session details, tips, and answers!
Engagement Session
Your engagement session can be scheduled any time before your wedding day. I normally suggest booking it at least 3-6 months in advance to avoid stress.
Because my weekends are filled with weddings, I shoot engagement sessions on weekday evenings and Sundays, normally from 5- 7pm depending on the light and the time of the year. In the winter months, 3-5pm is a normal time frame for an engagement shoot!
scheduling
01.
There are countless landmarks, buildings, parks, and more around Saint Louis that can accommodate your engagement session. I highly recommend picking a spot that's special to you and your fiancé. Over the years, I've been to dozens of locations with couples. Select 'next' to view my top engagement sessions locations.
Forest Park is a treasure trove for engagement photos, offering diverse scenery throughout the seasons. In the summer, you’ll find vibrant greenery; springtime brings beautiful blooms; and fall transforms the park into a canvas of rich, warm hues.
Forest Park in St. Louis
For couples who love the energy of the city, Kiener Plaza offers an urban, modern vibe right in the heart of St. Louis. It’s the perfect place to include the iconic Arch in the background, creating a uniquely St. Louis feel. Just a short walk away, you can also capture rooftop shots from a nearby parking garage, adding a dynamic and edgy touch to your session.
Keiner Plaza
The Muny provides a theatrical charm that’s hard to match, with dramatic architecture that lends itself to stunning, timeless photos. This location is ideal for sessions on rainy days, offering coverage from the elements while still providing gorgeous photo opportunities. The grand chandelier at the center of The Muny is a showstopper, perfect for capturing those jaw-dropping moments.
The muny
If you’re looking for a natural, serene setting, Shaw Nature Reserve is a dream come true. The landscapes are breathtaking, with historic buildings that add a touch of nostalgia to your photos. The friendly deer that often wander the paths add a whimsical element to your session, making this location feel like a fairytale.
shaw nature reserve
Tower Grove Park is known for its stunning foliage and tranquil lily ponds, creating a peaceful and romantic atmosphere for your engagement session. The park’s stone architecture, especially near the pond, provides a beautiful contrast to the natural surroundings, with the reflection on the water adding an ethereal glow to your photos.
tower grove park
best for: fall, winter
best for: all seasons
best for: all seasons
best for: fall, winter
best for: all seasons
best for: all seasons
best for: all seasons
best for: spring, summer
don't forget the weather
no bright or neon colors
avoid bold patterns
when in doubt, go neutral
accent with accessories
use complimentary colors
Picking your outfit color palette and planning your outfits for your engagement session is the first (and most important) step in creating gorgeous photos! While you should consider the weather, it's best to be comfortable and confident in what you wear. I've collected some do's and don'ts for picking out your outfit, along with some outfit inspiration.
outfit inspiration
03.
False! If you know you look awesome in an outfit that you already have and it fits the style you want for your engagement session, that would be a great choice!
05. You have to buy something new!
False! Your outfit has way more impact than your location. Your location is just a setting in the background but you two will still be the main focus of the images. If you want light, airy and an overall romantic look to your photos, you will need to wear lighter, more neutral colors in your photos to achieve this look!
04. Your location determines your style more than your outfit!
Please don't try to match your significant other. Instead, try to coordinate! Coordinating is a completely different concept than “matching." Coordination means you are usually choosing different colors that look good together but are not close to being the same. I have some more tips about this concept in the following pages.
03. You two need to match!
Sure, black is slimming, but it also photographs very heavy in portraits. There is nothing wrong with black, but if you’re only wearing it to look thinner and deep down you’re hoping for light and airy portraits, it may not be the best choice.
02.Always wear black or you won’t look thin!
Whoever started this myth couldn’t have been further from the truth. There are some colors that don’t work for some people, but for the majority of people, they look amazing in neutrals and those colors shouldn't be avoided. The truth is, neutrals are the most photogenic color for portraits.
01. Avoid neutrals, they wash you out!
outfit myths
Believe it or not, you have so much control over the outcome of your shoot and what it looks and feels like! What you choose to wear is a big decision that often causes some stress for the bride beforehand. However, my hope is that with a little education, you will be able to determine the style and feel you desire for your shoot which will make your outfit selection so much easier and less complicated! Let's start by debunking some very common outfit myths that a lot of people believe about what they should wear to their session!
take advantage of a hair/makeup trial
get a manicure for close-up shots
clean your engagement ring
Pampering yourself is always a great idea, right?! Although not necessary, there are a few to-dos that will elevate your engagement photos:
trust me as your expert photographer
relax, have fun, and just be you
There's absolutely no reason to worry about your session. I like to look at your session as a way to get to know each other and have some fun! As you approach your session, keep in mind these 2 things:
session tips:
04.
If you’re wearing shoes that are difficult to walk in but look awesome, bring some comfy shoes to change into while we walk to each shooting location!
06. Flip flops
You may need to apply more lip color after one outfit change and a few kisses. (If you have a bold lip color, try to have a matte finish so it won’t transfer to your groom as intensely!). Hairspray and a brush will be helpful if your hair struggles in the humidity!
05. Lip color and hairspray
This may not apply to your shoot, but you always want to plan in advance for a cash-only parking fee that we may encounter or any tolls. I've had instances where this has caused some stress, and stress is what we want to avoid.
04. Parking Fee
As much as I would like to say that we always have restrooms for outfit changes, more often than not, my clients do quick outfit changes in their car if there are no other options.
03. Changing Clothes
The sun sets quickly especially if your shoot is not in the summer months. The later you arrive, the less time I have to shoot! Once the sun is set, the shoot will be over.
02.Timing
Empty your pockets! You don’t want to have key chains or phones showing through your pockets. This is easy to overlook but very hard to edit out.
01. Pockets
Have a question about bringing a special item with you to your engagement session? I've got an answer! Reach out via email: info@stylegracephoto.com
The basics + what to bring!
05.
During December through Mid- March you can plan on your engagement session taking place around 3- 5pm. However, the time changes in Mid-March so that will make the start time one hour later.
Winter : Dec-Mar 3:00-5:00pm
Summer engagements, just like all engagements, take place two hours before sunset. This will hopefully mean that the shoot will be during the cooler part of the day.
Summer: Jun-Aug 6:30-8:30pm
The sunset time drastically changes throughout the course of these two months and so our shooting times change as well. You can plan on approximately 5:30-7:30pm in April and 6:00-8:00pm in May.
spring: Apr/May - Varies
The sunset time changes drastically during these three months. In Sept, you can plan on 5:30-7:30pm until the third week, and then you can plan on 5:00-7:00pm until Mid-Oct. After the first week of Nov, plan on 3:00 - 5:00pm.