Engagement SessionGuide
the helgesons
Planning your Engagement Session by choosing the perfect time, location, outfit, & more!
Welcome
A NOTE ABOUT THIS GUIDE
We’re so excited to be working with you and we can’t wait for our time together during your engagement session! It’s normal to be a little nervous about your session. We always tell people that we still 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 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 we pose. Timelines can be pretty tight on weddings days and 30 minutes may be all we have for portraits - which is why we’ve found that wedding day portraits turn out so much better when couples do engagement sessions ahead of time.
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, we’ve taken engagement photos anywhere from 18 months in advance to the night before the wedding.
There is a lot to think about when it comes to planning a session and since we hear a lot of the same questions, we thought it would be the most beneficial if we put together a guide that walks you through everything you need to know.
We’ll cover what to wear, whether to bring pets & how to manage them, location ideas and more!
- Danielle & Troy Helgeson
We 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. We 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. We’ve found that there isn’t a “good” or “bad” time to take your photos. We normally plan sessions based on a particular “look” a couple has in mind, spring flowers or fall colors for example, or based on schedules.
Sessions typically last an hour and a half to two hours and when when we can—we love to begin sessions about two hours before sunset. We 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.
We 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.
Is there a "good" time to take photos?
TIME & LIGHT
4:45pm Arrive
5:00pm Photograph Outfit 1
5:45pm Change Outfits
6:00pm Photograph Outfit 2
7:00pm You made it! Go on a hot date!
5:30pm Arrive
5:45pm Photograph Outfit 1
7:00pm You made it! Go on a hot date!
SUNSET 7:00 P.M. - ONE OUTFIT
Example timeline #1
Sunset 7:00 p.m. - Two Outfits
Example Timeline #2
While we shoot most of our engagement sessions between May and October, sessions can take place all year. Most of our couples choose a season based on the location where they want to shoot.
A few things to keep in mind during each season:
Seasons
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Winter
snowfall, hot cocoa, and cozy cuddles
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. We 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.
Summer
walks on the beach hand in hand
In spite of the heat, we’re big fans of summer sessions! Because of the later sunset, sessions sometimes begin as late as 6pm. If you’re taking your engagement photos during the summer, we recommend bringing extra makeup and a few towels to make sure you stay fresh throughout your session.
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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, we 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
Locations
DOOR COUNTY, MILWAUKEE, & MADISON ENGAGEMENT LOCATIONS
We love when couples choose a location for their session that compliments their wedding. For example if you’re planning a classic, elegant lakeside wedding, it may be fitting to take your engagement portraits among the shoreline or marina in Sister Bay or Sturgeon Bay. While outdoors at a historic manor or art museum may be more fitting for a couple planning a more chic affair. The best session locations are often meaningful places to the couple; however, we’re also happy to make recommendations. From ski chalets to lavender fields to apple picking and college campuses, the options for engagement session locations are endless!
State Capitol Building
The Paine Art Center
The Waters
A Historic Manor or Estate
Milwaukee Museum of Art
CLASSIC & ELEGANT
Ephraim
Sister Bay Marina
Kewaunee Marina
The Waters
Doty Park
lakeshore & harbor
Astor Park
De Pere
Downtown Oshkosh
Downtown Neenah
Cedarburg
E Wisconsin Avenue in Neenah
Doty Park in Neenah
Voyager Park in De Pere
Pittsfield Park in Pittsfield
Osprey Point in De Pere
historic neighborhood
stroll through the park
Portage Park in Sturgeon Bay
Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal Nature Preserve
Anclam Park in Jacksonport
Selner Park in Kewaunee
Point Beach in Two Rivers
Kohler Andrae in Sheboygan
BEACH
A Vineyard
An Orchard
Tree & Flower Farms
A Family Farm or Estate
Family Lake house
charming
Sailing / Boating
Wine Tasting
Picnic
Sleigh Ride
Ski Chalet
Apple Picking
Waterfall Chasing
ADVENTURE
The above locations are all beautiful but we also love exploring meaningful locations with our couples!
Destination Engagement Sessions
While we take most of our engagement sessions in the Door County area, we’ve photographed sessions everywhere from St. Louis to Mackinac Island to Charleston. If you have a location in mind that is significant to the two of you, let us know because if our schedules align, we might be able to take your engagement photos outside of our normal area.
Travel fees may apply depending on the location and our availability.
Our dog is huge part of our family, which is why we love when couples choose to incorporate pets into their session. Keep in mind that bringing a pet along often means that we’ll need to choose a pet friendly location.
We 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. We 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 shoot.
Lastly, we recommend bringing a neutral colored leash/collar that compliments your outfits. If you want to take it up an extra notch, you can grab a collar that coordinates with your outfits or matches your wedding colors.
Pets
Outfits
TIPS FOR LOOKING YOUR BEST
When selecting outfits we recommend keeping in mind the word “compliment” rather than “match.” For example, if the groom-to-be is wearing a navy blue suit, the bride-to-be may want to choose a long, flowy white dress with navy flowers. It can also be a great idea to choose “color-families,” such as pastels or neutrals.
Generally couples pick two outfits for an engagement session: a more formal outfit and a casual outfit. We recommend saving your more casual outfit for later in the session, when couples usually feel more comfortable in front of the camera and we tend to do less formal posing and more motion shots. We also think it's easier to get dressed at home for your formal attire and change into a more casual choice. And don’t forget to bring a few accessories! Pendant necklaces, cute shoes and classic watches are great ways to add detail to outfits.
find it fast
Heels lengthen legs and look great, make sure to bring a pair of flats to slip into in between shots and any walking we may do.
We 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 and often times, tight lines can appear warped. The floral pattern in the photo to the right, is a perfect example of a pattern that photographs in a lovely way!
Softer, pastel colors and neutrals tend to photograph better than bright colors - especially since bright colors can reflect on your skin. If you're curious about what colors may look best on you, I can help!
Wardrobe Tips
ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
HAIR & MAKEUP
MANICURE
Outfits
for the ladies
Outfit Inspiration on our Pinterest Board
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A pendant necklace can go a long way and adds a bit of simple elegance to a classic outfit. Think a single drop pearl or diamond necklace. If a statement necklace is more your style, go for it. It can add a little spice to your dress.
And dresses with butterfly 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!
Flowy dresses look great in walking and photos with movement.
Choose an outfit you feel comfortable in, and don’t be afraid to dress up!
Accessories
ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
HAIR & MAKEUP
MANICURE
Outfits
for the ladies
find it fast
Rent the Runway
Ralph Lauren
Kiel James Patrick
Vineyard Vines
Morning Lavender
J. Crew
Banana Republic
BHLDN
Favorite Shops
Lulu's
H&M
The Navy Knot
Nordstrom
Neiman Marcus
Tory Burch
Tuckernuck
ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
HAIR & MAKEUP
MANICURE
Outfits
for the ladies
find it fast
Engagement sessions are the perfect time for a hair and makeup trial! Professionally done hair & makeup last longer than typical hair & makeup. They also tend to hold up better for humitiy and wind.
We think it’s so important that you look and feel your best for your engagement photos - and if you’re planning to do a hair & makeup trial anyways, the engagement session is a great time to test how your hair & makeup look on camera.
Hair & Makeup
ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
HAIR & MAKEUP
MANICURE
Outfits
for the ladies
find it fast
There will probably be times during your session when we’re shooting your hands holding or the engagement ring on your hand - which means it’s a good idea to clean up your nails before your session (this applies to the guys too!).
Manicure
ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
HAIR & MAKEUP
MANICURE
Outfits
for the ladies
find it fast
You can’t go wrong with a suit and tie. Consider pulling out that suit you had to wear last time you were a groomsmen!
For your casual look, it would be easy to switch it out by putting a sweater or cardigan over your dress shirt or for warmer months by taking off the jacket and switching pants.
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.
Wardrobe
WHERE TO SHOP
Outfits
for the gents
find it fast
Rent the Runway
Brooks Brothers
Ralph Lauren
Kiel James Patrick
J. Crew
Banana Republic
LL Bean
Nordstrom
H&M
Wardrobe
WHERE TO SHOP
Outfits
for the gents
Inclement Weather
what to do if it rains
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 an engagement session and it’s the worst to get dressed up and drive out to your session only to have it rain. If you are local we have a bit more time and we will call it about 24 hours before your session if there's 50% or more of a chance of rain. If your from out of town or we are traveling to you, we will call it earlier in the week.
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 for 20 to 40 minutes. Then gently brush the stone with a soft toothbrush, rinse and repeat if needed.
Ring Cleaning
Props
champagne is always a good idea
If you’re planning to bring props to your engagement session, we recommend including them only if they’re meaningful to you. Shots of drinking coffee at a local coffee shop would be cute if that’s where you met; however, a trying to fly a kite together when it’s not a part of your relationship may come off as contrived. Neutral colored blankets, bottles of champagne or wine, charcuterie boards, picnic baskets filled with goodies, & floral bouquets are among the most popular items.
When it comes to posing for your engagement session, you don’t need to worry about a thing! We’ll guide you through the entire process beginning with “poses” that are super easy and natural. If we tell you to do something that feels a little funny, it’s probably because we know it’s going to make the two of you laugh - and that’s the photo we’re actually looking for.
Throughout your session, we’ll keep an eye on your hair, makeup and outfits to make sure things stay in place. We want you to feel as relaxed as possible and enjoy your time together!
"What do I do with
my hands"?
"What do I do
with my hands"?
POSING
Date Night
If you’re anything like us, 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!
Unless we have a holiday closure, you can expect to receive your engagement photos between 3 and 4 weeks after your session.
When to Expect Your Images
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 me:
danielle@thehelgesons.com
THANK YOU!
