While I shoot most of our engagement sessions between April and late January, sessions can take place all year. Most of my couples choose a season based on the location where they want to shoot. 

A few things to keep in mind during each season:

Seasons

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Winter

snowfall, hot cocoa and cozy coats

If you’re planning to take your engagement photos during the winter, keep in mind that if your session takes place in the evening, we could begin shooting as early as 2:30pm to catch the sunset. I recommend dressing in layers so that in between photos you can warm up. Make sure you bring a little extra makeup and tissues in case your nose begins running. 

Spring

starting to bloom & sunny days 

Even though Spring begins in March, I typically don’t begin shooting for another 6 weeks because the weather in Pennsylvania is still pretty chilly and rainy. When I schedule spring dates, I typically schedule both a primary date and a backup rain date. 

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Summer

the perfect time to explore

In spite of the heat, I'm big fans of summer sessions! Because of the later sunset, sessions sometimes begin as late as 7pm. If you’re taking your engagement photos during the summer, I recommend bringing extra makeup and a few towels to make sure you stay fresh throughout your session. 

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Fall

colorful leaves and snuggling close

Fall is one of the prettiest times of the year on the East Coast and because of the perfect weather, my schedule typically books up quickly! If you have your heart set on a fall engagement session, I recommend scheduling it as soon as you book! 

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If your wedding is local, save the dates should be sent between 6 and 8 months before the wedding. For a destination wedding, you’ll want to send them out 8 to 10 months before the wedding. 

If you’re hoping to use your engagement photos for your save the dates, I recommend scheduling your session at least two months before you plan to send out your save-the-dates. Between inclement weather, editing, designing your save-the-dates and printing, two months is generally a safe amount of time to make sure your images and cards are ready. 

Save-the-dates

Locations

Pennsylvania ENGAGEMENT LOCATIONS

I love when couples choose a location for their session that complements their wedding. For example if you’re planning a chic, elegant wedding, it may be fitting to take your engagement portraits among the classic architecture in Downtown Pittsburgh, while a local park or flower-filled fields may be more fitting for a couple planning a more rustic affair. The best session locations are often meaningful places to the couple; however, I'm also happy to make recommendations. From ski slopes to lavender fields to apple picking and college campuses, the options for engagement session locations are endless! 

Watson-Curtze Mansion
Mellon Institute of Industrial Research
Buhl Mansion
Succop Nature Park's
Hartwood Acres Mansion in PGH
Erie County Courthouse


CLASSIC & ELEGANT

Downtown Pittsburgh
Downtown Erie
Allegheny College
Phipps Conservatory & Botanical Gardens

Urban

Presque Isle State Park
Pymatuning State Park
Edinboro Lake

BEACH

A Vineyard
Tree & Flower Farms  
Oak Alley Farms
A wide open field (my favorite)


RUSTIC

Hiking (Kinzua Dam)
Ohiopyle
Tionesta Dam
Chapman Dam
 Sailing / Boating (EYC) 

ADVENTURE

The above locations are all beautiful but I also love exploring meaningful locations with our couples!

*travel fees may apply if it's an hour outside of Erie

Destination Engagement Sessions

While we take most of our engagement sessions in the Pennsylvania area, 
I’ve photographed sessions everywhere from Florida to Montana. If you have a location in mind that is significant to the two of you, let me know because if our schedules align, we might be able to take your engagement photos
outside of my normal area.

Travel fees may apply depending on the location and availability.

My dogs are huge part of my family, which is why I love when couples choose to incorporate pets into their session. Keep in mind that bringing a pet along often means that we’ll need to choose a pet friendly location. 

I recommend planning for your pet to be at the first part of your session and then either dropping them off or having a friend take them home. We won’t use the pet in every single photo so it’s also nice to have a friend available to hold him or her in between shots. 

If you’re going to bring a pet, I recommend exercising your pet before the session and bringing your pets favorite toy or treats! Depending on your pet’s fur type, it might also be a good idea to groom them before the shoot. 

Pets

FOR THE LADIES

FOR THE gENTS

on to the next

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Heels lengthen legs but if your heels aren’t comfortable for walking, bring an extra pair of shoes to slip into in between shots.

I love the way larger patterns photograph - just be careful not to choose a pattern that is too small - it may accidentally make your photo look a little too busy. 

Neutrals and Earth tones tend to photograph better than bright colors - especially since bright colors could reflect on your skin. And anything without crazy patterns or logos truly look the best. 

Wardrobe Tips

ACCESSORIES

WHERE TO SHOP

HAIR & MAKEUP

MANICURE

Outfits

for the ladies

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Statement jewelry is a great way to add color or pattern to a simple dress. Lace and tulle look amazing in photographs.

And dresses with lace sleeves are a great way to help slim arms. Depending on your location, you might want to consider a fit and flare or a flowy dress! Long flowy dresses are almost always the way to go, they create romantic movement in images, are great for walking poses, and add that little extra that your engagement photos deserve! 


Choose an outfit you feel comfortable in, but don’t be afraid to dress up!

Accessories

ACCESSORIES

WHERE TO SHOP

HAIR & MAKEUP

MANICURE

Outfits

for the ladies

find it fast

Rent the Runway
ASOS
Morning Lavender
J. Crew
Anthropologie
Free People
Madewell
Jessakae
ModCloth
Shop Ruche
Hazel & Olive

Favorite Shops

Lulu's 
Vici Dolls
Nordstrom
One Loved Babe
Arden 
Filly Flair

ACCESSORIES

WHERE TO SHOP

HAIR & MAKEUP

MANICURE

Outfits

for the ladies

find it fast

Engagement sessions are the perfect time for a hair and makeup trial! Professionally done hair & makeup last longer than typical hair & makeup. They also tend to hold up better for humidity and wind.

I think it’s so important that you look and feel your best for your engagement photos - and if you’re planning to do a hair & makeup trial anyways, the engagement session is a great time to test how your hair & makeup look on camera.

Hair & Makeup

ACCESSORIES

WHERE TO SHOP

HAIR & MAKEUP

MANICURE

Outfits

for the ladies

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There will probably be times during your session when I'm shooting your hands holding or the engagement ring on your hand - which means it’s a good idea to clean up your nails before your session (this applies to the guys too!).

Manicure

ACCESSORIES

WHERE TO SHOP

HAIR & MAKEUP

MANICURE

Outfits

for the ladies

find it fast

You can’t go wrong with a suit and tie. Consider pulling out that suit you had to wear last time you were a groomsmen! Layer with a blazer and a fun tie - you can even wear jeans with this look. Bowties are always a good idea.

Be careful not to choose a pattern that is too small - it may accidentally make your photo look a little too busy. Softer, pastel, and Earth tones tend to photograph better than bright colors - especially since bright colors could reflect on your skin. Cozy sweaters layered over button ups are a great way to stay warm and stylish during the cooler months.

Wardrobe

WHERE TO SHOP

Outfits

for the gents

find it fast

Rent the Runway
ASOS
 Suit Supply
J. Crew
Zara
Leather & Cotton

Jack Threads 

Frank & Oak 

Nordstrom 
Urban Outfitters

Wardrobe

WHERE TO SHOP

Outfits

for the gents

Inclement Weather

what to do if it rains

It’s typical to schedule two engagement session dates. A primary date and a rain date. Having two dates helps us make sure that your photos happen in a timely manner. Coordinating schedules can be tough and I've found that the best way to make sure my couples get the look they have in mind for their photos is to schedule two dates at the same time.

I’ll check in the week of your engagement session to confirm the time & location we’re meeting and the weather. I know it takes a lot of time to get ready for engagement session and it’s the worst to get dressed up and drive out to your session only to have it rain. Let me know what works best for the two of you - but if the weather looks like it won’t be great, I typically try to make the call at least 12 hours in advance. 

When I can, I always try to take a photo of your ring during your engagement session - so it’s a good idea to have it cleaned or clean it yourself before your shoot! To clean at home, soak your ring in warm water with dishwashing soap for 20 to 40 minutes. Then gently brush the stone with a soft toothbrush, rinse and repeat if needed.

Ring Cleaning

Date Night

If you’re anything like myself, you probably don’t get dressed up all that often. Which means that the day of your engagement session is the perfect occasion for a date night (or brunch if your session is in the morning!)

The engagement session is another part of celebrating your love and heading off to dinner is a great way to end the session!

I know that this guide is long and hopefully it covers everything you need to know to prep for your engagement session! However if there is something I missed, or you need a recommendation feel free to email 
jessicahusted@gmail.com

THANK YOU!