Welcome to your engagement session guide
SESSION DETAILS, TIPS AND more!
ENGAGEMENT SESSION GUIDE
Read on to learn more about preparing for your engagement session, including tips on what to wear, bringing pets, choosing locations, and other helpful advice.
We’re so thrilled to be working with you, and we can’t wait for our time together during your engagement session! It’s completely normal to feel a little nervous about being in front of the camera — we always tell couples that even we get nervous before having our own photos taken, and we do this for a living!
We’re huge fans of engagement sessions for several reasons. First, they give you the opportunity to get comfortable in front of the camera. We understand that it takes time for most couples to warm up to being photographed and to learn how we pose our couples. Wedding timelines can be tight, and sometimes you only have 30 minutes for portraits—which is why we’ve found that wedding day portraits turn out so much better when couples do an engagement session beforehand.
Second, engagement sessions allow you to showcase your unique personalities in a more relaxed, meaningful setting. You can choose a location that’s significant to you both—and even bring along your beloved pets if you’d like!
Whether it's a cozy home session or an adventurous shoot in a scenic spot, engagement photos are perfect for save-the-dates, but they also provide you with lasting memories that go beyond just the wedding day.
There’s a lot to think about when planning your session, and since we get asked many of the same questions, we’ve put together this guide to walk you through everything you need to know. From what to wear to location ideas and how to manage pets during the session, we’ve got you covered!
We’re so excited to be a part of your journey, and we can't wait to create something truly extraordinary together.
CONGRATULATIONS
on starting this beautiful journey!
Engagement sessions can take place anywhere from immediately following the proposal to just a few days before the wedding. We’ve found that there isn’t a “good” or “bad” time to take your photos—each couple’s timeline and preferences are different. We typically plan sessions based on the “look” a couple envisions, whether it’s spring flowers in full bloom or a particular vibe they’re going for, or based on scheduling needs.
Sessions typically last about an hour and a half, and when we can, we love to begin sessions about one to two hours before sunset. This time frame gives us that soft, warm light, which is perfect for capturing your most flattering and timeless images.
is there a "good" time to take photos?
Optimal Times for Your Engagement Session
Our favorite time to start engagement sessions is a few hours before sunset. This is when the light is softest and most flattering, often referred to as 'golden hour.
"Properly preparing for an engagement session can help alleviate the nerves that accompany being photographed."
We prefer to shoot when the sun is lower in the sky to avoid harsh shadows and bright sun patches. The first two hours after sunrise also offer ideal light for a beautiful session.We prefer to shoot when the sun is lower in the sky to avoid harsh shadows and bright sun patches. The first two hours after sunrise also offer ideal light for a beautiful session.
There’s a lot to think about when it comes to planning your engagement session, and since we’re often asked the same questions, we’ve created this guide to walk you through everything you need to know. From what to wear, whether to bring pets (and how to manage them), location ideas, and more, we’ve got you covered!
Engagement sessions are magical year-round, no matter the season! While late May to October offers the most variety in locations due to weather, we are happy to capture your love story any time.
Here's a breakdown of what each season offers
Embracing Each Season
spring
summer
fall
winter
SPRING
Apr - May - Varies
Montreal’s spring can be a little unpredictable, even though the calendar says March! To capture stunning outdoor photos during peak bloom and comfortable temperatures, we usually start shooting a bit later in the season. When you book your springtime engagement session, we recommend scheduling both a primary date and a backup rain date to ensure flexibility. This way, you can relax and focus on celebrating your love, no matter what the weather brings. The season offers beautiful flowers and vibrant greenery, making it an ideal time to capture your love story in full bloom.
SUMMER
JUN - AUG 6:30 - 8:30 PM
We adore summer engagement sessions! The longer days provide magical golden hour light, but also slightly later start times (around 6 p.m.). A summer pro-tip: pack blotting papers and a cooling towel to stay fresh throughout the shoot. From Old Montreal’s cobblestone streets to lush parks, summer offers vibrant, romantic settings for your engagement photos.
spring
summer
fall
winter
AUTUMN
SEPT - OCT - VARIES
Fall in Montreal is a photographer’s dream, with stunning foliage creating a colorful and romantic backdrop. The crisp air and rich tones of autumn make for a cozy, intimate session. Whether you’re exploring the vibrant colors in Mount Royal or wandering through rustic fields, fall offers timeless, dreamy images.
spring
summer
fall
winter
WINTER
DEC - MAR 1-3PM
If you’re planning a winter engagement session, remember that we may start shooting as early as 2:00 p.m -2:30 p.m. if it’s in the evening to catch the sunset. We suggest dressing in layers to stay warm between photos. Don’t forget to bring some extra makeup and tissues, just in case your nose runs from the cold
spring
summer
fall
winter
If you're planning on using your engagement photos for your save-the-dates, we encourage you to schedule your session at least two to three months before you're planning on sending your save-the-dates to ensure ample time for possible rescheduling due to weather, editing, and designing and printing your save-the-dates.
We encourage our couples to send save-the-dates 6-8 months before the wedding if it's local, and 8-10 months for a destination wedding.
savethe dates
DESTIONATION ENGAGEMENT SESSION
DESTINATION ENGAGEMENT SESSIONS
DESTIONATION ENGAGEMENT SESSION
We absolutely love destination engagement sessions! While most of our sessions take place in the Montreal area, we’ve had the privilege of capturing couples in stunning locations such as, Quebec city, Toronto, Banff, New York, Las Vegas, Macau, Lake Como, Paris, the Amalfi Coast, Santorini, and beyond. If you have a special destination in mind, let us know! If our schedules align, we’d be thrilled to join you and capture your love story in an unforgettable setting outside of our usual area. Wherever your heart takes you, we’re ready to make your engagement session as extraordinary as the location itself.
Travel fees may apply depending on the location and our availability.
While it’s not super common in Montreal, unpredictable weather does happen occasionally. If it does rain or the weather doesn’t cooperate on your session date, rest assured, we’ll make sure to reschedule your session right away—even if it means adjusting things in our own schedule. We understand how important this session is to you, and we want to ensure you get the photos you’re envisioning.
We’ll check in the week of your engagement session to confirm the time, location, and the weather forecast. We know it takes a lot of time to get ready for your session, and the last thing you want is to get dressed up and drive out only to have it rain. If the forecast looks uncertain, We'll make the call to reschedule at least 24 hours in advance to give you plenty of time to adjust.
Your comfort and excitement are a priority, and we’ll work together to find the best solution to make sure your engagement photos are everything you imagined.
what if the weather is bad OR it'S RAINING?
UNPREDICTABLE
WEATHER
THE engagement photos betty took for us are so elegant, ARTISTIC, and REAL. SHE has IMPECCABLE taste and TALENT to notice and capture the BEAUTY around her in HER UNIQUE WAY.
Jenny & STEVEN
If you’re planning to include your pet in your engagement session, the first step is choosing a pet-friendly location. This is especially important if you’re planning your session around a specific theme or setting. We’ll work together to find a location that works best for you and your furry friend!
To keep your pet happy and comfortable during the shoot, we suggest bringing along their favorite treats, grooming them beforehand if needed, and giving them plenty of exercise before we start. A little pre-session playtime can go a long way in keeping them energized and happy!
Since your pet might not be in every photo, we typically start the session with them. Afterward, it’s a good idea to have a friend watch them or take them home for the rest of the session. This way, you can focus on your engagement photos without any distractions, ensuring you both look your best in every shot.
We love incorporating pets into engagement sessions—they add a special, personal touch to your photos!
WE're all
about your
furry friends!
We love it when couples bring their pets to their engagement session!
After doing many pet-friendly shoots, we've gathered some helpful tips to make everything go smoothly.
outfits
recommendations & tips
When selecting outfits for your engagement session, think 'complement' rather than 'match.' For example, if the groom-to-be wears a blue and pink plaid shirt, the bride-to-be could choose a flowing soft blue dress. It’s also helpful to focus on color families like pastels or jewel tones to create a cohesive look.
Couples often opt for two outfits during their session: one formal and one casual. We suggest saving your favorite outfit for later, as you may feel more relaxed as the session progresses. And don't forget the accessories! A statement necklace, trendy shoes, or a classic watch can really elevate your style.
our tips for looking and feeling your best
Curious about how to give your engagement photos an editorial feel?
Many couples bring two outfits to their engagement session—one formal for a touch of elegance, and another that's more laid-back. Don't forget to include a few matching accessories to tie it all together!
We recommend opting for dresses over pants, shorts, or jumpsuits to maximize the ethereal quality of your photos. Flowy dresses create stunning visual effects in photographs, adding a sense of movement and depth to your images. Don't forget to accessorize! While heels can elongate your legs, prioritize comfort and bring a spare pair of shoes for walking between shots. (Swipe to Slide 5 to see the moodboard).
Larger patterns can make a bold statement in photos, but be mindful of choosing patterns that are too small, as they may appear overly busy in your images.
Opt for a dress instead of casual wear
Outfit tips
style tips for her
Here are some suggestions! Statement jewelry can bring a splash of color or pattern to a simple dress, while lace and tulle gowns are stunning for a classic look. Lace sleeves add an elegant touch and can flatter your figure. Consider your location when choosing your outfit—flowy or fit-and-flare dresses often photograph beautifully, especially in settings with lots of movement. The key is to feel confident and radiant. Pick an outfit that makes you feel amazing, and don't hesitate to add a hint of glamour to showcase your unique style.
Accessories can help you look and feel your best.
accessories
style tips for her
Professional hair and makeup not only last longer but also withstand humidity and wind better than typical styling. It's crucial to feel and look your best for your engagement photos. Plus, if you're already planning a trial, your engagement session serves as the perfect opportunity to see how your hair and makeup translate on camera.
This is the perfect time for your makeup & hair trial!
MAKEUP & HAIR
style tips for her
Expect moments during your session where we capture close-ups of your hands, especially featuring your engagement ring. It's a good idea for both partners to tidy up their nails beforehand.
Also, make sure your ring is sparkling clean!
Get ready for some close-up shots
manicure
style tips for her
outfit inspiration
something Flowy
A white dress
little black dress
suit/jumpsuit
For additional outfit inspiration, I've created a Pinterest Board filled with ideas that showcase how different colors and clothing styles complement each other. Use it to find the perfect combinations for your engagement session. You can access the Pinterest Board through the link below.
Boutique 1861
Anthropologie
Nordstorm
JJ's house
Mango
ASOS
Artizia
Revolve
Zara
H&M
Simons
Holt Renfrew
Our top picks for finding the perfect attire for your session.
shopping Guide
Elevate your look with layers! Whether it's a sharp suit and tie, a classic button-down, or a trendy blazer or sports jacket, layering adds depth and texture to your engagement photos. Don't hesitate to experiment with different combinations to showcase your unique style and personality!
Do not underdress for your engagement session - go all out!
outfit tips
style tips for the gents
style tips for the gents
Taking the time for a fresh haircut, tidy manicure, and a bit of grooming can make a world of difference in your overall appearance.
Get Ready & Look your best!
grooming
Holt Renfrew
Zegna
Club Monaco
Atelier B
Rudsak
Hugo Boss
Harry Rosen
Simons - homme
L'Uomo Montreal
Suitably
Suitsupply
Le 1er Bar
Our top picks for finding the perfect attire for your session.
shopping Guide
THE GUYS
If you're a bride that is a little anxious about how your groom is going to react to this whole "picture" thing, you're not alone. We received so many emails from brides who are worried that their groom won't be into it and we have great news for you... you both are more photogenic than you think! We are constantly surprising couples by discovering their hidden modelling skills and our most common response from our groom is, "That wasn't as bad as I thought! It was actually fun". Boom! Mission accomplished! When the groom says that taking pictures was FUN, we have done our job well! Your engagement session is supposed to be fun and relaxed, not forced or awkward. As you prepare for your shoot, there are a few things that you can do to help your groom know what to expect.
First of all, we highly recommend sitting down with your guy and showing him 2-3 of your favourite engagement sessions that we have photographed. Spend more time together scrolling through a few blog posts, this will allow him to gauge what his expectation should be. We also recommend that you allow for plenty of time to get to your shoot! There is nothing worse than when a couple shows up late, and they have been arguing in the car! That is definitely going to put your groom in a bad mood! Last but not least, remember to have patience with him, and don't assume that he's not going to have a good time...We think you'll be surprised how much you will both enjoy your session with us!
You don't want to have key chains or phones showing through your pockets! (Especially for guys!)
empty your pocket
The basics + Things to do
The sun sets quickly especially if your shoot is not in the summer months. The later you arrive, the less time to shoot!
Arrive on time
As much as I would like to say that we always have restrooms for outfits changes, more often than not, our clients do quick outfit changes in their car if there are no other options
Changing outfits
If you're wearing shoes that are difficult to walk in but look awesome, bring some comfy shoes to change to while we walk to each shooting location!
Comfy Shoes / Flip Flops
They reflect color onto skin & can be difficult to edit.
Colors to avoid: BRIGHT REDS, NEOS, ORANGE
Things to Avoid
Tiny patterns cause something called "Chromatic abberation" in digital images. Men's checkered shirts are fine if the "checks"are on the larger side.
AVOID PATTERNS SMALLER THAN A QUARTER
If one of you is wearing very dark jeans, the other may want to wear lighter jeans. If one of you is wearing a navy tip, the other shouldn't wear a dark/heavy colored top. To a certain degree alternating the "heaviness" of your outfits can make your images look more balanced.
alternate heaviness
This can look a bit awkward in photos. If one of you is dressed up and the other is casual, it can look a bit odd in your images
avoid one of you being casual while the other is more dressy
Tennis shoes, Graphic tees, Bold logos on shirts, Sunglasses & Baseball hats
other things to avoid
posing
TIPS
Don't worry about posing for your engagement session—we'll guide you through every step. We'll start with easy, natural poses and work our way up. If we ask you to do something a little silly, it's because we know it'll lead to genuine laughter, and those are the moments we love to capture.
During the session, we'll keep an eye on your hair, makeup, and outfits to make sure everything looks perfect. We want you to feel relaxed and have a fantastic time together!
- POP the Champagne: It makes for fun & joyful photos.
- Fun items or meaningful items: Customized Newspaper.
- Sun Glasses
- Antique Car or Sport Car
- Activities: Consider props related to activities you enjoy together, like a picnic setup, or even a shared hobby.
champagne is always a great idea!
props
If you’re planning to bring props to your engagement session
logistics
- We photograph engagement sessions on weekday evenings because our weekends are dedicated to photographing weddings!
- We love shooting at gorgeous locations. We recommend 2 locations max for engagements. A general rule of thumb is the more locations & outfits, the less images and time we'll spend photographing.
- We love travel to our shoots! However, if we have never been to your desired location, we may need some advice on where to park! And if it's outside of town we might charge additional travelling fee.
If you're like us, Leslie, and me, dressing up isn't a regular thing. That's why the day of your engagement session is the perfect excuse to put on your best outfit and make a whole day out of it.
Whether you're planning an evening shoot, making it ideal for a romantic dinner, or a morning session, perfect for brunch, it's an opportunity to indulge in some quality time together.
make it a date night
date night
Since you're already dressed up and looking your best, make the most of it and plan a date night after your session.
When your
engagement photos will be ready?
GALLERY DELIVERY
Once your session is complete, we'll start editing your digital images to ensure they look perfect. Our turnaround time is usually about two to three weeks, after which you'll receive a link to your private online gallery where you can view, download, and share your beautifully edited engagement photos.
FAQ
frequently asked questions
1. What should we wear for our engagement session?
When it comes to wardrobe, we recommend wearing outfits that make you feel confident, comfortable, and authentic. For her, think soft, romantic fabrics or classic, tailored pieces. For him, we suggest a well-fitted suit or smart-casual attire, depending on the vibe you’re going for. Avoid overly trendy clothing or anything too bold that might distract from the beauty of the moment. Neutral tones, soft pastels, and timeless styles will always stand the test of time in your photos.
2. How do we prepare for the session?
Preparation is key for a smooth and enjoyable session. First, make sure you’ve chosen a location that reflects your style—whether it’s a scenic park, urban setting, or somewhere meaningful to you both. Then, take the time to relax and enjoy each other’s company. We’ll guide you through every step and make sure you feel at ease. Our best tip: arrive with plenty of time, stay hydrated, and, most importantly, have fun!
3. How long does the session last?
Engagement sessions typically last about 1- 1.5 hours, but we always take the time needed to ensure we capture every beautiful moment. We like to start at golden hour (about an hour before sunset) to capture that soft, flattering light. If you’re thinking about incorporating more than one location or a specific theme, let us know—we’re happy to tailor the session to your vision.
4. What happens if the weather is bad?
We know how important your engagement photos are, so if the weather doesn’t cooperate, we’ll make sure to reschedule the session. If it’s looking like rain or unfavorable weather, we’ll give you at least 24 hours' notice. We always check in with you during the week leading up to your session, so you’ll have plenty of time to adjust. Our goal is to make sure your session goes as smoothly as possible, rain or shine!
5. How will we receive our photos?
After your engagement session, you will receive a link to a private online gallery where you can view, download, and share your photos. For a one-hour engagement session, we typically provide around 35 professionally edited images. Each photo is carefully retouched to reflect our signature style, ensuring your images are timeless and beautiful. You can expect to receive your gallery within 1-2 weeks of your session. You’ll have full access to your gallery to enjoy and cherish your images for years to come.
CHECKLIST
A FEW last minute tips & things to remember
CONFIRM DATE, LOCATION, AND TIME
REVIEW GUIDE FOR STYLING TIPS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
BOOK HAIR AND MAKEUP APPOINTMENTS
SELECT AND PURCHASE YOUR OUTFITS
GET A MANICURE, PEDICURE, haircut and even a facial!
HAVE YOUR RINGS POLISHED
COLLECT ANY PROPS YOU WANT TO USE
PACK A BAG WITH THE FOLLOWING:
Wanting everything to be picture perfect is means you need to come prepared. Here is a quick checklist to make sure you're not missing anything for your session
✓COMFORTABLE, FLAT SHOES FOR BETWEEN locations and shots
✓both outfits, shoes, and accessories
✓Water and snacks
✓MAKEUP FOR ANY TOUCH-UPS
✓A WARM LAYER IN CASE IT GETS Cold
READY for (MORE)?
INVESTMENT
DETAILS
At Luxury Moment Photography, we prioritize quality over quantity, accepting only a select number of weddings each year. This commitment allows us to dedicate our full energy and artistry to each celebration, ensuring every detail meets our highest standards.
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INQUIRE TODAY
WE CAN’T WAIT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
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