For Couples Who Want a Natural, Personal Wedding Photography Experience

Your engagement photoshoot is a chance to tell your love story in a way that feels like you. The best engagement photos intentionally bring out the little things that make your relationship special. It’s also a great time for us to meet and hangout prior to your wedding day! 

To do it right, it all starts in the beginning stages. From engagement photoshoot dress ideas to selecting locations reflect your style, every detail works together to create an engagement session that feels effortless and personal.

If you’re looking for engagement photoshoot ideas that bring out your personalities and interests, here are seven ways to make it your own.

1. Think About What Makes Your Relationship Unique

Click Here for an entire free list of the 16 must-ask questions that I send to my clients.

This questionnaire helps me build an entire list of fun activities and location options for your engagement photoshoot. It also helps guide you to choosing a vibe that feels right to your relationship. Our end goal? For you both to feel happy and comfortable leading up to and during your session. 

 

2. Choose a Location That Means Something to You

Where did you first meet? Where do you love spending time together? Whether it’s your favorite coffee shop, a quiet beach or the trail where you take evening walks, choosing a engagement photo location that feels like home will make your photos even more meaningful. 

Some great engagement session locations in South Jersey include:

• Cape May beaches, Congress Hall, Wildwood Boardwalk
• Batsto Village for a rustic, historic vibe 
• Local vineyards for a romantic, intimate setting (Cape May Winery, Willow Creek Winery, Heritage Winery, Beach Plum Farm) 
• The Philadelphia skyline for a city feel, or go to Riverwinds Waterfront on the New Jersey side for the skyline and river behind you! There’s even tall grass and a secluded nature trail. 

Some beautiful Chester County engagement photo locations include:

• Valley Forge National Historical Park – History, fields, stone structures and tree-lined paths for a timeless, intimate feel.
• Marsh Creek State Park – Waterfront views, sailboats and golden-hour light on the lake.
• Longwood Gardens – Elegant fountains, beautiful gardens and European-inspired architecture.
• Springton Manor Farm – A mix of open fields, historic barns, ponds, tall grass and tree-lined roads for a relaxed, countryside feel.
• West Chester Borough – Cobblestone streets, historic architecture and cozy cafés for a charming downtown feel.

 

3. Incorporate Your Favorite Activities

The best couple photo sessions feel effortless and fun. Whether it’s making coffee together at home, exploring your favorite city, or having a picnic on the beach, incorporating activities you love can make your session feel even more personal.

Some fun engagement photoshoot ideas include:

• Grabbing coffee at your favorite café
• Walking/ hiking a trail you love
• Toasting with a glass of wine from a favorite vineyard, in your wedding champagne glasses 
• Reading a favorite book together
• Playing your favorite board game
• Strolling your favorite city and eating pizza
• Headed to the Jersey Shore for games on the Wildwood Boardwalk

 

4. Wear Something That Feels Like You

Choosing the right engagement photoshoot outfit can make a huge difference in how comfortable and confident you feel. I offer a personalized online styling service for my clients, which helps you find outfits based on your session vibe, size and color scheme. 

Click here for my Pinterest Board for outfit inspiration! Choosing outfits that feel comfortable, timeless and true to who you are is key in feeling comfortable and happy at your session. It’s also good to consider the season that your session takes place in so the colors and layers make sense.

Engagement Photo Shoot Outfit Ideas by Season:

• Spring: Light, flowy dresses, soft colors, pastels
• Summer: Breathable fabrics, sundresses, linen shirts
• Fall: Cozy layers, warm neutrals, plaid accents
• Winter: Elegant coats, textured sweaters, deep tones

Tip- add a personal touch to your engagement photoshoot outfit with accessories-  (Heirloom jewelry, love note, bouquet made by your wedding florist, etc.) 

_{Paige and Matt LOVE the beach! Paige’s grandmom owns a house in Avalon, New Jersey so they spend most of the summer there! Their outfits worked so beautifully for a beach engagement session. Those colors and textures, mixed with bare feet really spoke with the sand and sky!}

 

5. Personalized Details to Elevate Your Engagement Photoshoot

A small, meaningful detail can add so much personality to your engagement photoshoot and make your images feel even more like you. Consider incorporating elements that reflect your relationship, interests, or wedding day details.

Here are some engagement photoshoot ideas that add a personal touch:

• A record player with your favorite song playing – Perfect for a cozy at-home couple photo session or a vintage-inspired engagement shoot. I love bringing music into my sessions and playing my couple’s first dance song! It’s such a sweet moment practicing their first dance before their big day.
• Your pup (because dogs make everything better!) – Including your dog in your engagement photoshoot makes for playful, candid moments. You can even throw some cute accessories on them that have your date on them! 
• A special bottle of wine you always share, or plan to serve at your wedding– Ideal for a romantic engagement session at a vineyard or an intimate picnic setting.
• A vintage car, a cozy blanket, or even the beer you’re serving at your wedding – Meaningful props can bring a unique element to your engagement photography and tie into your wedding theme.

From heirloom jewelry to handwritten letters, every detail helps tell your story in a way that feels effortless and true to you! 

 

 

6. Don’t Be Afraid to Get Personal

Forget the idea of what an engagement session should be. If staying in and cozying up in your favorite sweatpants feels more like you than dressing up for the beach, let’s do that! Your session should reflect you—whatever that looks like. Engagement sessions don’t have to be traditional. They can be whatever you want them to be! 

 

7. Most Importantly—Be Present

The magic of your engagement session isn’t in the perfect pose or outfit. It’s in the quiet glances, the inside jokes, the way you look at each other when no one else is around. Be yourselves, soak in the moment and let your love story shine.

Ready to plan an engagement session that feels like home? Let’s create something that captures your love in the most intentional, genuine way. Reach out here to start dreaming up your perfect session. Contact me here!