Styling Your Session

The Vibe

First things first — what feels like you?

Are we talking jeans and a tee, barefoot at the lake? Or are we leaning into a flowy dress and boots? Maybe something a little dressier?

There’s no right answer here. Your outfit sets the tone for the whole session, so start with the feeling you’re drawn to and build from there.

Accessories

Once you’ve landed on the vibe, think about the little details.

Is there a jacket you love? A patterned sweater you always reach for? A hat? A pop of colour you want to weave in?

It might sound backwards to think about accessories early, but sometimes one key piece can anchor everything else — and it makes the rest of your outfit decisions way easier.

Putting It Together

Now that you’ve chosen your main piece (or colour or statement item), build around it.

Coordinate — don’t match. Think complementary tones and textures rather than identical outfits. The goal isn’t perfection. It’s balance.

And most importantly? Wear something you can move in, sit in, laugh in, and forget about. If you’re tugging at it all evening, it’ll show.

Coordinating (Not Matching)

When it comes to outfits, think coordinate — not copy and paste.

You don’t need to wear the same colour shirt or identical tones to look cohesive. In fact, matching too closely can feel a little stiff.

Instead, ask: Do these outfits feel like they belong in the same story?
That’s the goal.

Pro Tip

Rather than wearing the exact same colours, try gentle contrast.

If one of you is in something light and soft, the other could anchor things with a slightly deeper tone. Mix textures — denim with knits, linen with cotton, structured with flowy.

Avoid going fully monotone head-to-toe in identical shades. A little variation adds depth and keeps everything feeling natural instead of overly styled.

Styling for Her

Think About the Whole Look

If you’re going bold with makeup — like a deeper lip — it pairs beautifully with a simpler outfit.

If your outfit has more going on (layers, texture, pattern), a softer, more neutral makeup look usually keeps everything balanced. It’s less about rules and more about letting one thing be the statement.

Considering a Pro?

This can actually be the perfect excuse to book your makeup trial with the artist you’re using for your wedding.

Makeup artists understand how makeup translates on camera — especially when it comes to contour, blush, and tones that won’t wash you out in natural light.

You absolutely don’t have to hire someone — but if you’ve been thinking about it, this is a great opportunity.

Regardless…

Please wear at least a little lip product.

Even a simple chapstick makes a difference. Lips can look pale or dry on camera (especially in cooler months), and a bit of hydration or colour keeps everything looking fresh and healthy.

Test It First

If you’re trying a new hairstyle or makeup look, do a trial run beforehand.

The goal is to feel confident and relaxed — not figuring out a curling iron technique 20 minutes before we’re supposed to start.

Simple Is Always a Win

You don’t need to go over the top. As long as you feel comfortable and like yourself, that’s what matters most.

Braids add a soft, romantic touch. Light messy curls photograph beautifully. A bold lip with simple hair? Classic.

There’s no one “right” look — just the one that makes you feel good.

Dressy or Casual?

Dressy

If you’re leaning toward a more polished, formal look, dresses are your friend. Knee-length or midi dresses work beautifully, and bonus points for flowy fabrics — they photograph like a dream.

Patterns? Totally fine! Smaller, subtle patterns are less distracting than large, bold prints, but honestly, if it feels like you, go for it.

Casual

If you’re more into everyday vibes, choose pieces that feel like you. Blue jeans, wide-leg cropped pants, a comfy top — whatever you’d actually wear on a relaxed day together.

A simple tip: pair fancy pants with a simple top, or a dressier top with simpler bottoms. The main rule? Comfort and confidence. If you feel good in it, it will show in your photos.

Add Some Personality

Accessories are your secret weapon. Hats, headbands, scarves, rings, bracelets, necklaces — these little details add texture, dimension, and personality to your photos.

Many couples like to bring in items that are meaningful or fun — a picnic blanket, a bottle of champagne to celebrate, even a furry friend. Props like these give your session personality and make it feel like your date.

The Key Takeaway

Dress how you feel best, add small details that reflect your personality, and most importantly, make sure you can move, sit, laugh, and be yourselves. The rest — flowy fabrics, subtle patterns, little accessories — is just icing.

Styling for Him

Planning the Outfit

The easiest way to make a session look pulled-together is layers and texture.

Think linen pants or shirts, waffle-knit or cashmere sweaters, wool coats for winter. Layering a dress shirt under a sweater gives a classic, clean look, while a simple white tee with jeans feels effortless and relaxed. Subtle patterns are fine — nothing too loud — and textures add depth without being distracting.

Keep It Simple

Guys, the truth? You don’t need to overthink it. A well-fitted t-shirt, long sleeve, sweater, and a solid pair of pants is plenty.

Want to go a little dressier? Add a crisp dress shirt, slacks, and shoes — simple, timeless, and photogenic.

Going Formal

A well-tailored suit? Instantly striking.

If he doesn’t have one, this can be a great excuse to invest in a piece he’ll actually wear again. The good news: it doesn’t need to break the bank. Many well-known brands have off-the-rack suits that look sharp for a fraction of the cost of custom tailoring.

Solid colors like navy or gray complement most outfits beautifully. Pinstripes or busy plaids? They can be a little distracting. And don’t forget — even just a crisp white dress shirt can give a polished look without a full suit.

Texture and Details

Adding texture — mixing materials, fabrics, and subtle layers — brings depth and interest to your photos.

Ties, bowties, fun socks, watches, belts, suspenders, vests, or a classic trench coat all make great accents. Even a simple watch can elevate a casual or dressy outfit without feeling overdone.

Most Importantly… Be Yourself

All of these are just guidelines. You’ll always look best in what feels like you.

Everyone has a different style, and the goal isn’t perfection — it’s authenticity. When you feel good in what you’re wearing, it shows. Dress up, keep it casual, add a little flair, or keep it simple — whatever makes you feel confident and comfortable is perfect.

At the end of the day, that’s what makes your session feel natural, fun, and, most importantly, you.Key Takeaway

Layers, texture, simple shapes, and a touch of polish are all you really need. Comfortable, confident, and a little personality goes a long way.

How long is the engagement shoot?

Most sessions last about 1–1.5 hours — enough time to relax, explore a few spots, and capture a variety of photos without feeling rushed.

What if we want a location outside the city?

Engagement sessions are included locally in the Ottawa/Gatineau area.

If you choose a location farther out, there may be a travel fee to cover the extra distance. I’ll always let you know upfront so there are no surprises.

How many photos will we get?

Every session is unique! The number of photos depends on things like location size, the number of outfit changes, and how much time we spend moving between spots.

On average, I deliver 175–250 edited engagement photos — plenty of options to choose your favorites and share with friends and family.

What if it rains?

I rarely postpone sessions, but I want your engagement photos to look amazing. If rain is in the forecast, just let me know the morning of your shoot if you’d like to reschedule.

Sometimes last-minute reschedules (1–3 hours before) aren’t possible due to travel time, but don’t worry — I keep clear umbrellas on hand for light rain. If you’re up for it, we can still capture some sweet, playful shots in between the drops!

What Should We Bring?

I love when couples bring a prop or two that tells your story — whether that’s about you as individuals or as a couple.

Bring your rugby jerseys, bikes, a soccer ball, or even your dog! Picnic blankets, baskets, and a little champagne (with glasses) make for fun, celebratory shots. I’ve even had couples bring a hammock we tied to a tree in the forest — yes, it worked beautifully.

Tip: Let me know what you’re planning to bring so we can prep ahead and make it part of the session.

Can We Bring Our Dog?

Absolutely! Pets make sessions feel playful and personal.

A few things to consider: your dog should be able to follow basic commands, feel comfortable around strangers, and handle public spaces without stress. If that’s the case, your furry friend will add so much personality to your photos.

Can We Bring Our Kids?

Yes! Family photos can be beautiful, but a little planning goes a long way.

I recommend bringing a helper — someone your kids know and trust. We’ll start with family photos, then your helper can step in so we can continue with just the two of you for the rest of the session.

When Will We Get Our Edited Photos?

You’ll receive your edited engagement photos within 3 weeks of your session. Plenty of time to pick your favorites and start sharing!

Location, Location, Location

Feel free to do your own research and check out public spots to see what they look like — but a heads-up: open parks and public spaces often come with random people in the background. That’s fine if you’re okay with it, but it’s something to keep in mind when picking a spot.

If you want a little guidance, I’ve curated a map of the most popular engagement and wedding session spots in Ottawa/Gatineau. These are tried-and-true locations that photograph beautifully and tend to have fewer distractions.

Pro Tip: The month and location you choose together will shape the vibe of your photos. Fall leaves, spring blooms, summer light, or winter snow — each season brings something different. Pair the right location with the right season, and you get photos that truly feel like you.

ready to book your engagement session?