session details, tips, and answers

engagement session

It's best to schedule your engagement session 9-12 months before your wedding, especially if you're wanting to use your phots as Save The Dates. Each season offers a unique backdrop for gorgeous photos ! Think out of the box!
Sessions are usually Mondays or Wednesdays and I only book them 1-2 months in advance.

When you're ready to schedule your session, please email at susan@susanelizabethweddings.com so I can secure your date in my calendar.

scheduling

01.

LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION!
I have an extensive list of engagement session locations that you can check out below!
Interested in traveling out of state (or out of the country) for your engagement session? I’m ALWAYS down! 
Shoot me an email with location and time of year and I will send you a custom quote! 
Want your shoot in Florida? Ask me when I will be there next!

   Cape May Beach/town/Congress Hall/fishing pier 
   Icona Diamond Beach (Wildwood) - palm trees
   Stone Harbor Point - cool white seashell path 
   Spring Lake Beach/town 
   Asbury Park/Boardwalk 
   Lavalette/fishing pier/sailboats
   Barnegat Lighthouse - rocks/dunes 
   Sandy Hook/chapel 
   Manasquan Fisherman's Cove (sun sets in west)*dog friendly

Beaches

No matter the season, Cheekwood's grounds are stunning! There are rolling hills, overlooks, tall grass, beautiful architecture, ponds, and more! There is a fee for taking photos at Cheekwood, but if you opt for a session after hours, you get the entire grounds to yourself.

Cheekwood gardens

If you're a wine lover or love picnics, Arrington is the perfect spot for your session! This location has rolling hills, a wooded area, open lawns, beautiful vines, and always has amazing sunsets. There is no fee to take photos at Arrington Vineyards.

Arrington Vineyards

This is a huge park that contains Percy and Edwin Warner Parks. It's most famous for the "Steps at Percy Warner," but the parks offer rolling hills, trails with tall grass, gardens, a creek, and more! A fee and permit are required to use the park for photos.

warner parks

Taking photos at Pedestrian Bridge is best at sunrise, where the light is always gorgeous and there are hardly any people around. You will get the entire view of the Nashville skyline and the park along the river, right below the Bridge. This iconic Nashville landmark requires no photography fee.

the pedestrian bridge

The War Memorial is a gorgeous piece of Nashville architecture and history. It provides neutral backgrounds with beautiful columns, magnolia trees, and magical sunsets. There is no fee for taking photos at the Auditorium, and it's best to go when they're no events or crowds.

war memorial auditorium

Vanderbilt's campus has so many hidden nooks with beautiful architecture. We love using Peabody Campus and its stairs, magnolia trees, and columns. There is no fee to take photos at Vanderbilt, and it's best to go during a time that's not busy with classes and students.

vanderbilt university

Croissant biscuit carrot cake. Lollipop jelly cheesecake fruitcake. Lemon drops bear claw brownie jelly-o apple pie jelly soufflé powder sugar plum. Pastry chocolate bar fruitcake dessert jelly beans fruitcake jujubes candy. Cookie cheesecake sugar plum muffin pudding jelly beans bonbon.

Parthenon

Croissant biscuit carrot cake. Lollipop jelly cheesecake fruitcake. Lemon drops bear claw brownie jelly-o apple pie jelly soufflé powder sugar plum. Pastry chocolate bar fruitcake dessert jelly beans fruitcake jujubes candy. Cookie cheesecake sugar plum muffin pudding jelly beans bonbon.

Belmont university

LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION!
I have an extensive list of engagement session locations that you can check out HERE
Interested in traveling out of state (or out of the country) for your engagement session? I’m ALWAYS down! 
Shoot me an email with location and time of year and I will send you a custom quote! 
Want your shoot in Florida? Ask me when I will be there next!

Location ideas

02.

Want your engagement photos to look the same as all your friends?  Of course not! The best way to stand out and create a WOW factor is to add on some unique element to your shoot!

I can help you plan and arrange the following "props":
Sailboat
Vintage Car
VW bus
Vespa Scooter
Luxury Car
Exotic Car
Horse
Convertible Car

*Email for pricing*



Add something unique

03.

avoid sleeveless dresses if you are
self conscious about your arms

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 from previous couples.



Claire DeLune
Morning Lavender
Baltic Born
Lulus
Rent The Runway
ASOS



Pretty Plum Sugar
Charm Peachy
Venus
Vici
Bella Ella Boutique
Chicwish

outfit inspiration

online stores

Pinterest

04.

I get tons of emails asking about what to wear for the dressy part of the engagement session, so I put together a Pinterest board for ideas! 

take advantage of a hair
and makeup trial

get a manicure for
close-up shots

clean your  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:

05.

Below is an Engagement Session Style Guide for you to read to prepare for your shoot! Please be sure to read this so you can start planning, and to ensure that your session is perfect! 


Session guide

06

Your photos are ready to view!
This is when you will sit down with our design specialist to see all your photos, design your  album, and order your wall art over Zoom!

Reveal & Design Appointment

07.

Weather plays an important role in having a great session! I will make the call to reschedule under the following circumstances:
1. If it is below 60 degrees or above 85 degrees
2. Wind over 15mph
3. Over a 15% chance of rain

03. what about the weather?

Pastels and Neutrals photograph best! Avoid patterns! Accessorize with jewelry, hats, or anything else you think will look cute!
And avoid wearing sleeveless dresses if you are self conscious about your arms!

02. what should we wear?

Sessions are always about  1-1.5 hours before sunset and I usually schedule them on Mondays and Wednesdays!
If those days do not work for you we can find another option!

01. What Day and time will our session be?

Have a question about your engagement session? I've got an answer! And if you don't see your question here, please reach out via email: susan@susanelizabethweddings.com

FAQs

08.