Engagement Session Styling

Styling an engagement Photoshoot (Without Making It a Production)

As a photographer, I get asked a lot: "What should we bring? What should we wear? How do we make this look good without it feeling like a styled shoot?"
The short answer: keep it simple, intentional, and true to them.

Here’s how I help clients style their elopement sessions without overcomplicating things:

1. Get Clear on the Mood
Before anything else, I ask about the overall vibe they want. Outdoorsy and relaxed? Edgy and modern? A little vintage? Once I get a feel for their style, I help guide the rest—color palette, wardrobe, small details—to support that.

2. Let the Location Do Some of the Work
The backdrop usually does most of the heavy lifting. If we’re in the mountains, desert, woods—whatever the spot—I keep styling suggestions minimal so the place (and the couple) can breathe. Neutral tones, natural textures, and a little movement in the outfit go a long way.

3. Props: Optional, but Personal
I don’t show up with a trunk full of random decor. If clients want to bring something, I suggest it be meaningful—a favorite drink, a handwritten note, a blanket they always keep in the car. It’s more about who they are than what we can stage.

4. Wardrobe That Moves (and Makes Sense)
I’ll gently steer them toward outfits that photograph well—nothing too stiff or distracting. Think pieces that catch the wind, add texture, or show a little personality. Bonus points if they can walk, run, or climb in it.

5. Keep It Real
Styling helps, but the connection is what makes the photos. I’m not there to micromanage every detail—I want them to feel like themselves. The goal is to make space for real moments, not perfect poses.

In the end, the best-styled shoots don’t feel “styled” at all. They feel natural, intentional, and lived-in—and that’s where the good stuff lives.

**Bonus: couples that book with me receive my detailed engagement guide as well as a map of the best photo locations in the ottawa/gatineau region!

Here’s a couple mood boards that might help you out: