve had instances where this has caused some stress, and stress is what we want to avoid.
CLOTHING: I’ll explain this more in-depth as you scroll. My couples like to bring one casual outfit and one dressier outfit. If you’re unsure about a few pieces, feel free to bring all options, and I can help you decide or we can email about it beforehand!
LIP COLOR & HAIRSPRAY: You may need to apply more lip color after one outfit change and a few kisses. (24 Hour Superstay is my favorite and wont transfer to your groom). Hairspray and a brush will be helpful if your hair struggles in the humidity!
FLIP FLOPS: If you’re wearing shoes that are difficult to walk in but look awesome, bring some comfy shoes to change into while we walk to each shooting location!
Your engagement session can be scheduled anytime before your wedding day. I normally suggest booking it at least 3-6 months in advance to avoid stress. Because my weekends are filled with weddings, I shoot engagements primarily on weekday evenings 2 hours before sunset.
As you start to plan for your engagement shoot, you will need to start brainstorming about location ideas. I LOVE it when couples pick a location that is special or sentimental to them in some way! If you can’t think of anywhere specific that you would like to shoot, I can help you decide on a location. As long as the light is great, I can make ANY location look awesome! Do not shy away from crazy ideas! The more creative, the better! Be sure to keep reading to find out more about outfit ideas and inspiration!
Scheduling
Spring
Summer
Fall
Winter
Dec-Mar 3:00-5:00pm
During December through Mid- March you can plan on your engagement session taking place around 3-5pm. However, the time changes in Mid-March so that will make the start time one hour later.
Sept/Nov - Varies
The sunset time changes drastically during these three months. In Sept, you can plan on 5:30-7:30pm until the third week, and then you can plan on 5:00-7:00pm until Mid-Oct. After the first week of Nov, plan on 3:00-5:00pm.
april-may 6:00-8:30pm
During December through mid March you can plan on your engagement session taking place around 3-5pm. However, the time changes in March so that will make the start time one hour later.
Jun-Aug 7:30-9:30pm
Summer engagements, just like all engagements, take place two hours before sunset. This will hopefully mean that the shoot will be during the cooler part of the day.
Pick Your Season
2024 Sunset Schedule
I base all of my engagement sessions around the sunset during what is called "golden hour" or when you get the best light. This is usually within 2 hours of sunset. Below you'll see times indicated when the best time to do your session would be based on the sunset in Allendale, Michigan. If you are doing a session more inland this may cause the time to adjust earlier
MONTHS
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The Week of May 5
8:51pm Sunset- Session start 6:45pm
The Week of May 12
8:58pm Sunset- Session start 7:00pm
The Week of May 19
9:06pm Sunset- Session start 7:00pm
The Week of May 26
9:13pm Sunset- Session start 7:15pm
(Not a recommended month for the beach)
The Week of May 5..............8:51pm Sunset................Session start time 6:45pm
The Week of May 12..............8:58pm Sunset................Session start time 7:00pm
The Week of May 19..............9:06pm Sunset................Session start time 7:00pm
The Week of May 26..............9:13pm Sunset................Session start time 7:15pm
(Not a recommended month for the beach)
The Week of June 2
9:18pm Sunset- Session start 7:15pm
The Week of June 9
9:23pm Sunset- Session start 7:15pm
The Week of June 16
9:26pm Sunset- Session start 7:15pm
The Week of June 23
9:28pm Sunset- Session start 7:30pm
The Week of June 2..............9:18pm Sunset................Session start time 7:15pm
The Week of June 9..............9:23pm Sunset................Session start time 7:15pm
The Week of June 16..............9:26pm Sunset................Session start time 7:15pm
The Week of June 23 ..............9:28pm Sunset................Session start time 7:30pm
The Week of July 1
9:28pm Sunset- Session start 7:30pm
The Week of July 7
9:26pm Sunset- Session start 7:30pm
The Week of July 14
9:22pm Sunset- Session start 7:30pm
The Week of July 21
9:17pm Sunset- Session start 7:15pm
The Week of July 28
9:10pm Sunset- Session start 7:15pm
The Week of July 1..............9:28pm Sunset................Session start time 7:30pm
The Week of July 7..............9:26pm Sunset................Session start time 7:30pm
The Week of July 14..............9:22pm Sunset................Session start time 7:30pm
The Week of June 21 ..............9:17pm Sunset................Session start time 7:15pm
The Week of June 28 ..............9:10pm Sunset................Session start time 7:15pm
The Week of August 4
9:02pm Sunset- Session start 7:00pm
The Week of August 11
8:52pm Sunset- Session start 7:00pm
The Week of August 18
8:42pm Sunset- Session start 6:45pm
The Week of August 25
8:31pm Sunset- Session start 6:30pm
The Week of August 4..............9:02pm Sunset................Session start time 7:00pm
The Week of August 11..............8:52pm Sunset................Session start time 7:00pm
The Week of August 18..............8:42pm Sunset................Session start time 6:45pm
The Week of August 25 ..............8:31pm Sunset................Session start time 6:30pm
The Week of September 1
8:19pm Sunset- Session start 6:15pm
The Week of September 8
8:07pm Sunset- Session start 6:00pm
The Week of September 15
7:54pm Sunset- Session start 6:00pm
The Week of September 22
7:41pm Sunset- Session start 5:45pm
The Week of September 29
7:29pm Sunset- Session start 5:30pm
(End of the month is not a recommended month for the beach)
The Week of September 1..............8:19pm Sunset................Session start time 6:15pm
The Week of September 8..............8:07pm Sunset................Session start time 6:00pm
The Week of September 15..............7:54pm Sunset................Session start time 6:00pm
The Week of September 22 ..............7:41pm Sunset................Session start time 5:45pm
The Week of September 29 ..............7:29pm Sunset................Session start time 5:30pm
(End of the month is not a recommended month for the beach)
The Week of October 6
7:17pm Sunset- Session start 5:15pm
The Week of October 13
7:05pm Sunset- Session no later than 5:00pm
The Week of October 20
6:54pm Sunset- Session no later than 5:00pm
The Week of October 27
6:43pm Sunset- Session no later than 4:45pm
(Not a recommended month for the beach)
October start times can be earlier due to more overcast during this month
The Week of October 6..............7:17pm Sunset................Session start time 5:15pm
The Week of October 13..............7:05pm Sunset................Session start time 5:00pm
The Week of October 20..............6:54pm Sunset................Session start time 5:00pm
The Week of October 27 ..............6:43pm Sunset................Session start time 4:45pm
(Not a recommended month for the beach)
October start times can be earlier due to more overcast during this month
The Week of November 3
5:34pm Sunset- Session no later than 3:30pm
(Most colorful leaves are gone from trees after this week)
The Week of November 10
5:26pm Sunset- Session no later than 3:15pm
The Week of November 17
5:19pm Sunset- Session no later than 3:15pm
The Week of November 24
5:14pm Sunset- Session no later than 3:00pm
November start times can be earlier due to more overcast during this month
(Downtown Grand Rapids is recommended for this month)
The Week of November 3..............5:34pm Sunset................Session start no later than 3:30pm
(Most colorful leaves are gone from trees after this week)
The Week of November 10..............5:26pm Sunset................Session start no later than 3:15pm
The Week of November 17..............5:19pm Sunset................Session start no later than 3:15pm
The Week of November 24 ..............5:14pm Sunset................Session start no later than 3:00pm
November start times can be earlier due to more overcast during this month
(Downtown Grand Rapids is recommended for this month)
It looks amazing on camera and removes the stress of getting ready on your own. You’ll have these photos forever, so this is the time to pamper yourself! Whether it’s lash extensions or blown-out hair, professional hair and makeup will give you an extra boost of confidence in front of the camera, and it always photographs like a dream. If you’re working with a makeup artist, have them apply your makeup in natural light (if possible) so that it looks fresh and not too heavy. Plus, that’s the type of light we’ll be shooting in, so it’ll give you the best expectation of how it will translate on camera. Most of my brides feel like their makeup is “too much” at first, since it’s more than they would wear on a normal day, so if you feel that way at the beginning, don’t worry! Good makeup artists know how to get it just right for the camera — and my couples always love the final result.
Hair + Makeup
Outfit + Styling
Believe it or not, you have so much control over the outcome of your shoot and what it looks and feels like! What you choose to wear is a big decision that often causes a ton of stress for the couple beforehand. However, my hope is that with a little education, you will be able to determine the style and feel your desire for your shoot and then that will make your outfit selection so much easier and less complicated!
Whoever started this myth couldn’t have been further from the truth. Sure, there are some colors that don’t work for some people, but I spent a large majority of my life believing that I could never wear neutrals and I was missing out! The truth is, neutrals are the most photogenic color for portraits
myth one: Avoid neutrals, they wash you out!
Sure, black is sliming, but it’s always very heavy in portraits. There is nothing wrong with black but if you’re only wearing it to look thinner and deep down you’re hoping for light and airy portraits, it may not be the best choice.
MYTH TWO: Always wear black or you won’t look thin!
Please, for the love of all things beautiful, please don’t try to match your significant other! Instead, try to coordinate! Coordinating is a completely different concept from “matching”. Coordination means you are usually choosing different colors that look good together but are not close to being the same.
MYTH THREE: You two need to match!
False! Your outfit has way more impact than your location. Your location is just a setting in the background but you two will still be the main focus of the images.
MYTH FOUR: Your location determines your style more than your outfit!
False! If you know you look awesome in an outfit that you already have and it fits the style you want for your engagement session, that would be the a great choice!
MYTH FIVE : You have to buy something new
Outfit Inspiration
Picking your outfit color palette and planning your outfits for your engagement session is the first (and most important) step in creating gorgeous photos! While you should consider the weather, it's best to be comfortable and confident in what you wear. I've collected some do's and don'ts for picking out your outfit, along with some outfit inspiration from previous couples.
bright neon colors
Graphic tees and Bold logos
sunglasses and transition lenses
patterns smaller than a quarter
use complimentary colors
accent with accessories
coordinate don't match
when in doubt, go neutral
Tennis shoes
button down shirts for the guys
What Style Do You Prefer?
Romantic
Bright + Bold
If you’re hoping for a more romantic style of shoot that includes “light” and “airy” colors, you can actually make outfit choices that will allow your images to turn out brighter, softer, and extra photogenic! Here are some ingredients that go into creating a romantic-styled shoot. It’s important to note that you do not need to choose all of these ingredients in order to have a light and airy style to your images but the more ingredients you include, the more romantic and bright your images will be:
- Neutral Colors: Blushes, tans, light pinks, faint blues and light minty teals, creams, grays and whites will always result in more of a light and airy look in your images. These colors photograph softer and more romantically!
Long, Flowy Skirts/Dresses: Dresses and skirts with feminine ruffles, multiple layers of fabric and the ability to blow and move in the wind will always photograph beautifully! You would be amazed at how impactful moving fabric softens an image especially if it's long enough to touch the ground.
Khakis vs. Jeans: If you really want your images to be as bright as possible, consider having your groom wear lighter pants instead of dark dress pants or dark jeans. Especially for those bolder backgrounds (This also include locations that are heavy with greenery)
Just like the “Romantic” recipe, you don’t have to apply all of these “ingredients" to get a perfectly BRIGHT & BOLD look to your engagement session. These ingredients include:
Bold Backgrounds: A lot of time, if my couples are going for a bold and bright look, I will look for light bright solid colored backgrounds to use for part of their engagement session!
Only One Bold Color: If you really want a bold and bright look but you want to do it well and tastefully, I would suggest that only one of you have a bright and bold colored outfit and the other stay in a solid neutral to avoid overdoing it!
Large Patterns are Preferred: If you really want to wear a pattern, my only request is that your pattern is on the larger side. Patterns that are smaller than a quarter or have a lot of texture can be difficult to photograph. This isn’t true of all patterns but it’s a good general rule to go by!
The bolder the pattern, the more important this rule becomes!
Consider Muting your Favorite Color: If you love a certain bold color and you want to include it in your outfit selection, I would recommend selecting a muted tone of this favorite color. For example, if you love purple, instead of selecting a deep, dark and bold purple shirt, you can get the purple vibes through a lavender or even a periwinkle color!
As you’ll see throughout this guide, most of my couples love showcasing the natural beauty of my home state to give their out-of-town guests a fun preview of what to expect when they travel here for the wedding. For most of my sessions, outdoor, open-air environments are always my first choice. I love shooting in wide-open natural spaces because the light is divine, especially during golden hour. There are great options all around the state, so even if you've never seen me photograph in a specific place before, I’m always up for exploring a new spot together!
Choosing Your Location
THE LOCATION OF YOUR ENGAGEMENT SESSION IS COMPLETELY UP TO YOU!
Kara's Favorite Locations
Civic Auditorium
Grand Rapids Art Museum
Outside the Amway
JW Parking Ramp
Downtown Grand Rapids
Kirk Park Dog Beach
Holland State Park
Grand Haven State Park
PJ Hoffmaster
lake michigan
Grand Ravines
Rosy Mound
Robinettes
Riverside Park
Parks and Nature
Lurie Gardens
Alder Planetarium
Michigan Ave
Chicago
Pillar Church
Dimnent Memorial Chapel
Spring Sweet
Downtown Holland
Grand Valley State University
Notre Dam Campus
Michigan State
University of Michigan
College campuses
SALES CALL WITH KARA
After your engagement session you will have a sales call with Kara where you get to see your engagement photos and see additional products you might be interested. Your engagement session comes with a 10"x10" 10 Page album. You may choose to upgrade from there. This meeting can be done in person if you're local or at your computer.
Book your