engagement session

style guide

Three printed photos of a couple, one outdoors at sunset, one in front of a brick building at night, and one close-up indoors with the woman resting her head on the man's shoulder.

The engagement session is a chance to get comfortable in front of our cameras before the wedding and celebrate this short, special season of being engaged. This guide shares our best tips to help create natural, fun images — but more than anything, we want you to relax, enjoy the moment, and let us take care of the rest.

A man and woman sitting close on a tiled stone bench outdoors, holding hands and smiling at each other during sunset.
A couple inside an ice cream shop holding cones and smiling through a glass door with text advertises ice cream and desserts.

STEP 1

PICK A DATE

Our weekends fill up quickly—thanks to weddings and because they’re everyone’s first choice.
You can usually get on the schedule faster by choosing Monday–Thursday.

When emailing to book, include:

  1. The month you’d like your session

  2. Your first choice day of the week

  3. Your second choice day of the week

Example: “November — first choice: Friday, second choice: Wednesday.”

We LOVE natural light—it’s what makes photos feel both fresh and timeless.
For engagement sessions, we always start about 90 minutes before sunset. That means:

  • In cooler months, sessions start earlier in the afternoon.

  • In warmer months (when the sun sets later), we start later in the day.

During the hotter months, sessions can be extra toasty—so come prepared with water, a towel, and if you tend to sweat a lot, consider bringing an extra outfit.
In summer, we also keep an eye on rain, which can affect your session happening.

To make the most of your session:

  • Arrive a few minutes early so we can start right on time.

  • If you’re wearing two outfits, start with your more casual look first and save the dressier one for golden hour at sunset.

STEP 2

PICK A LOCATION

The location of your session is completely up to you!
If you already have a spot in mind, let us know. If not, we’re always happy to suggest options—we’re constantly scouting and finding new, beautiful places to shoot.

The key is to choose a location that feels like you. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box!

Date Night Inspiration

One of our favorite ideas: pick a spot you already love visiting together.

  • A favorite coffee shop or brewery

  • The crepe shop you always hit up in Ybor City

  • That cute rooftop bar you go to for sunset

If it’s a business, we can reach out and ask about shooting inside.

Go for Something Unique

Sometimes the best locations are ones you have special access to—places most people can’t shoot at. Think:

  • A private estate, country club, or resort

  • A family ranch or farm

  • An upscale hotel

  • Even an airplane hangar

You or someone you know might have connections to make it happen. Truly—the sky is the limit!

A couple sits on a parking lot rooftop at sunset, sharing a kiss, with a pizza and beer on the ground in front of them.
A young man is carrying a young woman on his back outdoors in a grassy area with trees in the background. Both are smiling and appear happy.

location styles

There are more options and (subsequent options) than these, but we wanted to share a few ideas to get your mind turning.

CLICK THE LOCATION BELOW TO SEE AN EXAMPLE GALLERY
These are locations in Tampa Bay ONLY

A man and woman standing on a sidewalk in front of a brick wall. The man has his hands in his pockets, dressed in black, and the woman is smiling, making peace signs with her hands, dressed in white pants and a strapless top. The man looks amused or relaxed, while the woman appears cheerful and playful.

URBAN

A couple embracing and kissing in a forest setting by a stream, surrounded by trees and natural scenery.

NATURE

A smiling couple holding hands stands outside in front of a pink door with two small dogs on leashes, flanked by potted cacti and tropical plants against a white brick wall.

LOCAL SHOPS

A couple holding hands and walking on a beach at sunset, dressed in white clothing.

BEACHY

out of the norm

because the best sessions are the ones that break the rules.

Poolside/Palm Beach Theme
Skateboarding
At Home Intimate Session with a Pillow Fight
Wildflower Field
on a farm
bowling
with a vintage car
christmas tree farm
projections
in the rain on a rooftop
at mcdonalds

outfits

Colors + Matching: As much as we loved the 90s, the days of everyone wearing the exact same outfit for photos are long gone. Aim for a happy balance—somewhere between overly matchy-matchy and completely clashing.

Patterns: We love a good pattern, but keep it to just one person in the group (two at most). Too many patterns can compete and distract in photos.

The End Goal: Think cohesive and coordinated! Below are some color combinations to get you started, but they won’t fit everyone’s style or every color palette. If you’re unsure, we’re always happy to give input or help you decide what will look best.

coordinating colors

A young couple sitting on a large rock by the water, smiling and enjoying each other's company.
A couple standing in front of three large arched windows with stained glass details, the woman in white and the man in black, embracing each other.

LIGHT NEUTRAL TONES

Whites, off whites, light grey, tan, greige, almost no color. Pairs well with jeans! LOOKS AMAZING FOR AN IN HOME SESSION OR THE BEACH.

DARK NEUTRAL TONES / EARTHY TONES

BLACKS, BROWNS, GREENS ON THE DARKER SIDE. WORKS IN ANY ENVIRONMENT.

WHITE + ANYTHING

You are a Bride after all, so white is a great option and pairs with numerous things. GIVE THE FULL WEDDING VIBE WITH WHITE AND BLACK!

BLACK + POP OF COLOR

Black goes with just about anything! And it looks amazing with a pop of color. If you want to wear a vibrant jewel toned dress like red or pink consider putting your significant other in black. This tends to work best with really dressy shoots.

A couple kissing while standing in a lush, green garden with tall trees and ferns, with a gothic-style tower in the background.
A couple holding hands and walking through a forested area with tall trees and lush greenery.

YELLOWS + BLUES

A nice golden or mustard yellow pairs amazing with navy and ALSO GREY. POPS NICELY OFF A GREEN BACKDROP.

BURGUNDY + BROWN, NAVY, OR BLACK

Very similar to the earth tones options but adds in a pop of color. Burgundy is probably one of our favorite options for  sessions because it is flattering on every woman and skin tone.

COLOR FAMILY

If you do want to try and match more, there are ways! Try and stay within the same color family but maybe not the same color. Or mix the color in a pattern with a solid version of that color.

The most important thing you can bring to your session? Confidence.
The right outfit can help get you there—choose something comfortable, flattering, and easy to move in. Try it on beforehand, see how it works together, and make sure it makes you feel amazing.

Two women holding hands on a wooden walkway near the beach during golden hour with the ocean in the background.

style tips for her

Always wanted to rock a boho gown or a flower crown but never had the perfect occasion? This is your moment—embrace whatever style makes you feel amazing.

Most of our brides choose two outfits:

  • One “wow” look (think statement dress or showstopper gown)

  • One casual “us on a date” look

Not into outfit changes? Totally fine—one fabulous look works just as well.

Choosing Your Outfit

In our experience, every woman—no matter her shape or size—has something she feels self-conscious about. Keep that in mind when picking outfits so you feel comfortable and confident from the start.

Go Pro!

Professional hair and makeup can take away the stress of getting ready and help you feel incredible in front of the camera.
We recommend:

  • Style Hair and Makeup

  • Lasting Luxe

  • Femme Akoi

Important Reminders

  • Get your nails done

  • Skip the spray tan

  • Avoid clothing that shows tags or bra straps

  • Avoid visible branding or logos

  • Steer clear of loud prints, neon, or overly bright colors

Prep Your Partner

Most guys aren’t exactly counting down the minutes to a 90-minute photo session. Often it’s just because they don’t know what to expect or why it matters so much to you. Take 15 minutes to fill them in and get them excited—it makes a big difference in the vibe of your photos.

style tips for him

A romantic couple sharing an intimate dance outdoors at sunset, with the woman wearing a floral crown and the man with tattoos on his arm, surrounded by lush greenery and a rustic wooden structure.

From James Bond to Don Draper, men look their best in a well-tailored suit or suit pants with a crisp button-down.
The best part? If you don’t own one, there are amazing rental companies that make it affordable to look dapper—our favorite is TheBlackTux.com.

What Works Best

  • Solid shades of gray, TAN, BLACK, or navy pair beautifully with most women’s outfits.

  • Avoid busy patterns—they can distract in photos.

  • Not a suit guy? Go for long pants or dark jeans with a nice button-down.

The Finishing Touches

  • Long pants and closed-toed shoes create a polished, masculine look that draws attention to your face.

  • Skip the shorts (unless it’s the beach), sandals, and athletic sneakers.

Most Important

  • Get a fresh haircut before your session.

  • Avoid clothing with logos or branding, baggy clothes, and tall white socks with shorts.

Pro Tips

  • Eat before your session—you’ll be happier and more relaxed.

  • Consider grabbing a drink beforehand—a beer or cocktail can help calm nerves.

  • Remember: This is an opportunity to love on your future partner. Even if you’re not excited about photos, we promise you won’t regret making these memories.

for the furbabies

Bringing your fur baby to your session? We’re all for it! Just be sure to have someone come along to help. We highly recommend the amazing team at Fairytail Pet Care—they’re pros at making pets photo-ready and happy.

 
 

What to Expect

Our goal is simple: capture natural, fun images that truly feel like you.

At the start of your session, we’ll take a little time to walk, chat, and get to know each other. Once we start shooting, it might take a few minutes to loosen up—that’s totally normal! By the end, you’ll be more comfortable than you ever expected (maybe even feeling like pros).

We’re not here for stiff “America’s Next Top Model” poses. We’ll guide you into natural positions and prompts that create authentic moments. If anything feels uncomfortable or unflattering, speak up—we want you to look back at your photos and remember how good you felt, not how awkward a pose was.

We’ll also take breaks during the session to relax, grab water, and chat. We want to know what makes you laugh, what you love doing together, and what makes your relationship uniquely yours. The more comfortable we are with each other, the better your photos will be.

A Few Things to Know:

Turnaround Time
Your final gallery will be delivered within 2–3 weeks after your session.

Florida Weather
Our weather is unpredictable—especially June through September. If there’s a 50%+ chance of rain, we’ll reschedule (usually making the call the morning of, unless a major storm is forecasted). Hurricanes or big storms = earlier notice. We’ll always keep you updated.

After the Session
You’re already dressed up—make it a date night! Enjoy some time together (especially if a little one is on the way).

We’re here for you every step of the way. Any questions? Just ask!

the fine print

📌 Quick Session Cheat Sheet

  • Goal: Natural, fun images that feel like you

  • Before We Start: We’ll walk, chat, and warm up—no stiff posing here

  • During the Shoot: Breaks are totally normal—we want you comfortable and relaxed

  • Speak Up: If a pose feels awkward or unflattering, tell us

  • Turnaround: Final gallery delivered in 2–3 weeks

  • Weather: If there’s a 50%+ chance of rain, we reschedule (Florida weather = unpredictable)

  • Pro Tip: You’re dressed up—make it a date night afterward!