You’ve chosen a date, hired your top vendors, and said yes to the dress.

Congratulations!

You just made some big decisions, and now it’s time to enjoy one of the most fun parts of the wedding planning process – your engagement session. 

Not every couple opts for an engagement session, and that’s okay. But I’d like to share some of my thoughts on the matter and why I highly recommend them. 

Why are engagement sessions important?

One of the main reasons I find engagement photos so rewarding is that they allow us to connect personally. I get to know you as a couple, and you two get to know me. 

So much trust is built during an engagement session, which plays a huge role in documenting natural, candid, and authentic wedding photographs. 

When the wedding day arrives, the couples I’ve had an engagement session with feel more at ease in front of the camera. They’re more relaxed because they’ve spent time with me, and we’ve established a friendship. And I know they are excited to have me with them on their wedding day. 

Another reason is that this is such a wonderful season of your lives together. And it offers a great opportunity to capture this moment in time- separate from the more formal look you’ll have together on your wedding day.

Not only that, but engagement photos can really highlight unique parts of your personalities. For example, maybe you enjoy spending time together searching for new restaurants in the city or maybe you prefer cooking at home- let’s capture that!  Regardless, I love getting to know you better so we can create images that truly reflect who you are at this point in your lives. So when you look back at these photos 20 years from now, these photos will honestly remind you of this season in your lives.

Also, if a furry friend is part of your future family, this is the perfect time to include them! I love animals and welcome them wholeheartedly.

All of this to say that I hope you’ll think of an engagement session as a really fun date. And just one more opportunity to make memories during a special milestone in your relationship. 

What are engagement photos used for?

So many things! Engagement photos can be used for your save-the-dates, your wedding website, your guest sign-in book (that I’m happy to help design and print for you). You could also have engagement photos printed to display in your home as a way to showcase your personalities and vibe together. 

What should we wear to an engagement session?

Wear an outfit that feels like you! This is so important for you to feel comfortable and look like yourself. Also, wearing seasonally appropriate outfits is always a great idea. Complimenting each other is also very important, but don’t be too matchy. I’m happy to help and you can text me or email me with your ideas! 

COLORS | Neutrals, Pastels, Cool Tones, Softer Warm Tones all photograph really nicely.

POCKETS | This one is mainly for the gentlemen, but it applies to everyone. Empty your pockets of keys, phones, or other bulky/clunky items. This will help your outfits look clean and crisp.

BEAUTY | This is a great opportunity to have a hair and makeup trial for your wedding with the beauty team you’re considering or have already hired. Just make sure to be ready before our scheduled start time. And don’t forget to bring your lip color with you for touch-ups, along with a small bottle of hairspray and a brush. 

NAILS + RINGS | It’s not necessary to have your nails painted but it’s nice to have them cleaned up and it’s never a bad idea to have your ring polished. 

WALKING SHOES | Depending on the location of your engagement session, it might be wise to bring a pair of flip-flops to change into – especially if you’re planning to wear heels that might get uncomfortable walking long distances. 

CHANGING CLOTHING | Truth be told, outfit changes are usually made in the car, but we’ll do our best to arrange for changes at nearby venues if necessary. 

What else should we know?

SCHEDULING | I always enjoy scheduling weekday engagement sessions since it’s quieter in busy areas like parks, beaches, and museums/gardens.

If you can’t make it on a weekday, we will find you a weekend date, no problem! My favorite time to photograph these sessions is 2-3 hours before sunset. (Of course, this varies depending on the time of year.)

For engagement sessions in Florida, my favorite time of year to photograph is November – May. These months are cooler and usually have great weather!

WATER + SNACKS | Please come prepared with some water and snacks for in-between looks. Water is essential during warmer months and if we’re walking long distances. Besides, it’s always best to stay hydrated!

MINDSET | I encourage you to come to this session with an open mind and an open heart to all the fun that it can be! Let’s have an awesome time making memories! 

What are the very best Palm Beach engagement photo locations?

Palm Beach is a tiny town best known for its boutique style and décor, endless sunshine, palm trees, elegant architecture, lush tropical courtyards, and villas covered in bougainvillea. 

Here are some of my favorite places to capture engagement photos around Palm Beach.

Local Beaches 

Some of my favorite sessions are simple and all about you! Of course a beautiful backdrop like the beach can compliment most outfits because it’s clean and simple and usually beautifully lit. And the best part is that it’s peaceful. I have a handful of favorite local beaches that I’m happy to share with you. 

Worth Avenue

Worth Avenue is a top spot for tourists who enjoy upscale shopping and luxurious dining experiences. And while you’ll find plenty of places to break out a credit card or sip Champagne, Worth Ave. also has an abundance of interesting places to snap engagement photos.

Storefronts offer colorful tiled steps. Pretty pink bougainvillea climbs up columns. Water fountains adorn courtyards and tucked-away vistas offer shaded respite from sunny days. 

We can find all kinds of spots along this stretch of property to take photos. And with all of the rich colors and European-inspired architecture, your photos will be nothing short of stunning. 

The Clock Tower  

If you’re visiting Worth Avenue, you’re sure to see the towering clock built on the sidewalk of Old Ocean Boulevard. 

Built in 2010 as part of the $14 million makeover,, the Clock Tower acts as a memory maker: a timekeeper that also serves as a memory of a moment spent at the beach. And hopefully, that time includes someone special! 

Palm trees frame the Clock Tower, which faces the avenue. And, as you walk through the clock’s archway towards the back, you’re almost sure to be greeted by infinite blue sea and sky. The ocean looks particularly beautiful on clear, sunlit days. And sunset photos are just as gorgeous around this landmark as well. 

The Society of the Four Arts 

The Society of the Four Arts is a 10-acre campus along the Intracoastal Waterway in Palm Beach. This non-profit cultural organization offers all kinds of events, from concerts to art exhibits to workshops from November through April.

You’ll find some really picturesque spots on campus, including an art gallery, a performance hall, libraries, and gardens. In fact, the gardens are really something to behold!

The Philip Hulitar Sculpture Garden includes 20 contemporary sculptures by artists from all over the world, including some who live in South Florida. This urban oasis also features walkways, seating areas, an elegant plaza, a garden pavilion, water fountains, palm groves, four pergolas, and a grand lawn. 

Connected to the sculpture garden is a lush botanical paradise known as The Four Arts Botanical Gardens. These areas are divided into themed spaces that reflect different planting styles and types of architecture. If you’re looking for engagement photos that look like they came out of a secret garden, the Four Arts is your place!

On the Water (Boats / Sailboat) 

So technically, this isn’t an actual place, unless we’re talking about the ocean. Nonetheless, I think having an engagement session on a sailboat is pretty swoon-worthy. 

Whether you own a boat, know someone who does, or want to rent one (my husband and I rent our vintage beauty out for photoshoots often, which you can find HERE) – let’s get on deck and head out for a sail. And if you’d like to learn more about our sailboat, just let me know and I’ll share more details. 

I can even take a little rowboat away from the main sailboat and capture the two of you from a different angle or further distance. And how about some gorgeous sunset at sea photos? Yes, please!

Playful ideas that represent you & your relationship

And I always encourage that we find ways to capture a story that truly represents who you are as a couple, and that can mean a number of things! Whether you love playing tennis together, eating ice cream, riding your bikes together or making pizza at home-let’s highlight this in your photos! 

Let’s get you some engagement photos! 

Now that you have an idea of what to wear for an engagement session and where to have one, let’s talk details and make some plans! Contact me, and let’s get started!