Congratulations, You're engaged!



One of the first questions couples ask is: Where should we take our engagement photos, and what should we wear? We’ve put together this guide to help you choose the perfect location and dress with confidence, ensuring your session reflects your style and story. Whether you're envisioning a chic city backdrop, a dreamy beach setting, or a romantic countryside escape, we’re here to make the process seamless and fun.

Let’s dive in!



Couple dancing on the grand staircase of the Metropolitan Museum of Art beneath soaring golden columns and arched ceilings.

¿Timing?


When to do my session?

Most couples opt to schedule their engagement session anywhere between 6-12 months before their wedding. It really depends if you want to use those photos to sen out your “Save the Date” cards. The good part about this is that you can easily order them as soon as you receive your photos right from our website, they will get deliver to your door and you can review them and send them right the way!


As far as day timeline, believe it or not sun rises are one of my favorites but if you don't want to get up that early ( trust me, I don't blame you) we can schedule your photoshoot about two hours before sunset ( we will enjoy a soft evening while waiting for the perfect golden hour).


You can check the time the sun will set here:

www.sunrisesunset.com
engagment tips


Props


Make your session unique.


During our shoot together, I want you to feel comfortable and have fun. I believe bringing props that showcase your personality is an excellent idea and can help set the scene for your session.

To give you some ideas, here is a short list of my favorite props for couples to bring to their engagement session:


Lightweigh Blanket
Champagne and Champagne Glasses
Your doggie



Artistic motion-blurred black and white photo of a couple walking past a stone wall, woman in a short dress.
Champagne being poured into Mr. and Mrs. flutes held by bride in black strapless dress.
Couple in navy outfits petting their happy golden retriever dog in a charming outdoor patio setting at golden hour.
Couple holding Save the Date newspapers on steps in black and white engagement photo.


CLOTHING

Mix & match styles per location


It's better to coordinate rather than match. Wear something that complements the surroundings, the time of year, and that you feel comfortable in.

Whether you're going for a formal or casual look, I recommend sticking to solid colors. It's often best to avoid plaids, florals, and some patterns.

Bold prints and logos can be a bit distracting, so it's best to avoid them. Keep your jewelry simple to avoid any flashy distractions in your photos.


We may be doing some walking during our session, so if you're wearing heels, I recommend bringing a pair of flats for easy walking. Purses can often get in the way, and wallets can be bulky, so try to leave those behind.


On the day of the session, please try to be on time so that we can arrive stress-free and ready to capture some amazing photos!


Black and white photo of a couple posing with a vintage car, woman in black dress resting hand on mans shoulder.
Black and white photo of a happy couple holding hands and running on a sandy beach with houses in the background.
Stylish couple posing in black and white beside a stone column at a classic architectural venue.
Black and white wedding photo of couple sitting on marble staircase balustrade, bride in white dress and heels.

For your bag:

  • Touch-up makeup
  • Hand cream (For you and your partner)
  • Water bottle (for warmer sessions)
  • Coat or cover-up (for colder sessions)
  • Flats or flip-flops for walking between photo locations

Location

-A place where you like to spend time together.
-The location of your first date
-Where he popped the question
-A place that inspires you

Black and white photo of a classical marble sculpture of two figures beneath an ornate iron staircase adorned with flowers.

Locations to consider


  • Stork Club Whiskey Lounge | Summit NJ
  • Vanderbilt Mansion (Site Fee)
  • The Metropolitan Museum of Art, NY
  • Castle Gould (Site fee)
  • Lyndhurst Mansion (Site fee)
  • Longwood Gardens (Travel fee)
  • Willowwood Arboretum (Site fee)
  • Reeves-Reed Arboretum (Site fee)
  • Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park (Travel fee)
  • Cross Estate Gardens, Bernardsville
  • Rutgers University,New Brunswick
  • Skylands Manor, Ringwood 
  • Lambert's Tower, Woodland Park
  • Liberty State Park, Jersey City
  • Princeton University, Princeton 
  • Central Park, NYC 
  • NY Public Library
  • Brooklyn Heights Promenade, NY
  • Sayen House and Gardens,nj (Travel fee)
  • LOFT & GARDEN AT ROCKEFELLER CENTER (Site fee) 
  • Beekman Hotel NY, (Site Fee)
  • FRELINGHUYSEN ARBORETU (Site Fee)
  • Asbury Park (Travel fee)
  • Sandy Hook (Travel fee)
  • Grounds for Sculpture, NJ (Travel fee)
  • Sam's Point Area of Minnewaska State Park Preserve, ny (TRAVEL FEE)
  • AWOSTING FALLS, ROCHESTER, NY (TRAVEL FEE)
  • RYE BEACH
  • SPRING LAKE BEACH, NJ (TRAVEL FEE)



Romantic couple standing on an ornate Victorian-style balcony of a historic multi-story building with arched doorways.

Beekman Hotel NY

Elegant wedding couple embracing on a grand staircase inside a stunning neoclassical building with arched ceilings.

NY Public Library

 

Couple posing in a stylish restaurant with red sofa and decorative chandelier for engagement photos.

Stork Club Whiskey Lounge

Couple sharing a kiss beside a lily pond in a lush garden with stone architecture.

Skylands Manor - New Jersey Botanical Garden

Elegant estate terrace with fountain pool overlooking scenic waterfront and sailboats.

Vanderbilt Mansion

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Bride and groom descending ornate wrought iron staircase of white Mediterranean villa at Vanderbilt Museum

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Aerial view of Vanderbilt Museum sprawling historic estate mansion surrounded by lush woodland grounds.

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Bride and groom pose at Vanderbilt Museum overlooking a harbor with boats at sunset.

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GROOM PREP

It’s normal for guys to be nervous or apprehensive about the engagement session. The best thing you can do is talk to him before the session. Show him some images of the place you picked and make sure he gets to wear something he likes and is comfortable in!

Black and white photo of a couple walking hand in hand along a tree-lined garden path in elegant attire.

FINAL TIP


COME PREPARE TO HAVE FUN!


I know I just gave you a lot to think about but I wrote this post to help guide you through some of the decisions although I think the most important thing to keep in mind is to wear something that you’re comfortable and confident in!



At the end of our time together take the opportunity to take a walk explore the area or make a reservation at a fun restaurant!


Even though there are a lot of decisions to make, have fun and enjoy this part of being engaged!


All the best,

-Oscar