Planning your
Engagement Session
choosing the perfect time, location, outfit & more!
Welcome
I’m 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 people that I still get nervous before having my photos taken – and I do this for a living!
I’m 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.
Second, if – for whatever reason – the timeline on your wedding day turns upside down and we suddenly only have a few minutes instead of an hour, I can go through your portraits pretty quickly because you already learned everything during your engagement session.
Also, you can showcase your personalities in a more casual setting that is significant to the two of you (and even include pets!).
Engagement photos are also great for the Save The Date Cards – but no worries if that doesn’t work for you. I recommend having your engagement session rather sooner and leave at least 6 weeks between this and your wedding date (exceptions are of course destination weddings).
I wanted to create this helpful guide to make sure you’re super informed about your engagement session and everything that goes into it.
I’ll cover what to wear, whether to bring pets & how to manage them, location ideas and more!
- miriam
a note for the Guys
I get it. Having your picture taken for 1-2 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 wedding day.
Time & Light: Is there a
"Good" time to
take photos?
Engagement sessions can take place anywhere from immediately following a proposal up to six weeks before the wedding. There isn’t a „good“ or „bad“ time to take photos. I normally plan sessions based on a particular look, e.g. cherry blossoms or simply based on schedules.
Sessions typically last about an hour. We will also shoot outside, with natural light because I love images that are clean, bright, fresh and timeless at the same time. That’s why most sessions are timed ca. 1-2 hours before sunset. Because then the light is simply perfect! (Same goes for sunrise sessions… and for both: being on time is important!)
Also, engagement sessions are often happening during week days since my weekends are reserved for weddings.
Seasons
Most of the engagement sessions are happening between April and October, but they can take place all year! Most of my couples are choosing a location that fits into the season.
A few things to keep in mind during each season:
Spring fresh flowers and sunny days
Spring sessions are so much fun, when the plants begin to bloom and the birds are singing! By now I know when most trees are beginning to bloom and we can schedule accordingly.
Summer enjoying the sun hand in hand
In spite of the heat, I am a big fan of summer sessions! Because of the later sunset, sessions sometimes begin as late as 6pm. Still I recommend bringing drinks, fresh shirts and maybe a fan or small ventilator to keep cool & fresh.
Fall colorful leaves and snuggling close
Fall can be so beautiful when it’s still warm outside but the leaves begin to change colour! It’s a mix between snuggling up and enjoying the last bit of sun before winter time.
Winter snowfall, hot cocoa and cozy coats
In winter, sessions might start as early as 1pm to actually get the most bit of natural light, since it’s getting dark pretty soon. Also: it is going to be cold, so dress in layers and grab a nice looking coat. Bring a thermostat with warm tea, hand warmers and maybe make up to touch up red noses. These sessions also may run shorter because of the low temperatures – of course you still will get great portraits.
Save The Dates
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.
Locations Berlin & around
I love when we use a location for your engagement session, that is special to you both or complements your wedding theme. However it is completely optional and you can even say: the weddings is more chic and full of architecture so the engagement session should be with flowers in a park. If you don’t have a special place in mind, I am happy to make recommendations.
Classic & Elegant
Schloss Charlottenburg
Schloss Köpenick
Schloss Biedorf
Museumsinsel
Spittelkolonnaden
Gendarmenmarkt
Bebelplatz
Humboldt Forum
Schloss Sanssouci, Potsdam
Urban
Anhalter Bahnhof
Tempelhofer Feld
Bergmannkiez
Parks
Stadtpark Steglitz
Tiergarten
Volkspark Mariendorf
Volkspark Wilmersdorf
Volkspark Friedrichshain
Blooms
TV Asahi Cherry Blossoms
Lilienthalpark
Corrensplatz
Volkspark Mariendorf
Hewaldstraße
Park am Präsidentendreieck
Adventure
Hiking
Sailing / Boating
Taking a class
Rivers & Lakes
Märkisches Ufer
Kupfergraben
Spreebogenpark / Paul Löbe Haus
Admiralbrücke
Siemenssteg
Glienicker Brücke
the above locations are all beautiful but I also love exploring meaningful locations with my couples!
destination engagement sessions
While I take most of my engagement sessions in the Berlin area, I’ve photographed sessions everywhere from Venice to Paris. If you have a location in mind that is significant to the two of you, let me know and we start planning your destination engagement session.
Travel fees may apply depending on the location and availability.
Pets
I looove when couples choose to incorporate pets into their session. Depending on the temperament of the pet, it is best to bring someone along who can look out for them.
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, I 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 shoot.
Outfits tips for looking your best
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 jewel tones. For my style of Fine Art photography, everything in Pastel works great and you can’t be overdressed! More is more!
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 accesorries! Statement necklaces, cute shoes and classic watches are great ways to add detail to outfits.
for everyone choosing outfits
As a simple rule: dresses and suits will look amazing in your pictures. The concept of overdressing does not exist! So go all out and grab the fanciest clothes.
I also always recommend choosing outfits where you feel comfortable and confident in. You won’t like the photos as much when you wear something that you don’t love 100%.
Color wise, I love light and neutral tones that are rather muted in color. Really colorful, dark or neon colors just drive the focus towards the clothes rather than you.
You can’t go wrong with these colours:
- Beige
- Taupe
- Caramel
- Light Grey
- Rosé
- Light Blue
Everything soft and pastel also matches perfectly with my Fine Art style.
for the ladies wardrobe tips
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.
Don’t be afraid to accessorize!
And: as a woman myself I know we always have some areas we’re not particularly fond of. If – for example – you don’t love your upper arms, you should not wear a sleeveless top but rather something with sleeves or a 3/4 cardigan.
If you don’t love the way you feel in your outfit, you simply won’t love the images!
for the ladies Accessoires
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!
favourite Shops & Brands
& other stories
Anthropologie
ASOS
Boden
Burberry
Chloé
Isabel Marant
Jil Sander
Loewe
Marc O’Polo
Marccain
Max Mara
miu miu
Needle & Thread
Ralph Lauren
Rent the Runway
Sezane
Zara
for the ladies Hair & Make Up
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.
Professionally done hair & makeup last longer than typical hair & makeup. They also tend to hold up better in humidity and wind. If you are looking for a stylist, check out my vendor guide!
If you’re planning to do any waxing, schedule those for a few days before the session to give your skin time to recover. Please don’t use any spray tan – your natural skin color is the best!
for the gents wardrobe
You can’t go wrong with a crisp button up. Or consider layering a blazer or sweater with pants 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.
favourite Shops & Brands
Armani
Armani Exchange
Barbour
Boss
Brax
Burlington
Cinque
Gant
Guess
Hechter Paris
Joop!
Lacoste
Lloyd
PME Legend
Seidensticker
Scotch & Soda
Wilvorst
Zuitable
The Rings
Of course, I always try to take a photo of your rings during your engagement session. 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.
Inclement
Weather What to do if it rains?
The only thing I can’t control is the weather. However, I absolutely can prepare for it. I have two clear umbrellas that we can use if it’s a light drizzle.
Rainy days just require a bit more flexibility: either in changing the location or simply choosing another date.
I’ll check the weather in the morning of our session and if the forecast says more than 70% chance of rain, we might reschedule or you embrace it!
should we bring props?
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.
A note on posing
"What do I do with my hands?"
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’m 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!
Date Night
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!
when to expect your images
As always you will get a sneak peek as soon as possible after your session. Then it’ll take me 1-2 weeks to edit the highlight gallery and another 2-4 weeks for the full gallery. It often depends on my workload & vacation times.
Thank you!
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
hallo@miriamkaulbarsch.de
