First and foremost, I want you to treat your engagement session like a date night! This isn't just a photoshoot; it’s a fun, intimate excuse to get dressed up, celebrate your milestone, and maybe even grab a nice dinner and drinks in the city afterward. While you will absolutely walk away with stunning images for your Save-the-Dates, picture frames, and Instagram feeds, my ultimate goal is for the session itself to be a memory for the two of you to fondly look back on. I know that one of the most stressful parts of having professional photos taken is figuring out what to wear and how to prepare. I have put together these tips to take all of that stress off your plate, ensuring you arrive at your session feeling confident, relaxed, and ready to truly enjoy yourselves!

Couple embracing in front of Bethesda Fountain in Central Park, NYC, during their wedding day.
Couple in wedding attire posing on ornate stone bridge in Central Park, woman in white dress sitting on railing.
Couple sharing a romantic kiss in wedding attire beside an ornate stone pillar in a lush green park.

1. There is no such thing as overdressed



When it comes to engagement portraits, there really is no such thing as overdressed. It's time to go all out. Get glammed up. Wear THE shoes. Buy the dress you’ve been eyeing. You’ve already made this investment in your engagement session, so take the time to wear something you look, and most importantly, FEEL amazing in! Consider hiring a makeup artist. Having a professional do your makeup for your portraits is also a fantastic way to reduce your stress on the day of your engagement session and feel confident from beginning to end.  If you wear your best, you will feel your best. How you feel always shows in the photos. So, wear something that makes you feel like a million bucks.

2. Coordinate, don't match


Your outfits play a significant role in the overall look and feel of your engagement photos. You will want to coordinate with your partner to choose outfits that complement each other without being too matchy-matchy. Above all, consider the location and theme of your shoot when selecting your attire. Below are a few photos where I thought the couple did this very well. Remember, comfort is key – you'll want to feel confident and relaxed in what you're wearing.

Couple dancing under stone arches at Bethesda Terrace in Central Park, bride in white gown and olive coat.
Fall edition trench coats in cool tones fashion collection promotional graphic with minimalist text design.
A couple holds hands and walks along a scenic park path with ornate green lamp posts and lush trees in the background.
Abstract annotation showing a mixture of browns, blues, and blacks color palette description on white background.
Couple holding hands on brownstone steps in fall outfits, smiling at each other in an urban setting.
Handwritten note describing tan and blue color combo that works well with architecture and greenery.
Color palette swatches showing Neutrals, Teal Blue, Summer Vibe, and Earth Tones in warm beiges, blues, oranges, and greens.

3. Choose the best color combinations


If you are wondering which colors photograph best against the New York City backdrop, I always recommend leaning toward a few specific palettes. Here are a few color combinations you can use when planning your outfits.

4. Incorporate different textures & patterns


While base colors are important, texture and patterns are what really help your personal style pop! I love chunky knit sweaters, denim, ruffles, and lace.

5. Accessories are your friend


Your accessories and how you put together your outfits are often overlooked, but this part of the process is critical in making your engagement photos unique, stylized, and personal to you. Really take some time and care when building your look. Accessories can bring visual interest to photos and tie everyone’s outfits together. Layer up with hats, jackets, jewelry, sunglasses, etc!


Bring your dogs or cats!! (I'd love to see them, and they add another dimension to your love story in your photos!)

Bride and groom pose on stone steps of a grand building with columns, she holds white flowers.
Smiling woman in white dress showing engagement ring, posed against ornate stone wall backdrop.
Couple in formal attire kissing their Corgi dog wearing a suit and red tie outdoors with green trees.

6. Prioritize comfort & confidence


Remember, comfort is key—you'll want to feel confident and relaxed in what you're wearing. As your shoot day approaches, double-check your outfits, pack any props or accessories, and make sure you know the route to your location. Be sure to bring along some snacks, water, and a change of comfy shoes, especially if your shoot is outdoors or will last several hours. It's also a great idea to bring a change of clothes for variety if our time together allows for it (bring a bag)!

7. What to avoid


  • Logos & brand names on clothes
  • Apple/ health watches
  • Bright neon colors
  • Anything extremely out of the ordinary for you
  • Phone, keys, wallets in your pocket (bring a bag!)

8. Get your nails done


I will be getting a detailed ring shot to show that beauty off, so this goes for guys too! Trim up those cuticles and bring some lotion so your hands aren't dry.

9. Treat this like a date night and leave the posing to me


If you’re feeling nervous about the posing, just remember: that’s my job! When we first meet at our location, we’ll take a few minutes to chat and catch up so we can settle into the session, and then I’ll walk you through our route and explain how I shoot. I’ll lead the way with a mix of structured, classic poses and active, guided prompts designed to bring out some laughter and the authenticity of your relationship. My goal is to capture the way you actually exist together, not a forced version of it.



More than anything, this is meant to be a fun, relaxed experience where you can just be yourselves while I handle the details. I absolutely love when my couples chat amongst each other, crack jokes, and even catch up during their session. Think of it as your date night—I’m just there for the ride! All I want you two to focus on are each other and being in the present moment.

10. Ask your photographer if you're unsure


If you're feeling stuck on what to wear, or need a second opinion on your outfit, reach out! I'll do my best to help you style yourself and feel confident! The most important thing is that YOU feel confident and ready, even if that goes against my styling tips. You know yourself best! :)