You're engaged!


Congratulations! You have found your forever person, your adventure buddy, your future spouse. This is such an amazing milestone! I can still vividly remember when I proposed to my wife many years ago when we were in college. I was so overwhelmed by emotion that at first, I didn’t even hear her answer! But that moment marked the start of a new chapter in our lives full of love and challenges.


I absolutely love connecting with newly engaged couples, and I feel incredibly honored to be in the line of work that captures all those beautiful moments. But, I want you to know that I'm not just here to snap photos of your big day.


As a wedding pro, I completely understand that you're juggling a million things while planning every little detail. So, let me help you out a bit! I've put together this guide to help you navigate the months, weeks, and days leading up to your engagement session stress-free!



Enjoy every minute of the planning!

¿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:


Ring Box
Lightweigh Blanket
Champagne and Champagne Glasses
Your doggie




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!


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 (if you’re planning to wear heels)

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

Locations to consider


  • Longwood Gardens (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
  • Jockey Hollow (Site fee)
  • 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)



Beekman Hotel NY

NY Public Library

 

PRINCETON UNIVERSITY, PRINCETON 

Skylands Manor - New Jersey Botanical Garden

GROOM PREP

It’s normal for us 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!

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