choosing the perfect time, location, outfit & more!
Engagement Session
planning your
to THE MAIN WEBSITE
- Sunny
Second, you can showcase your personalities in a more casual setting that is significant to the two of you (and even include pets!). While they’re great for save-the-dates, I've taken engagement photos anywhere from 18 months in advance to a few days before the wedding.
There is a lot to think about when it comes to planning a session and since I get asked the same things over and over again, I thought it would be the most beneficial if I put together a guide that walks you through everything you need to know.
I’ll cover what to wear, whether to bring pets & how to manage them, location ideas and more!
I am so excited to be working with you and I can’t wait for our time together during your engagement session! It’s normal to be a little nervous about your session. I always tell my couples that I still get nervous before having my family photos taken - and I do this for a living!
I am a big fan of engagement sessions for a few reasons. First, they allow you to get comfortable in front of the camera. It takes time for most couples to warm up to being photographed and understand how I pose. Timelines can be pretty tight on a wedding day and 30 minutes to an hour may be all we have for portraits - which is why I’ve found that wedding day portraits turn out so much better when couples do engagement sessions ahead of time. It's like a mini rehearsal for your portrait time.
Welcome
I get it. Having your picture taken for 1-1.5 hours might not be in your top-10 favorite things to do during your downtime. And at first you might feel sort of awkward being in front of the camera.
But I think you’ll find that by the end of the session, it’s a lot easier than you thought, and you even had a little fun. I look forward to it because it’s a great opportunity for us all to hang out a bit before the big day.
The guys
A NOTE TO
Engagement sessions can take place anywhere from immediately following a proposal to just a few days before the wedding. I’ve found that there isn’t a “good” or “bad” time to take your photos. I normally plan sessions based on a particular “look” a couple has in mind.
Sessions typically last about an hour and when I can— I love to begin sessions about 1-1.5 hours before sunset.
I prefer to shoot when the sun is lower in the sky to avoid harsh shadows and bright sun patches. The first two hours after sunrise is also an ideal time to shoot especially beach sessions.
I schedule sessions during what I believe will be the best light of the day - which means that it’s super important to be on time. If you’re late to an evening session, we could run out of light before we’ve finished shooting and if your session takes place in the morning, the sun gets more harsh as it rises.
"GOOD" TIME TO TAKE PHOTOS?
Time & Light: is there a
- I normally photograph engagement sessions on weekdays as I'm booked on the weekends for weddings. However, if we can find a weekend that I'm available, we can do during the weekends.
- I love photographing at gorgeous locations. I recommend two locations MAX. A general rule of thumb is the more locations and outfits, the less images, but the more variety you'll have.
- I recommend sunrise sessions IF you are thinking to have the photos taken at the beach or a very crowded location such as Worth avenue clock tower.
- I love traveling for our shoots! If your desired location is outside of Palm Beach County, a small travel fee may apply. I highly recommend looking into Vizcaya Museum as it's such a gorgeous place for very romantic imageries!
Logistics
During December through Mid-March you can plan on your engagement session taking place around 5:00-6:30pm.
However, the time changes in Mid-March and so that will make the start time one hour later.
Nov- Mar Approx 5:00-6:30pm session
Winter
The sunset time drastically changes throughout the course of these two months and so our shooting times change as well.
You can plan on approximately 6:00-7:30pm in April and 6:30-8:00pm in May.
Apr-May - Varies
Spring
Summer engagements, just like all engagements take place 1-1.5 hours before sunset.
This will hopefully mean that the session will be during the cooler part of the day.
Sunrise sessions are highly recommended during the summer time as weather might be better in the early morning.
Jun-Aug 6:30-8:00pm
Summer
The sunset time changes drastically during these three months. We can schedule the session accordingly.
Also, September and October are hurricane/ rain months. During hurricane months, sunrise sessions get better luck with the weather.
Sep-Nov - Varies
Fall
If your wedding is local, save the dates should be sent between 6 and 8 months before the wedding. For a destination wedding, you’ll want to send them out 8 to 10 months before the wedding.
If you’re hoping to use your engagement photos for your save the dates, I recommend scheduling your session at least two months before you plan to send out your save-the-dates. Between inclement weather, editing, designing your save-the-dates and printing, two months is generally a safe amount of time to make sure your images and cards are ready.
Save-the-dates
Sailing / Boating
Surfing
Skateboarding
Coffee shops/ Bars
Home session
ADVENTURE
Riverbend Park, Jupiter
Crest Wood Park, Royal Palm Beach
Cypress Creek, Jupiter
RUSTIC
The above locations are all beautiful but I also love exploring meaningful locations with my couples!
Coral Cove Park, Jupiter
Dubois Park, Jupiter
Palm Beach
Lake Side Park, North Palm Beach
BEACH
West Palm Beach Downtown
West Palm Beach Water Front
URBAN
Coral Cove Park, Jupiter
Dubois Park, Jupiter
Love Street, Jupiter
COASTAL
Worth Avenue, Palm Beach
Major Alley, Palm Beach
Clock Tower, Palm Beach
Colony Hotel, Palm Beach
Vizcaya Museum, Miami
CLASSIC & ELEGANT
I love when couples choose a location for their session that complements their wedding. For example if you’re planning a chic, elegant wedding, it may be fitting to take your engagement portraits among the Palm Beach Worth Avenue or Downtown West Palm Beach, while a local park or beach may be more fitting for a couple planning a tropical themed Florida wedding.
The best session locations are often meaningful places to the couple; however, I am also happy to make recommendations. From a beautiful sail boat to family owned farm to playing with goats and cows, the options for engagement session locations are endless!
South florida LOCATIONS
Locations
While I take most of my engagement sessions in the Palm Beach area, I’ve photographed sessions everywhere from Islamorada to New York City to California. If you have a location in mind that is significant to the two of you, let me know because if my schedule aligns, I might be able to take your engagement photos outside of my normal area.
Travel fees may apply depending on the location and my availability.
Engagement sessions
destination
I love when couples choose to incorporate pets into their session. Keep in mind that bringing a pet along often means that I’ll need to choose a pet friendly location.
I recommend planning for your pet to be at the first part of your session and then either dropping them off or having a friend take them home. I won’t use the pet in every single photo so it’s also nice to have a friend available to hold him or her in between shots.
If you’re going to bring a pet, we recommend exercising your pet before the session and bringing your pets favorite toy or treats! Depending on your pet’s fur type, it might also be a good idea to groom them before the session.
Pets
When picking outfits I recommend keeping in mind the word “complement” rather than “match.” For example, if the groom-to-be is wearing a blue and pink pastel plaid shirt, the bride-to-be may want to choose a long, soft blue dress. It can also be a great idea to choose “color-families,” such as pastels or earth tones.
Generally couples pick two outfits for an engagement session: a more formal outfit and a casual outfit. I recommend saving your favorite outfit for later in the session, when couples usually feel more comfortable in front of the camera. And don’t forget to bring a few accessories! Statement necklaces, cute shoes, iconic clutches and classic watches are great ways to add detail to outfits.
TIPS FOR LOOKING YOUR BEST
Outfits
on to the next
When picking outfits I recommend keeping in mind the word “complement” rather than “match.” For example, if the groom is wearing a blue and pink pastel plaid shirt, the bride may want to choose a long, soft blue dress. It can also be a great idea to choose “color-families,” such as pastels or earth tones.
A good rule of thumb: pick 3 or so colors and spread them throughout your attire. Don't be afraid to mix a few subtle patterns or textures (such as linen).
And always keep the location in mind. If your session is going to be in a green field, light green dresses might blend in too much with the surroundings.
Choosing Outfits
for everyone
on to the next
Heels lengthen legs but if your heels aren’t comfortable for walking or we'll be in grass, bring an extra pair of shoes to slip into in between shots.
I love the way larger patterns and textures (like linen) photograph - just be careful not to choose a pattern that is too small - it may accidentally make your photo look a little too busy.
Softer, pastel colors tend to photograph better than bright colors - especially since bright colors could reflect on your skin. I love bright, neon dresses, but I don’t love the neon reflection they add to your complexion.
Wardrobe Tips
for the ladies
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Statement jewelry is a great way to add color or pattern to a simple dress.
Lace and tulle look amazing in photographs.
And dresses with sleeves are a great way to help slim arms.
Depending on your location, you might want to consider a fit and flare or a flowy dress.
They look great in walking and photos with movement.
Choose an outfit you feel comfortable in, but don’t be afraid to dress up!
Accessories
for the ladies
shop my PRIME favorites
on to the next
Rent the Runway
ASOS
Morning Lavender
J. Crew
Anthropologie
Free People
Ralph Lauren
Petal & Pup
H&M
Vici Dolls
Zara
Mango
Madewell
Reformation
Favorite Shops
for the ladies
I think it’s so important that you look and feel your best for your photos. Investing in professional hair and makeup can go a long way towards creating photos you love for years. I recommend doing your wedding make up/ hair trials on the same day as the session.
Professionally done hair & makeup last longer than typical hair & makeup. They also tend to hold up better in humidity and wind.
If you go this route, I recommend staying a bit “classic”. Now probably isn’t the best time to try out that new contouring technique you saw on TikTok.
If you’re planning to do any spray tans or waxing, schedule those for a few days before the session to give your skin time to recover.
Hair & Makeup
for the ladies
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You can’t go wrong with crisp button up. Or consider layering a blazer with jeans with this look.
Be careful not to choose a pattern that is too small or too big - it may accidentally make your photo look a little too busy.
Softer, pastel colors tend to photograph better than bright colors - especially since bright colors could reflect on your skin. Earth tones are great for guys outfits such as tan, beige, white, light brown and/or brown colors.
Wardrobe
for the gents
on to the next
Wardrobe
for the gents
on to the next
ASOS
Suit Supply
J. Crew
Zara
Leather & Cotton
Banana Republic
Nordstrom
Cuts
H&M
Urban Outfitters
Madewell
Club Monaco
Rag & Bone
shop my PRIME favorites
When I can, I always try to take a photo of your rings. If possible, try to have your engagement ring cleaned or clean it yourself.
To clean at home, soak your ring in warm water with dishwashing soap for 20 to 40 minutes. Then gently brush the stone with a soft toothbrush, rinse and repeat if needed.
The Rings
We live in South Florida and rain happens randomly anytime of the day. Coordinating schedules can be tough and I’ve found that the best way to make sure my couples get the look they have in mind for their photos is to schedule two dates at the same time. Please send over your primary/ back-up dates at booking.
I’ll check in the week of your engagement session to confirm the time & location we’re meeting and the weather. I know it takes a lot of time to get ready for engagement session and it’s the worst to get dressed up and drive out to your session only to have it rain.
Let me know what works best for the two of you - but if the weather looks like it won’t be great, I typically re-schedule the session 12 hours prior to your session.
Also, if you have professional hair/make up team scheduled for the photos, please let me know.
what to do if it rains
Inclement Weather
If you’re planning to bring props to your engagement session, I recommend including them only if they’re meaningful to you.
Shots drinking coffee at a local coffee shop would be cute if that’s where you met or coffee shops play a significant role in your relationship; however, trying to fly a kite together when it’s not a part of your relationship may come off as contrived.
props?
should we bring
When it comes to posing for your engagement session, you don’t need to worry about a thing! I’ll guide you through the entire process beginning with “poses” that are super easy and natural. If I tell you to do something that feels a little funny, it’s probably because I know it’s going to make the two of you laugh - and that’s the photo I am actually looking for.
Throughout your session, I’ll keep an eye on your hair, makeup and outfits to make sure things stay in place. I want you to feel as relaxed as possible and enjoy your time together!
"what do I do with my hands?"
posing
A note on
If you’re anything like me, you probably don’t get dressed up all that often. Which means that the day of your engagement session is the perfect occasion for a date night (or brunch if your session is in the morning!)
The engagement session is another part of celebrating your love and heading off to dinner is a great way to end the session!
Date Night
As soon as possible after your session is complete, I'll head home and start working on the sneak peeks. It normally takes 1-4 days for sneak peeks - Unless I have a holiday closure, you can expect to receive your final engagement photos between 2-3 weeks after your session.
Images
When to Expect Your
I know that this guide is long and hopefully it covers everything you need to know to prep for your engagement session! However if there is something I missed, or you need a recommendation feel free to email
info@sunnyleephotography.com