What's
in the 

Guide

01. Welcome

03. Locations

04. Outfit tips

08. Weather

09. Pets

10. Preparing for your session

02. timing

05. posing

We can't wait to work with you and capture this sweet season in your lives! Your engagement session is such a fun way to slow down, be together, and celebrate what's ahead. This guide will help you feel prepared and inspired as you plan, so you can show up feeling confident and excited.

Inside, you’ll find tips on timing for your session (including when to take your photos for save the dates), suggestions for locations, helpful outfit ideas, what to know about weather, how to include pets, and a quick look at what posing will feel like during your session. You’ll also find simple ways to prepare so everything goes smoothly.

We hope this guide makes planning easy and enjoyable—and we can’t wait to create beautiful photos of this moment in your story.

Welcome

When it comes to choosing the best time for your engagement session, lighting makes all the difference! We love to schedule sessions on weekday evenings, about 1–2 hours before sunset, when the light is soft, golden, and incredibly flattering. Shooting on weekdays also means locations are less crowded, giving you a more relaxed experience.

In terms of planning around your wedding date, most couples schedule their engagement session 3–6 months before the big day. This gives you plenty of time to enjoy the images, use them throughout your planning, and avoid feeling rushed.

If you’re planning to use your photos for save the dates, we recommend booking your session about two months before you need to send them out. This ensures you’ll have your final gallery ready in plenty of time to design and mail them without stress.

Schedule

When to 
 your session

Choosing the right location sets the tone for your entire engagement session. Think about the overall vibe you want, both as a couple and for your wedding day. Do you picture something casual and beachy, something chic and elegant, or maybe something more adventurous and playful?

We always love when couples choose spots that are meaningful to them. Your favorite coffee shop, the neighborhood where you had your first date, a scenic walk you love, or even somewhere tied to your wedding theme. These places naturally bring out your personality and make your photos feel even more authentic.

If you’re not sure where to start, don’t worry! We’re happy to make recommendations and will include a few of our favorite locations below for inspiration. Whether you're dreaming of the beach, the cliffs, downtown vibes, or something totally unique, we’ll help you find the perfect backdrop for your session.

Pro Tip: If you’re doing a full two-hour session, you can pick two locations! One more elegant and one more casual/fun, to give your gallery a nice variety!

Your outfits are one of the easiest ways to bring your personalities and style into your engagement session. Here’s what we recommend:

Fit the vibe:
Choose looks that match the overall feel of your session and locations. For a beachy session, light and airy fabrics work beautifully. For a chic, modern inspired shoot, more polished or tailored pieces make a great statement.

Reflect your style:
Your session should feel authentically you. Pick outfits that you love wearing and that represent your personal style.

Be comfortable:
You’ll be moving, walking, and posing in different ways, so choose outfits that allow you to feel relaxed and confident. Comfort = natural, genuine photos!

Coordinate, don’t match:
Aim for complementary colors and tones instead of identical outfits. Think about soft palettes or a mix of textures for visual interest.

Plan for variety:
If your session includes two outfits, consider one more casual and one more polished or dressy look to give your gallery a nice mix.

Pro Tip: Accessories, shoes, and layers can add fun detail to your photos, but avoid anything too distracting or overly branded.

What to

Wear

We know posing can feel a little intimidating at first, but don’t worry, we’ve got you! During your session, we’ll gently guide you with prompts and poses to help you interact naturally. Nothing too stiff, just the two of you being yourselves.

Our focus is always on capturing the connection between you: the way you laugh together, the sweet in-between moments, and the energy that makes your relationship unique. We’ll help you feel relaxed, comfortable, and confident so you can fully enjoy your time together.

By the end of the session, most couples tell us it felt more like a fun date than a photoshoot and that’s exactly how we want it to feel.

Posing

Weather in San Diego is usually on our side, but every once in a while, we get a surprise! We always keep an eye on the forecast during the week leading up to your session so we can make the best call together.

If rain is in the forecast, you have two great options:

• Lean into it
Rainy sessions can be incredibly romantic and fun! Think cute umbrellas, cozy moments, and unique photos you’ll never forget. If you’re up for it, we can absolutely embrace the weather and make magic with it.

• Reschedule
If you’d prefer sunshine or dry conditions, no problem at all. We can find another date that works and keep the experience relaxed and stress-free.

No matter what, we’ll make sure your session feels comfortable, beautiful, and true to you.

What to do if it

Rains

If you’re thinking about bringing your pet to your engagement session- we absolutely love it! Pets add so much personality, joy, and fun to your photos, and we’re always excited to include them.

The key is being prepared so everything goes smoothly. We highly recommend bringing an extra person along to help. They can hold your pet during photos without them, help get their attention when needed, and make the whole process easier and more relaxed for everyone.

Don’t forget the essentials: water, treats, waste bags, and a favorite toy can make a huge difference. A cute leash or bandana that matches your outfits is always a bonus!

With a little planning, we can capture the sweetest moments with your furry family member.

Want to bring your

Pets?

Extra tips to prepare for your session

Even though this entire guide is designed to help you feel ready, here are a few final tips to make sure your session is relaxed, fun, and absolutely amazing:

Bring a towel if you’re doing a beach session, perfect for sandy feet or sitting on the shoreline.

Pack a jacket or layer if the weather might be cooler. You can pop it on between shots to stay warm and comfortable.

Stay hydrated and bring water, especially if we’ll be walking or shooting in the sun.

Clean your engagement ring beforehand so it sparkles beautifully in close-up shots.

Carry touch-up makeup (lipstick, powder, etc.) if you’d like to refresh throughout the session.

Swap into comfy shoes between locations if you’re wearing heels. Your feet will thank you!

Bring any personal items that feel meaningful or helpful: a blanket, a champagne bottle, a cute little bouquet. Whatever fits your vibe.

But most importantly…

Show up in love.
Your engagement session should feel more like a date than a photoshoot. Be playful, be present, and enjoy the time together. When you’re having fun, it always shows in the photos.

We can’t wait to capture this special moment in your story!