Engagement Session Prep Guide
Your Ultimate Guide to Engagement Session Prep in Southeast Michigan
Congratulations on your engagement! This is such a special time, and your engagement photos are the perfect way to capture your love story before the big day. Whether you’re planning to use your images for wedding signage, a guest book, save-the-dates, or simply to celebrate this chapter of your life, preparation is key to getting photos you’ll cherish forever. Here’s everything you need to know to prepare for a one-hour engagement session in Southeast Michigan, where you’ll receive about 50 beautifully edited images in a private online gallery.
Engaged couple, Ewelina and William clink to “happily ever after” in Bab’s Underground in downtown Ann Arbor, Michigan
Choosing the Perfect Location in Southeast Michigan
Bringing some playful props personalizes and adds to the fun at engagement sessions! This couple brought customized “save the date” newspapers!
Southeast Michigan is filled with stunning spots for engagement photos. Here are some favorite locations that combine natural beauty with iconic local charm:
Belle Isle Park (Detroit) – Waterfront views, the historic conservatory, and city skyline in the background.
Matthaei Botanical Gardens (Ann Arbor) – Lush gardens, wooded trails, and seasonal floral displays.
Detroit Riverwalk – Urban and riverfront vibes, perfect for a modern, city-centric look.
Nichols Arboretum (Ann Arbor) – Rolling hills, wooded paths, and vibrant seasonal colors.
Cranbrook Gardens (Bloomfield Hills) – Elegant landscapes and architectural backdrops for a more classic feel.
Downtown Royal Oak or Birmingham – Quaint streets, murals, and urban charm for lifestyle-focused images.
Downtown Fenton – This charming town has so much to offer. From the gazebo and stone bridge to rivers and colorful mural-covered buildings, the backdrops — and the atmosphere — are truly endless.
Seven Lakes State Park (Holly) – My favorite nearby nature spot for sessions. I hike here all the time and have photographed more sessions at this park than I can count, and they always turn out beautifully. With water, wildflowers, trails, and more, it offers so much variety.
Battle Alley (Downtown Holly) – With murals, lanterns, and stringlights over the alleyway, this is a favorite for romantic and charming engagement photos.
Tip: Think about the vibe you want for your photos and the final use. A formal location like Cranbrook may suit wedding signage or invitations, while a natural, relaxed park might be perfect for casual decor or social media.
*A Note About Location Requirements
Some engagement session locations in Southeast Michigan may require permits, contracts, reservations, or fees—especially parks, botanical gardens, or historic sites. While it’s the client’s responsibility to research and secure any necessary approvals, I am happy to guide you through the process and provide assistance where needed to make sure everything goes smoothly. Planning ahead ensures we can focus on capturing beautiful, stress-free images on your session day.
What to Wear & How to Coordinate Outfits
Your outfit choices can make a huge difference in how your images feel. Here are some guidelines:
1. Coordinate, Don’t Match:
Instead of wearing identical outfits, choose colors that complement each other. Think in terms of palettes: soft neutrals, earthy tones, jewel tones, or pops of color against neutral backgrounds.
2. Seasonal Color Recommendations:
Spring (March – May): Soft pastels like blush, powder blue, mint, lavender, pale yellow, soft gray, and ivory. Flowing fabrics work beautifully.
Summer (June – August): Bold, bright colors such as coral, teal, sunflower yellow, cobalt blue, fuchsia, and soft white. A fail-safe option for warm weather is a classic white dress—it always looks fresh, timeless, and photographs beautifully. Lightweight fabrics and breezy dresses shine in sunlight.
Fall (September – November): Rich, warm tones like burgundy, mustard, burnt orange, olive green, navy, rust, and deep browns. Layering adds depth and texture.
Winter (December – February): Dark jewel tones like emerald green, deep red, sapphire, plum, charcoal, and classic black or white. Velvets, wool, and cozy textures create a luxurious look.
3. Keep Patterns Minimal:
Small patterns are fine, but avoid overly busy prints, logos, and graphic tees—they can distract from your faces. Collared shirts, button-downs, and suits are recommended for men. If you go with a collared or button-down shirt, pairing it with khakis, black pants, or a nice (new-looking) pair of dark-wash blue jeans is a great choice. For beach vibes, linen clothing is a great option.
4. Comfortable Shoes Matter:
You’ll be walking and posing, so wear shoes that allow you to move naturally. That said, dress shoes elevate the look of your photos. If you can find dress shoes that allow you to be comfortable and move freely, that is the winning combo!
Downtown Fenton (near my studio) offers lots of fun options for photo locations with a variety of backgrounds!
Props, Pets, and Personal Touches
Adding personal touches makes your session unique:
Props: Signs, blankets, picnic setups, champaign and champaign glasses, flowers, favorite food (save for toward the end of your session to avoid stains on clothing and faces) or vintage bikes can add a playful or romantic vibe.
Pets: Dogs are welcome! Make sure they’re comfortable and bring treats and a helper to manage them.
Sentimental Items: Books, hand-written notes to each other, instruments, or meaningful items can make photos feel truly yours.
Tip: Think about the final use of your images. If you’re planning signage for the wedding, small props or elegant signs can tie directly into your decor theme.
Planning for Your Final Photos
Engagement photos often serve more than just keepsakes. Planning ahead helps guide your session:
Wedding Signage: Consider images that work well as “Welcome” signs, table displays, or directional signs.
Guest Book or Signing Table: Horizontal, simple backgrounds work well so text can be added.
Save-the-Dates & Invitations: Think about cropping and space for text or overlay designs.
Social Media & Announcements: Candid and playful shots usually resonate best.
Knowing how you plan to use your images helps set the tone—whether fun and whimsical, romantic and intimate, or modern and editorial.
This playful couple had all kinds of fun on Belle Isle during their engagement session. From the fountain, to the beach, we did a bit of everything!
Session Details
Duration: About 1 hour
Delivery: ~50 edited images in a private online gallery
Experience: I guide you through poses and natural interactions so your connection shines
Timing: We can schedule for any time of day or around golden hour for that magical, soft light. Engagement sessions should ideally be done several months before your wedding, allowing time to order and receive your desired products well before your wedding.
Final Tips for a Smooth Session
Relax & Have Fun: The best photos come from genuine moments. Be ready with some inside jokes to get your partner to laugh!
Communicate Your Vision: Let me know your favorite poses, locations, or ideas ahead of time if you have preferrences.
Layer Your Outfits: Bring options for jackets, scarves, or accessories to switch up your looks quickly.
Plan for Weather: Southeast Michigan can be unpredictable—flexibility leads to the best results.
Your engagement session is more than just photos—it’s a moment in time that reflects your love, your style, and the excitement leading up to your wedding day. With thoughtful preparation and a little planning, your images will be both stunning and meaningful, perfectly ready for all the ways you’ll share them with family and friends.
Ready to book your session and start planning your perfect engagement photos?
Get in touch!
