We’re so excited to be working with you, and we can’t wait for your engagement session! It’s completely normal to feel a little nervous beforehand. We always tell people that even we get nervous before having our photos taken—and we do this for a living!
We’re big fans of engagement sessions for a few reasons.
-First, they give you a chance to get comfortable in front of the camera.
-It takes time for most couples to warm up to being photographed and to understand how we pose.
-On wedding days, timelines can be pretty tight, and we might only have 30 minutes for portraits—which is why we’ve found that wedding day photos turn out so much better when couples have had an engagement session beforehand.
Engagement sessions allow you to showcase your personalities in a more relaxed setting that’s meaningful to both of you (and you can even include your pets!).
While they’re perfect for save-the-dates, we’ve done engagement photos anywhere from 18 months before the wedding to just a few days beforehand.
There’s a lot to consider when planning your session, and since we often get the same questions, we thought it would be helpful to put together a guide that walks you through everything you need to know.
We’ll cover what to wear, whether to bring pets and how to manage them, location ideas, and more!
Engagement sessions can take place anytime from right after the proposal to just a few days before the wedding. We’ve found that there’s no “good” or “bad” time for photos—it all depends on the look you’re going for, like spring flowers, or what works best with your schedule.
Sessions typically last about an hour and a half, and when possible, we love to start about two hours before sunset. Shooting when the sun is lower in the sky helps avoid harsh shadows and bright spots. The first two hours after sunrise is also a great time for photos.
We schedule sessions for what we believe will give us the best light of the day, so it’s super important to be on time. If you’re late for an evening session, we could run out of light, and for morning sessions, the sunlight becomes harsher as it rises.
CONNOR AND Rachel
Location: Lake Pleasant
"save the dates"
For local weddings, save-the-dates should be sent out 6 to 8 months in advance. For destination weddings, aim to send them 8 to 10 months before the big day.
If you’d like to use your engagement photos for your save-the-dates, we recommend scheduling your session at least two months before you plan to send them out. This allows enough time to account for any weather delays, editing, designing, and printing—ensuring your photos and cards are ready on time.
What to do if it rains?
While rain isn’t very common in Arizona, it does happen from time to time. If it rains on the day of your session, I’ll make sure to reschedule right away, even if it means adjusting my own schedule. I know how important these photos are to you and how much you’ve been looking forward to them!
I’ll check in with you during the week of your session to confirm the time, location, and weather forecast. I understand how much effort goes into getting ready for an engagement session, and it’s no fun to get dressed up and travel to your session only for it to rain. Let me know what works best for you both, but if the weather looks questionable, I’ll usually try to make the call at least 12 hours in advance.
ROBERT+SEIGY
Location: Saguaro Ranch Lake
WHEN we CAN, we ALWAYS TRY TO TAKE A PHOTO OF YOUR RING DURING YOUR ENGAGEMENT SESSION - SO IT’S A GOOD IDEA TO HAVE IT CLEANED OR CLEAN IT YOURSELF BEFORE YOUR SHOOT! TO CLEAN AT HOME, SOAK YOUR RING IN WARM WATER WITH DISHWASHING SOAP AND A LITTLE WINDEX FOR 20 TO 40 MINUTES. I EVEN LIKE TO WARM THE SOLUTION UP IN THE MICROWAVE BEFORE DROPPING MY RING IN. THEN GENTLY BRUSH THE STONE WITH A SOFT TOOTHBRUSH & RINSE!
OUTFITS
TIPS FOR LOOKING YOUR BEST
Most couples choose two outfits for their engagement session: one formal and one casual. We suggest saving your favorite outfit for the later part of the session, when you’ll likely feel more relaxed in front of the camera. And don’t forget to bring a few accessories! Statement necklaces, stylish shoes, and classic watches can add a nice touch to your look.
Tips for looking your best!
When selecting outfits, think “complement” rather than “match.”
For instance, if the groom-to-be is wearing a blue and pink pastel plaid shirt, the bride-to-be might opt for a long, soft blue dress. It’s also a good idea to choose colors from the same family, like pastels or jewel tones.
Wardrobe
Heels lengthen legs but if your heels aren’t comfortable for walking, bring an extra pair of shoes to slip into in between shots.
I love the way larger patterns 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.
Location: sahuaro ranch park in Glendale
Wardrobe
TIPS FOR THE GUYS
You can’t go wrong with a suit or a sport jacket. Consider pulling out that suit you had to wear last time you were a groomsmen! Layer with a blazer and a fun tie - you can even wear jeans with this look. Bowties are always a good idea.
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. Cozy sweaters layered over button ups are a great way to stay warm and stylish during the cooler months.
PROPS
If you’re considering bringing props to your engagement session, we recommend choosing items that have personal significance to you. For instance, sipping coffee at your favorite café can be a sweet touch if that’s where you first met. On the other hand, using something like a kite, if it doesn’t tie into your story, might feel a bit out of place. That said, we absolutely love a fun theme, so let’s brainstorm any ideas you have together!
For this particular session, the couple chose downtown as their location because it’s deeply meaningful to them. It’s where they live and where they’ve created memories, surrounded by places that are part of their everyday story.
ANDRES+ ORIANA
Location: Downtown Phoenix
Kara + Kurt
Wigwam in Goodyear
WHAT TO DO WITH MY HANDS?
When it comes to posing for your engagement session, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! We’ll guide you through the whole process, starting with poses that feel easy and natural. If we ask you to do something that seems a little funny, it’s probably because we know it’ll get you both laughing—and that’s the shot we’re really after. The more awkward it feels, the better it usually looks!
Throughout the session, we’ll keep an eye on your hair, makeup, and outfits to make sure everything stays in place. Our goal is for you to feel relaxed and enjoy your time together!
Google review
"Stephanie photographed us in our early, awkward, new couple days but she easily knew how to direct us in order to capture our connection. Years later she photographed us again for my first pregnancy.
She once again made us feel so comfortable and captured beautiful shots. I
wish she was still in CA but if she’s local to you, don’t hesitate to book her! She’ll make you feel fabulous and help you laugh through the awkwardness.
Cant wait to work with her in the future"
Ruth S.
Sweet text
I just wanted to reach out and say thank you both for being so sweet, fun, and welcoming. You both are amazing people and such talented photographers, I felt so comfortable when taking pictures with you ladies! 💕
Rachel
Google review
She is great, love how she captures moments without actually posing. Love taking pictures with her so sweet and she helps you a lot with what you are trying to portray in the picture and your vision love my pictures and I actually have a couple of more Photoshoot’s with her and I can’t wait🫶🏼❤️.
JENNIFER
Google review
Ana is the most detail oriented photographer I have ever had the pleasure of working with, she truly has a gift for the art and it reflects on the beautiful moments she's been able to capture for our my family. She's taken multiple of our family sessions, senior photos, newborn session, I mean she can do it ALL! A very kind, friendly and patient professional duo. I cannot recommend Ana & Stephanie Photography enough, they are the BEST!
NERI
WHEN CAN I EXPECT MY PICTURES?
Right after your session wraps up, We will dive into the editing process. Typically, it takes around two to three weeks to complete and upload, depending on our shooting and travel schedule.
Thank you
We 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 we missed, or you need a recommendation feel free to email:
ana.stephaniephoto@gmail.com
or text us at 719.330.7205
Beautiful in-between moments that make your story so special