to THE WEDDING GUIDE
ENGAGEMENT SESSION GUIDE
Megan Kerns PHOTOGRAPHY
CHOOSING THE PERFECT TIME, LOCATION,
OUTFIT & MORE!
Welcome
A NOTE ABOUT THIS GUIDE
I’m so excited to be working with you and truly looking forward to your engagement session. It’s completely normal to feel a little nervous about being in front of the camera - almost everyone does at first. Even I get nervous when it’s my turn to be photographed, and I do this for a living.
I’m a big believer in engagement sessions for a few reasons. First, they’re a great way to get comfortable in front of the camera before your wedding day. Most couples need a little time to warm up and get used to how posing works. Since wedding day timelines can be tight - and we may only have 30 minutes for portraits - engagement sessions give us the chance to build that comfort and confidence ahead of time.
Second, engagement sessions offer the opportunity to express your personalities in a relaxed setting that feels meaningful to you. Whether it’s a favorite park, your hometown, or somewhere that feels uniquely “you,” these sessions are more casual and fun. They’re also perfect for save-the-dates. I’ve photographed engagement sessions anywhere from 18 months before the wedding to just a few days before—there’s no one-size-fits-all timeline.
I’ve gathered my best tips and advice into this guide. It’s designed to help you make the most of your engagement session—from choosing the right time and location to styling your outfits and preparing for the experience. My hope is that it helps you feel more prepared, more confident, and more excited for what we’ll create together.
I get it. Having your picture taken for one to two hours might not be in your top-10 favorite things to do during your downtime. And at first you might feel awkward being in front of the camera. But I think you’ll find that by the end of the session, it’s a lot easier than you thought. It’s a great opportunity for us to hang out and get to know each other before the wedding day.
The Guys
A NOTE TO
Engagement sessions can take place anytime—from right after the proposal to just a few days before the wedding. There’s no “right” or “wrong” time to take your photos. I typically plan sessions based on the overall look or aesthetic you’re envisioning, whether that’s cozy and wintery or warm and sun-drenched.
Sessions usually last about 1.5 hours. I prefer to begin about two hours before sunset when the light is soft and golden. This time of day helps us avoid harsh shadows and uneven lighting. If you’re more of a morning person, the first two to two-and-a-half hours after sunrise also offer beautiful, soft light.
I schedule sessions during what I believe will give us the best light of the day—which makes being on time very important. In the evening, arriving late could mean running out of light before we finish. In the morning, the light becomes harsher the higher the sun rises. Sticking to the timeline helps us make the most of your session and create the best possible images.
Is there a 'good' time to take photos?
TIME & LIGHT
While I shoot most engagement sessions between April and late November, sessions can take place all year. Most of my couples choose a season based on the location and 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 of a runny nose.
Summer
walks on the beach hand in hand
In spite of the heat, I'm a big fan of summer sessions! Because of the later sunset, sessions sometimes begin as late as 6pm. 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 most beautiful times of year on the East Coast, and sessions book quickly due to the ideal weather and vibrant colors. If you’re hoping for a fall engagement session, it’s best to schedule early once your date is secured. Peak foliage typically occurs between mid-October and early November, depending on the year and location.
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If your wedding is local, save the dates should be sent between six to eight months before the wedding. For a destination wedding, you’ll want to send them out eight to ten 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
Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill ENGAGEMENT session LOCATIONS
I love when couples choose a session location that complements the style of their wedding. A chic downtown setting works beautifully for an elegant celebration, while open fields or a local park might suit a more rustic vibe. The best locations are often places that are meaningful to you—but if you need ideas, I’m happy to help! From ski slopes and college campuses to lavender fields and apple orchards, the options are endless. We can also talk through what kind of backdrop will work best with your outfits. Ultimately, the goal is to choose a setting that feels like you.
State Capitol Building
Duke Gardens
Duke Campus
Coker Arboretum
UNC Campus
North Carolina Museum of Art
Your wedding venue
CLASSIC & ELEGANT
Boone
Asheville
Reynolda Gardens
Day Trip Options
Downtown
A local coffee shop
American Tobacco District
City Market
The Dillion
Your home
URBAN
Beaufort
Topsail Island
Wrightsville Beach
Airlie Gardens
BEACH
Raleigh Rose Garden
Doretha Dix Park
Merritts Pasture
JC Arboretum
WRAL Azalea Garden
Sugg Farm at Bass Lake Park
Pullen Park
Fred Fletcher Park
Natural
Eno River
Hiking
Sailing/Boating
ADVENTURE
The above locations are all beautiful but I also love exploring meaningful locations with my couples!
Our dog is huge part of our 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.
We will plant to include your pet in the first 10 minutes of the session. After that, he or she is free to go! It’s nice to have a friend available to hold and take him or her after we're finished.
If you’re going to bring a pet, I recommend exercising your pet before the session, bringing your pets favorite toy or treats, and brining a lint roller.
Pets
Outfits
TIPS FOR LOOKING YOUR BEST
When choosing outfits, I recommend wearing complementary colors. You’ll each want to pick a different dominant color, but stay within the same color palette to keep things cohesive.
Most couples choose two outfits: one formal and one casual. Don’t forget to bring a few accessories, too. Jewelry, shoes, and timeless pieces like a classic watch can add subtle interest and polish to your photos.
For outfit ideas and inspiration, feel free to browse my recent engagement session posts on Instagram. You’ll find plenty of examples showcasing different styles, color palettes, and accessory choices to help you plan your perfect looks.
• Choose flattering silhouettes and colors that complement your natural features to ensure you feel confident and love how you look in your photos.
• Since we’ll often be photographing your hands and engagement ring, it’s a good idea to have clean, manicured nails for the session.
• Engagement sessions are an excellent opportunity for a hair and makeup trial - perfect practice before the big day.
• Consider coordinating your outfits with your partner to create a cohesive look without being overly matching.
• Bring a small emergency kit with items like safety pins, stain remover wipes, and a lint roller to handle any quick fixes during your session.
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Tips
for the ladies
• You likely have plenty of casual photos and selfies with your fiancé - use your engagement session as an opportunity to dress up and create something special.
• A well-fitted suit is always a great choice. Consider wearing one you’ve previously worn as a groomsman or for a special occasion.
• Avoid very small patterns, as they can sometimes create a busy or distracting effect in photos.
• Opt for softer, muted colors over ultra-bright or bold shades to keep attention on your faces and the emotions you share.
• Make sure your clothes are wrinkle-free and freshly pressed to look polished and camera-ready.
TIPS
for the gents
Inclement Weather
I typically schedule two engagement session dates - a primary date and a rain date. This helps ensure your photos happen on time, even if the weather doesn’t cooperate. Coordinating schedules can be challenging, so booking both dates upfront is the best way to secure the look you want.
I’ll check in the week of your session to confirm the weather, time, and location. If rain is forecasted, I usually make a decision at least twelve hours in advance. While I can shoot in overcast conditions, I won’t risk damage to my equipment by shooting in the rain. My priority is always to deliver beautiful images, and sometimes that means waiting for the perfect conditions.
What do we do if it rains?
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 twenty to forty minutes. Then gently brush the stone with a soft toothbrush, rinse and repeat if needed.
Ring Cleaning
Props
coffee is always a good idea
If you’re thinking about bringing props to your engagement session, I recommend choosing items that hold special meaning to you. For example, photos of you sharing coffee at the local café where you met, popping a bottle of champagne to celebrate, or even enjoying a classic Coke together can add a personal and memorable touch to your images.
When it comes to posing for your engagement session, you don’t need to worry about a thing. I’ll guide you every step of the way, starting with simple, natural poses that feel comfortable. If I ask you to do something that feels a little silly, it’s usually because I’m aiming to capture genuine laughter and connection—that’s often the best kind of photo.
Throughout the session, I’ll also keep an eye on your hair, makeup, and outfits to make sure everything stays flawless. My goal is for you to feel relaxed, enjoy the experience, and focus on each other.
"What do I do with
my hands"?
"What do I do with my hands"?
POSING
Date Night
Your engagement session is the perfect excuse for a special date night (or brunch if we’re shooting in the morning).
Think of your session as part of the celebration of your love, and heading out to a nice dinner or meal afterward is a wonderful way to keep the joy going. Consider this my official permission to treat yourselves—you’ve earned it. Taking time to celebrate like this helps you relax and creates even more meaningful memories together.
treat yourself, you deserve it
You can expect to receive your engagement photos within two to three weeks after your session. They will be delivered through an online gallery where you can easily download, share, and order prints directly.
