choosing the perfect time, location, outfit & more!
Engagement Session
planning your
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Second, engagement sessions are such a fun way to show off your personalities in a more casual setting that’s meaningful to you both. You can even bring your pets along if you want! I’ve done engagement photos as early as 18 months before the wedding and even just a few days before—there’s really no right or wrong time.
I know there’s a lot to think about when planning your session, and since I get asked the same questions all the time, I figured it would be super helpful to put together a guide that walks you through everything you need to know.
I’ll cover what to wear, whether to bring pets (and how to manage them), location ideas, and so much more!
I'm so excited to be working with you and I seriously cannot wait for your engagement session! It’s going to be such a fun and special time together.
It’s totally normal to feel a little nervous—I mean, even I get nervous when I’m in front of the camera (and this is literally what I do for a living)! So you’re definitely not alone.
I absolutely love engagement sessions for so many reasons! First, they’re the perfect way to help you feel super comfortable and relaxed in front of the camera. Let’s be honest—it takes a little time to warm up and get into the flow of posing naturally. Wedding days can be such a whirlwind, and sometimes we only have 30 minutes for portraits. That’s why engagement sessions are such a game-changer—they give us a chance to vibe and make sure your wedding day portraits turn out amazing.
Welcome
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.
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'll normally plan sessions based on a particular “look” a couple has in mind, spring flowers for example, or based on schedules.
Sessions typically last about an hour and a half to two hours and when I can—I love to begin sessions about two 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.
I schedule sessions during what we 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
While most engagement sessions are shot between April and late November, sessions can take place all year round. Most of my couples choose a season based on the location where they want to shoot.
A few things to keep in mind during each season:
Seasons
If you’re planning to take your engagement photos during the winter, keep in mind that if your session takes place in the evening, we could begin shooting as early as 2:30pm to catch the sunset. I recommend dressing in layers so that in between photos you can warm up. Make sure you bring a little extra makeup and tissues in case your nose begins running.
snowfall, hot cocoa and cozy coats
Winter
Spring is the perfect season to capture fresh, vibrant photos before the busy summer wedding season kicks in and dates start filling up. I typically have a bit more weekend availability in the spring, which gives us more flexibility to schedule your session. However, spring can also be a little rainier, so we’ll want to keep a close eye on the forecast and have a backup plan just in case.
fresh flowers and sunny days
Spring
In spite of the heat, I’m a big fan of summer sessions! With the later sunsets, we can sometimes start as late as 6 p.m., which gives us that beautiful golden light. If you’re planning your engagement photos during the summer, I always recommend bringing a little extra makeup and a few towels to help you stay fresh and comfortable throughout the session.
walks on the beach hand in hand
Summer
Fall is hands down one of the most beautiful times of the year on the East Coast! With the perfect weather, my schedule usually fills up pretty quickly. If you're dreaming of a fall engagement session, I’d love to make it happen—so let’s get it booked as soon as you lock in your date!
colorful leaves and snuggling close
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
West Greenwich Sand Dunes, RI
Forty Steps/Cliffwalk, Newport RI
SCENIC AREAS
The above locations are all beautiful but I also love exploring new & meaningful locations with my couples!
Camp Cronin, Narragansett RI Narragansett Town Beach, RI Second/Easton’s Beach, Newport RI Gooseberry Beach, Newport RI
Napatree Point, Westerly RI
Independence Park, Bristol RI
BEACHes & WATERFRONTs
Colt State Park, Bristol RI
Roger Williams Park, Providence RI
Blithewold Mansion & Gardens, Bristol RI
Prospect Park, Providence RI
Harvard Arboretum, Boston RI
Chase Farm, Lincoln RI
Goddard Park, Warwick RI
Fan Pier Park, Boston MA
Boston Public Garden, Boston MA Harkness Memorial Park, Waterford CT
PARKS & GARDENS
Providence State House, RI
RISD Museum, Providence RI
Ochre Court, Newport RI
Beacon Hill, Boston MA
Hartford City Hall, CT ($50 permit)
CLASSIC & ELEGANT
I absolutely love when couples choose a location for their session that complements their wedding. The best session locations are often those that hold meaning for you as a couple, but I'm always happy to offer recommendations too! Here are some of my favorite spots to shoot at:
RHODE ISLAND/ MASSAChUSETTS/ CONNECTICUT
ENGAGEMENT LOCATIONS
Locations
Newport Classic Car Co. offers a variety of different car options that can make any shoot look absolutely epic!
Vintage car info
View: Vintage Car Engagement gallery
MAKE YOUR
SESSION STAND OUT
how to
Adding unique touches like a vintage car, a sailboat ride, or even a gondola adventure to your engagement session can create unforgettable memories and make the experience so much fun! Below, you'll find details on how to rent these options for your session, along with some gallery examples to browse.
Vintage car rental
Newport RI offers a variety of sailboat tours, whether it be a sunset sail or a mimosa tour, this could be a perfect addition to any session!
Sailboat info
View: Sailboat Engagement gallety
SAILBOAT SESSION
Downtown Providence RI feels like a little piece of Italian heaven, you may have people fooled you are in Venice with this Gondola Ride through the providence river. They even allow alcohol and pets onboard!
Gondola info
GONDOLA RIDE
I’m based in beautiful Rhode Island, where Newport is a favorite spot for many couples, and I also have a family home in sunny Miami Beach, FL, which I visit often. While most of my engagement sessions take place in the Rhode Island area, if there’s a special place that means the world to you, let me know! If our schedules align, I’d love to capture your engagement photos outside the usual areas.
Travel fees may apply depending on the location and availability.
Engagement sessions
destination
I absolutely love when couples include their pets in their session! Just keep in mind that bringing your furry friend means we’ll need to pick a pet-friendly location.
I usually recommend having your pet join us for the first part of the session and then either dropping them off or having a friend take them home. Since we won’t include them in every photo, it’s also super helpful to have someone there to hold them between shots.
If you’re bringing your pet along, I suggest giving them a little exercise beforehand and bringing their favorite toy or treats to keep them happy! Depending on their fur type, a quick grooming before the shoot might be a good idea too.
Pets
When it comes to picking outfits, I always suggest thinking about how your looks can complement each other rather than match. For example, if your fiancé is wearing a blue and pink pastel plaid shirt, you might want to choose a long, soft blue dress to tie everything together. Sticking to color families—like pastels or jewel tones—can also create a beautiful, cohesive look.
Most couples choose two outfits for their engagement session: one more formal and one casual. I recommend saving your favorite outfit for later in the session when you’re feeling more relaxed in front of the camera. And don’t forget to bring a few accessories! Statement necklaces, cute shoes, and classic watches are perfect for adding those little finishing touches to your look.
TIPS FOR LOOKING YOUR BEST
Outfits
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Choosing outfits for your engagement session can be such a fun way to express your style as a couple, but I totally understand it can also feel a little overwhelming! That’s why I’m here to make the process easier for you with all my favorite tips and tricks to help you look and feel your best.
A great rule of thumb is to pick around three colors and weave them throughout your outfits. Don’t be afraid to mix in subtle patterns or textures, like linen, to add some extra personality!
And don’t forget to consider the location. If we’re shooting in a green field, a light green dress might blend in too much, so choosing colors that pop against the background will make your photos truly stand out.
No matter what you choose, I’m here to help every step of the way so you can have fun and feel confident during your session!
Choosing Outfits
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Heels are great for lengthening the legs, but if they’re not super comfortable for walking or we’ll be in grassy areas, I recommend bringing an extra pair of shoes to slip into between shots.
I absolutely love how larger patterns and textures, like linen, photograph—but just be mindful of picking something with too small of a pattern, as it can make the photo look a bit too busy.
Softer, pastel colors tend to photograph really beautifully, especially since bright colors can sometimes reflect onto your skin. While I do love a bright, neon dress, they can add a neon reflection to your complexion that we’ll want to avoid!
Wardrobe Tips
for the ladies
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Statement jewelry is a perfect way to add a pop of color or pattern to a simple dress. Lace and tulle also photograph beautifully, adding a soft, elegant touch.
Dresses with sleeves are a great option if you want to slim the arms, and depending on the location, a fit-and-flare or flowy dress can be a fantastic choice. These types of dresses look stunning in photos with movement, especially when you're walking!
Pick an outfit that you feel comfortable and confident in, but don’t hesitate to dress up and have fun with it!
Accessories
for the ladies
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Abercrombie & Fitch
Zara
Mango
Princess Polly
House of CB
Reformation
Nordstrom Rack
Nuuly
Gap
Runaway the Label
Garage
Amazon
Revolve
Meshki
Rent the Runway
ASOS
J. Crew
Anthropologie
Free People
Marshalls/TJ Maxx
Petal & Pup
H&M
Vici Dolls
Madewell
Favorite Shops
for the ladies
I truly believe it’s so important for you to look and feel your best in your photos. Investing in professional hair and makeup can make a huge difference in creating beautiful images you’ll treasure for years to come.
Professional hair and makeup last longer than typical makeup and tend to hold up much better in humidity and wind, which is a huge plus during your session!
If you choose this option, I recommend sticking with a more “classic” look. Now’s probably not the best time to try out that new contouring technique you saw on TikTok—keeping it timeless will ensure you love your photos for years.
And if you're planning any spray tans or waxing, I suggest scheduling those a few days before the session to give your skin some time to recover.
Hair & Makeup
for the ladies
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You can never go wrong with a crisp button-up shirt! For an added touch, consider layering a blazer or sweater with jeans for a polished look. Bowties are also always a great choice.
Just be careful with small patterns—they can sometimes make the photo feel a little too busy.
Softer, pastel colors tend to photograph beautifully, especially since bright colors can sometimes reflect onto your skin. During the cooler months, cozy sweaters layered over button-ups are a perfect way to stay warm while looking stylish!
Wardrobe
for the gents
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Wardrobe
for the gents
on to the next
Lululemon
ASOS
Suit Supply
J. Crew
Zara
Leather & Cotton
Jack Threads
Frank & Oak
Nordstrom
Cuts
H&M
Urban Outfitters
Madewell
Everlane
Banana Republic
Mango
Reiss
Alex Mill
Untuckit
Amazon
Bonobos
Abercrombie
Rag & Bone
It’s typical for us to schedule two engagement session dates. A primary date and a rain date. Having two dates helps us make sure that your photos happen in a timely manner. Coordinating schedules can be tough and we’ve found that the best way to make sure our couples get the look they have in mind for their photos is to schedule two dates at the same time.
We’ll check in the week of your engagement session to confirm the time & location we’re meeting and the weather. We 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 us know what works best for the two of you - but if the weather looks like it won’t be great, we typically try to make the call at least 12 hours in advance.
what to do if it rains
Inclement Weather
Props can be such a fun way to add personality to your engagement session and make your photos feel even more *you!* I always recommend bringing props that feel natural and reflect your relationship.
Fun touches like wearing playful sunglasses or bringing champagne to pop can add so much energy to your session—especially if celebrating with a toast is something you already love to do!
The best props are the ones that let your personalities shine and make your photos feel authentic and meaningful.
props?
should we bring
When it comes to posing for your engagement session, you can relax—I’ve got you covered! I’ll guide you through the entire process, starting with poses that feel super easy and natural. And if I suggest something that feels a little silly, it’s probably because I know it’ll make you both laugh—and *that’s* the moment I’m really after!
Throughout the session, I’ll also keep an eye on your hair, makeup, and outfits to make sure everything stays picture-perfect. My goal is for you to feel completely relaxed and simply enjoy this special time together!
"what do I do with my hands?"
posing
A note on
If you’re anything like me, you probably don’t get all dressed up very often. That’s why your engagement session is the perfect excuse for a fun date night—or brunch if we’re shooting in the morning!
This session is all about celebrating your love, and heading out for a nice dinner afterward is such a sweet way to keep the celebration going!
Date Night
Within 72 hours of your session, I'll put together a sneak peek gallery filled with plenty of photos to get you excited for what's to come. Your full gallery will be delivered within two weeks of the session date!
Images
When to Expect Your
I know this guide is a bit lengthy, but I hope it covers everything you need to prepare for your engagement session! If there’s anything I missed or if you need a recommendation, don’t hesitate to email me at capriocaptured@gmail.com.