Engagement Session Guide | Dallas Engagement Photographer

Engagement Session Guide

 

Engagement session guide for all engaged couples: Congratulations on your engagement! We’re thrilled that you’re considering us as your photographer! Engagement sessions are a great way to get to know us, and to get more comfortable being in front of the camera. Many couples opt to use their engagement pics for pre-wedding and day-of-decor- such as a guest sign in book, personalized favors, programs and save the dates. Whatever way you choose to use your images we’re excited to help you create a variety of gorgeous photos to choose from that you can look back on for years to come.

 

Engagement Session Guide by Dallas Engagement Photographer Monica Salazar Photography. Monica Salazar is a Dallas Wedding Photographer that provides engagement, bridal, wedding photography for all engaged couples.

dallas engagement photos of couple in downtown dallas texas by dallas engagement photographer monica salazar

SCHEDULE YOUR HAIR AND MAKEUP APPOINTMENTS

01

Schedule your hair and makeup appointment for the same day as your session. Your groom-to-be should also cut his hair prior to the shoot to ensure he looks his best.

Proposal engagement photos at the Dallas Arboretum Botanical Gardens in Dallas Texas by Monica Salazar Photography.

GET YOUR NAILS DONE

02

Since there will be a lot of close up shots of your hands, it's important to have your nails done if you want photos that look really good. Make sure your partner's nails are trimmed and clean too.

dallas engagement photographer engagement session guide for all engaged couples

PLAN YOUR WARDROBE CHANGE

03

If you will be changing outfits during your shoot, make sure that you've also packed shoes and accessories to match. It's also a good idea to confirm there is a place to change clothes at your photo shoot location.

Cute and romantic engagement photos in downtown and walking around the city

PACK COMFORTABLE SHOES

04

If you know you will be moving around to different spots in-between photos, have a pair of flat, comfortable shoes on hand to make things easier.

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clean your ring

don’t forget about touch-ups

bring water and snacks

Your engagement ring will be featured in some of the photos, so make sure it's clean and sparkly for your shoot.

You never know when you may need to touch up your lipstick or blot y our face to get rid of excess oil and sweat, so come prepared with makeup and blotting paper.

Since your session will last for an hour or two, it helps to have some light snacks and water on and to keep you hydrated and energized.

The importance of an

engagement session

If you aren’t the biggest fan of getting your photo taken or you aren’t overly traditional, you might be wondering if it's important to get your engagement photos done at all.

There is no rule that says you must to take engagement photos, but there are several good reasons why you should. Here are the four reasons to take engagement photos.

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do it for your save the dates

test out your makeup artist and hairstylist

it’s fun and flexible

you get to know your photographer

Your engagement photos are the perfect photos to use for your save the dates. You can even incorporate some of the photos into your guest book or décor.

An engagement shoot is the ideal excuse to test out your makeup artist and hairstylist. It's better to find out if you don’t like their style way ahead of your wedding day than several days prior.

It is perfectly fine to take photos several months after your engagement. Take your time to plan a shoot that means something to you both. This is your chance to have a little fun and walk away with beautiful photos for your home. As long as you will get your photos months ahead of your wedding, you can plan it at your own pace.

An engagement session is one of the best ways to truly get to know your photographer. What is it like to work with them? How well do they understand your preferences? If you are usually uncomfortable in front of a camera, this is great practice before your big day. Plus, it gives you the chance to ask questions you may not have thought of before.

What to know about

save the date

etiquette

Your save the date is your first official wedding-related communication, so it’s important to get it right.

It doesn’t matter what kind of save the date you want to send out, there are some general etiquette guidelines you should follow.

Engagement Session Photos

Save the Date Ideas

Dallas - Fort Worth Engagement Photography

When to send them out?

If you are planning a local wedding, it’s best to send out your save the dates at least 6 months prior to your wedding – 8 months is even better.

Asking people to travel for your wedding?

To give guests enough time to make travel arrangements and arrange childcare, send your save the dates out 8 – 12 months before your big day.

Who should receive one?

Ideally, you should finalize your guest list before you send out save the dates. If you plan on having a B-list, who to send a save the date to becomes a little trickier. If someone on the B-list realizes they received a save the date much later, they will know they weren’t on the original list, which could be awkward. If you want to play it safe, only send a save the date to your closest family and friends and an invite to them and everyone else. This way, if you have a flexible guest list, nobody feels left out. If you do this, be prepared for a smaller turnout as not everyone will have set the date aside. Above all else, make sure that anyone who receives a save the date also receives an invite.

What to include?

Your save the date does not to be complicated or overly detailed. At a minimum, you should include your names, a date, and where you plan to get married. These basic details are enough for people to set the date aside and make the necessary arrangements ahead of time. You may also indicate that a formal invite will be sent out in the next few months.

 

tips on what to wear to your engagement session photos

dallas engagement Photographer

tips to help you choose the perfect engagement outfit based on the seasons.

Choosing your outfits is definitely something you should give some proper thought to ahead of your shoot. Your photos should match your wedding style and work with both the season and your location beautifully.

Summer

• If your shoot is during the summer, think breathable fabrics, shorter hemlines, and flat shoes. If shooting on the beach, go barefoot.

• If dresses aren't your thing, opt for a romper or jumpsuit instead. You can incorporate accessories to add a feminine touch.

• If you enjoy bright , bold colors, add them into your outfits.

Fall

• Since the weather will be getting colder and the colors outside will be changing, adapt your outfits to fit with your surroundings. Longer sleeves, layers, and a fall color palette are a must.

• Add accessories such as bright scarves or colorful hats. Just make sure it doesn't compete with your outfit.

Winter

• Add a festive feel. If you will be shooting in winter, why not use it as the perfect excuse to incorporate some beautiful metallic colors.

• Since the weather can be quite unpredictable during this time of year, have some gorgeous coats and hats ready.

• In fitting with snowy weather, a classic white cocktail dress and a charcoal suit can give your photos an elegant and timeless feel.

Spring

• Find a way to incorporate pastel colors and florals to make your photos extra dreamy and romantic.

• Since the weather may still be quite chilly, find a light sweater or pashmina to throw over your outfit - it also makes a great accessory.

Wedding floral centerpieces by Dallas wedding photographer Monica Salazar Photography

Wedding day details checklist for bride and groom. Photo of the wedding rings and bride shoes on wedding day at Aristide Colleyville wedding venue.

marie gabrielle wedding dallas texas by monica salazar photography

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Monica Salazar Photography is a Dallas, Texas based wedding and portrait photographer.

Dallas wedding photographers providing engagement, bridal, portrait, and wedding photography in Dallas, Fort Worth, TX and worldwide.

Bridal portrait at the Olana wedding venue in Dallas, TX by Dallas wedding photographer, Monica Salazar Photography.

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All photography images are copyright protected ©2009-2023, all rights reserved by Dallas Wedding Photographer, Monica Salazar. Dallas wedding photographer Monica Salazar offers romantic and timeless wedding photography. Fort Worth wedding photographer Monica Salazar provides fun, modern engagement photo sessions, documentary style wedding day coverage and bridal portraits. Monica Salazar Photography is a Dallas and Fort Worth Wedding Photographer available for weddings in Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin, and throughout the State of Texas and destinations worldwide. Our office is located at 620 N. Bishop Ave, Dallas, TX, 75208. You can reach us by email at monicasalazarphoto@gmail.com  or call or text us 972.746.3557 | Dallas Wedding Photographer | Fort Worth Wedding Photographer | Austin Wedding Photographer   DALLAS WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHERS, PROVIDING ENGAGEMENT, BRIDAL AND WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY. PROUDLY SERVING WEDDINGS AND ELOPEMENTS IN DALLAS, FORT WORTH, AUSTIN, HOUSTON, WACO, SAN ANTONIO, AND CITIES THROUGHOUT THE STATE OF TEXAS.
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