the Engagement Session
the styling guide
Let's make this a luxorious experience & create unforgettable moments
styling guide
the engagement session
table of contents
hello from Lianna
hello bride-to-be and welcome!
this is such an exciting time for you! i'm sure your mind is racing with all that needs to be planned. it's all very exciting but it can also be somewhat overwhelming. i totally get it!
my goal as your photographer is to make this one aspect of the planning process simple. you deserve beautiful images that capture these precious moments and experiences perfectly.
this guide is to help you plan your engagement session in a way that will allow me to provide you with the best experience possible.
this session allows me and my team to get to know you and your groom. this allows me to understand your styles and exactly what you are looking for throughout your wedding!
enjoy this guide and text or email me when you are ready to get started!
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Choosing Times & Dates
*spring: 5-7:30
summer: 5-7
*fall: 2-5:30
winter: 2-4
timing is everything
everything is all in the lighting! when it comes to photography we always have to keep in mind when the sun rises and when the sun sets is how we base these times! i absolutely offer morning sessions if available. scheduling a busy location like urban or beach then we're going to want to book am times!
booking 3-6 months in advance to avoid stress is highly suggested. weekends fill up fast so its suggested to avoid stress to book 3-6 months in advance! plus it gives you time to get those photos out into the world to show friends and family!
keep it mind
spring & fall times do vary
Quick tip
Weekend schedules fill up so fast! try and get scheduled up sooner than later. pro tip would be scheduling during the week is a great way to avoid the crowds!
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let's show up 15 minutes early! traffic, kids, forgot something at the house happens more often than you think! there's a special hour we call "the golden hour" that we do not want to miss
golden hour
The choice of location for your engagement session is entirely in your hands! There are local options featuring the captivating desert landscape, unbelievable mountain ranges, an orchard we can walk through, urban development with stunning brick. not to far away is the cool mist of the pacific ocean and endless grasslands! whichever option you choose we'll make it unforgetable!
Location
ocean front
grass fields
desert oasis
Orchard
yes these are actually real locations we can go to!
mountain views
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urban feels
As your photographer, I want to assure you that your engagement photoshoot is a time to relax, have fun, and celebrate your love. Remember, the camera is here to capture the genuine moments between you two, so don't worry about posing perfectly. Instead, focus on each other, laugh, and enjoy the experience. Trust that I will guide you through the session, and feel free to express your unique personalities and connection. Let go of any stress or expectations, and simply embrace the joy of this special time together.
did we just become best friends?
Let's have some fun with it!
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Your engagement session includes our travel time any where in the Las Vegas Valley area. If you’d like to go somewhere outside the city, I am up for the adventure! The travel fee for outside of Nevada is usually custom quoted. I love traveling and are actually on the road quite a bit. I’ve done engagement sessions from coast to coast, every where in between, and even in Europe, too, so if I am already going to be in or near an area you’ve always dreamed of doing your photos, and we can coordinate our schedules, let’s set it up. I’d love to make it work!
Did someone say Roadtrip?
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let's get fancy with it...
Long, flowy dresses and skirts are a stunning choice for your engagement photoshoot as they add a beautiful sense of movement to the images. Whether you're surrounded by the desert, forest, plains, or beach, these outfits create a captivating juxtaposition with nature. Shorter-length dresses also photograph beautifully, and dresses and skirts in general are known to flatter the female body, which is why they are a popular choice on the red carpet. Embrace the opportunity to wear a sequined gown, tulle skirt, or flower crown that you've always wanted to try but never had the occasion for. Remember, there's no such thing as being "too dressed up" for your engagement session, so have fun and make it memorable!
Styling Tips for Her
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Yes! This is from the same session! I want your engagement session to be special and bringing in personalities with 2 outfits is a great way!
Let's slip into something a little more....
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Keep it Bright & Light
When it comes to choosing colors for your outfits, I suggest opting for lighter tones and muted shades. By avoiding ultra-bright and bold colors, the focus will be on your faces and the emotions you share. Soft pink and muted blues, along with light neutrals like heather gray, creams, leather brown, and white, are all camera-friendly and blend seamlessly with natural outdoor environments. This color palette particularly complements the desert backdrop, creating a harmonious and captivating aesthetic.
choosing colors
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coordinating the look
As you’re coordinating your outfit with your fiancé’s, keep in mind that your outfits will look the most cohesive on camera when the color palettes coordinate, but don’t necessarily “match.” You should each aim to wear a different dominant color, but stay within a similar color palette family.
Quick tip
Most of our brides choose their dress first, and then put together their fiance’s outfit
based on that.
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Let's get the Best out of you!
Heels
Sleeveless
Formal
Wearing sleeveless during an engagement photoshoot is a great idea because it allows for a more modern and stylish look. Sleeveless outfits can showcase the couple's arms and shoulders, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to the photos. Additionally, sleeveless attire is perfect for outdoor shoots, as it allows for more comfort and freedom of movement.
Going for a formal conservative look during an engagement photoshoot is a great idea as it exudes timeless elegance and sophistication. By opting for classic and modest attire, the focus remains on the couple's love and connection rather than trendy fashion choices. This style choice also ensures that the photos will stand the test of time and can be cherished for years to come.
Heels elongate women's leg's making them look fabulous. Closed-toes heels in particular look great on camera because they carr y out the line of your leg all the way down to your toe. If your toes are showing in a peep-toe heel, you might want to schedule a pedicure before your session so you don’t regret letting your feet show. These little tricks make all the difference!
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Putting Detail into the story
it's all in the details
WHo doesn't need an excuse to get your nails done? your ring will be a big feature in this shoot so let's get those nails looking as shiny as that new ring!
There's going to be some beautiful photos that will feature hands or close up on your skin. my pro tip is to have lotion on hand and arms! especially in this dry desert.
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Locks of Love
&
Make Up glow
Doing your make up and hair can be very stressful sometimes! I highly recommend having your makeup and hair done professionally for the best results in your photos. Professional makeup artists and hairstylists have the expertise to enhance your natural features and create a polished look that will last throughout the session. They understand how different lighting and camera angles can affect your appearance, ensuring that you look flawless and camera-ready.
Investing in professional services will not only make you feel confident and beautiful but also guarantee stunning photographs that capture your special moments with perfection.
Quick tip
if you need any recommendations for hair and make up i work with some of the best in town!
let the make up & hair do the work for you
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Who doesn't love a beautiful tan? We all do! For your engagement sessions my suggestion would be to SKIP the spray tan before your shoot. The tan tends to photograph a bit orange even if barely applied. Your actual skin ton will photograph the most beautifully when it's all natural!
Let's keep it all natural
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Styling Tips for Him
The right outfit can elevate the overall aesthetic and create a cohesive look with your partner. Opt for well-fitted clothing that reflects your personal style and complements the location and theme of the shoot. Whether it's a tailored suit, a smart casual ensemble, or a combination of layers, dressing up will not only make you look dapper but also ensure that your photos exude a sense of sophistication and timeless charm. Remember, your engagement photos are a celebration of your love, and putting effort into your styling will make the experience even more memorable.
no such thing as a over dressed gentleman
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let's help him get some inspiration
Suit & tie
Formal casual
Most men look most striking in a well-tailored suit. If he
doesn’t have one, now’s the perfect time to invest in something he’ll wear for the rest of his life! Pro tip would be to stay away from pinstripes or patterns!
For a more casual but classy look then a no blazer or coat is a great option! If this is your man's go to then my pro tip would be to make it sharp, ironed and well fit! Pro tip is matching belt and shoes is key in this look!
Layered
Layers on men look great on camera, so even when it’s hot outside, trust us when we say that it’s worth an hour or two of discomfort for photos that will last you both a lifetime. Adding blazers, vests and coats up the level of any look.
Casual
I absolutely love being comfortable! During photoshoots you can still bring comfort & style together. I suggest we use this option for 2nd outfit! Either way, keep it classy & comfy!
quick tip
Let's leave the shorts & sandals at home. Long pants and closed-toed shoes are always the best options to make your man look his absolute best!
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keep him groomed
Well groomed for the WIN! Most men love a fresh shave and hair cut. Keeping that beard lined up and hair fresh cut is so important during these shoots. My editing skills can only fix so much so let's clean it up!
dapper up
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Most men aren't too excited for a 2 hour photoshoot, because they don’t have an expectation of what’s to come and why it’s so important to you. Take fifteen minutes to educate and empower your guy. Tell him why you chose us and our style of photography. Show him your three favorite sessions that we’ve done, explain why you love them and express to him how much it means to you.
Trust us, once he knows it’s important, he’ ll light up the camera for you! The most common thing we hear from guys before engagement sessions is this: because of a bad experience in the past, they don’t like taking photos or don’t think they’ ll be good at it. By the time we’re done, though, they can’t believe how fast it went and just how much fun they had!
Prep Your man
is he ready?
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the time line
after the shoot
Here's a pro tip! Go on a dinner date! You’re already going to be all dressed up! Why not take advantage of it? We know the wedding planning process can feel all-consuming, so take some time after the session just for the two of you to relax and have some fun together. You deserve it!
1 week
2 weeks
30 days
social media sneak
peek with one of
our favorite photos
blog post with
some highlights of
our time together
online gallery with all of your final, retouched, high- resolution images
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We'll select an outdoor location that's drenched in the dreamiest lighting and destined to provide a beautiful backdrop for your love (I have a few secret-gem beaches and lush gardens up my sleeve)—and then spend time together capturing your connection. The end result? Artfully composed, deeply compelling images that will forever remind you of why you fell in love in the first place.
This occasion is incredibly momentous and deserving of artful documentation.
let's get to planning
time to book!
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