Photography
Planning Your
Engagement Session
Welcome to the nyp experience
Where Emotion Becomes Art.
- Nicole
You're Engaged. You're Booked. And I'm so glad you're here.
First of all - welcome! I'm genuinely honored you chose me to document this season of your life.
This engagement session is the beginning of your wedding story. It's where we slow down, celebrate this chapter, and create images that feel effortless, romantic, and true to you.
Inside this guide, you'll find everything you need to plan your engagement session. From choosing the perfect location, to what to wear, when to schedule, and how to feel completely at ease in front of the camera.
Take a breath. You don't have to figure this out alone.
We're going to make something beautiful together.
nicoleyeagerphotos@gmail.com
616.466.3122
https://nicoleyeagerphotography.com
@nicoleyeagerphotos
Your Session Experience
This is where your story begins.
Your engagement session isn't just about beautiful photos. It's about creating space to slow down in the middle of a fast season.
This is where we build trust. Where you realize you don't need to perform or pose perfectly. Where the most meaningful images happen in the in-between. The soft glances, the quiet laughter, the way your hands naturally find eachother.
I'll guide you with intention and ease. We'll walk. We'll talk. I'll probably tell you to get a little closer. I'll give subtle direction when you need it and step back when the moment speaks for itself.
You don't need to know what to do.
You just need to show up as you are.
By the time your wedding day arrives, being in front of my camera will feel natural. Familiar. Effortless. It won't feel like you hired a photographer, it will feel like someone you trust is documenting your life as it unfolds.
This is the foundation.
And it matters.
the
location guide
01.
Grand Rapids, mi
- Frederik Meijer Gardens
- Calvin Ecosystem Preserve
- Civic Auditorium
- Ellis Parking Garage Rooftop
02.
Holland, MI
- Holland State Park
- Windmill Island Gardens
- Downtown Holland
- The Gravel Pit
Whether your style feels refined and romantic, modern and editorial, or relaxed and coastal, we'll choose a location that reflects you. I photograph engagement sessions throughout Grand Rapids, Holland, Detroit, Chicago, and beyond - and I'll help you find the spot tat fits your vision and the season perfectly.
03.
Detroit, MI
- Cranbrook Estate & Gardens
- Detroit Institute of Arts
- The Fisher Building
- Campus Martius
04.
Chicago, IL
- North Avenue Beach
- Lincoln Park
- Art Institute Steps
- West Loop
South HAven, MI
- South Haven Pier
- North Beach
- Van Buren State Park
- Black River Park
05.
06.
Charlevoix, MI
- Lake Charlevoix
- Downtown Charlevoix
- Mushroom Houses
- Lavender Hill Farm
a meaningful beginning for a love story woven your way.
the
planning process
01 - choose with intention
Select a location and wardrobe that align with your aesthetic and the season. From refined architectural backdrops to soft lakeshore dunes, every detail should feel cohesive and true to your story.
02 - show up relaxed
Give yourself space before the session. Arrive a few minutes early and allow the experience to feel unrushed. The more at ease you are, the more natural and connected your images will feel.
03 - Be present
The best images happen in the in-between. The laughter, the quiet pauses, the way you naturally reach for each other. You don't need to overthink anything; simply focus on being together.
Planned with intention
No two couples are the same, and your session won't be either. While this guide offers structure, the energy, location, and flow will always be tailored to you.
That's what makes it meaningful.
04 - Trust the light
Scheduling around mid morning or golden hour allows for the most flattering romantic glow - especially along Lake Michigan and throughout Michigan's changing seasons. Light shapes everything, and I'll guide us to use it beautifully.
"Whatever our souls are made of
His and mine are the same."
Engagement Planning
The Do's & Don'ts
The Do's
PLAN YOUR OUTFITS IN ADVANCE
Choose pieces that feel like you, elevated but comfortable. Soft neutrals, earthy tones, black, cream, sage, muted blue, warm browns, and blush all photograph beautifully. Avoid neon, heavy logos, and overly busy patterns.
BE COMFORTABLE
If you're tugging at it, adjusting it, or unsure about it, it will show. Confidence always looks better than trendy.
EAT BEFORE YOUR SESSION
Low blood sugar and sunset light don' t mix. A light meal beforehand keeps energy relaxed and natural. If you don't have time before your session, consider bringing a power bar to get you through.
LEAVE MARGIN IN YOUR DAY
Don't stack this between errands or obligations. Give yourselves time to arrive calm and present.
BE EXCITED
This is a season you won't get back. Let it feel special.
The Don'ts
You don't need to know what to do. I'll guide you.
DON'T OVERTHINK EVERY DETAIL
Simple, cohesive styling will always photograph beautifully.
DON'T TRY TO RECREATE SOMEONE ELSE'S PHOTOS
Inspiration is okay, but remember your connection is unique. That's what we want to capture.
DON'T SET UNREALISTIC EXPECTATIONS
Not every moment has to look perfect. The in-between ones are often the most meaningful, simply focus on each other.
Your engagement session isn't about perfection. It's about connection. Forget the pressure. Focus on each other. I'll take care of the rest.
but
what should we wear?
the colors
where to shop
What you wear shapes the entire mood of your engagement session. Color affects how light reflects on your skin, how your images feel emotionally, and how well you blend with (or stand out from) your location. A lakeshore sunset in holland will photograph differently than downtown chicago architecture. soft spring light behaves differently than late october golden hour.
Choosing a thoughtful palette allows everything to feel cohesive. Not matchy, but harmonious.
instead of wearing identical colors, aim to coordinate. select tones that complement one another, vary textures, and create subtle contrast. this adds depth and dimension to your images while keeping them timeless.
below are curated palettes that photograph beautifully across different seasons and settings.
if you're still unsure, i'm always happy to help narrow options
look for clothing that feels elevated but still natural - structured coats, flowy dresses, tailored trousers, textured knits, soft patterns, and layers that add movement. Quality fabrics photograph beautifully, especially in natural light.
couples often find great engagement session options at:
aritizia
jenni kayne
abercrombie (for modern neutrals)
free people
nordstrom
lulus
selkie (for dramatic romance)
miss circle
zara (with a selective eye)
Earth tones
soft neutral
fall warmth
classic contrast
timeless neutral
coastal
urban neutral
Slate Blue, charcoal, cream, brown
structured. modern. architectural.
season: late fall/transitional seasons
cool neutrals, dusty blue, muted green
airy. coastal. soft michigan light.
season: spring/lakeshore summer
soft taupe, sage, warm brown
earthy. organic. late summer warmth.
season: late summer/early fall
grey, cream, sage, mushroom tones
subtle. refined. understated.
season: early spring/overcast days
cream, mauve, burgundy, olive
rich. emotional. cozy.
season: peak fall
ivory, grey, charcoal, black
bold. editorial. forever.
season: all seasons
white, beige, steel blue, camel
balanced. versatile. timeless.
season: all seasons
Hair &
makeup
Confidence changes everything.
One of the best ways to elevate your engagement session experience is to feel completely confident walking into it.
Many brides choose to schedule their engagement session the same day as their bridal hair and makeup preview. It's a beautiful way to see the full look come together - and to make a morning out of it. Others simply enjoy using the session as an excuse to get professionally styled and feel a little extra polished.
It's not required.
But it can be a lovely way to spoil yourself.
That said, comfort ALWAYS comes first.
If you love wearing your hair down, wear it down.
If you feel most like yourself in soft neutral makeup, keep it that way.
The goal isn't transformation. It's confidence.
For men, I recommend scheduling haircuts a few days before the session (not the day of) and having beards trimmed and shaped in advance. Fresh but not brand new always photographs best.
When you feel comfortable, it shows. And that's what we're capturing.
WHAT TO BRING
A few small things can make your session feel seamless.
A JACKET OR LAYERING PIECE
Especially in the midwest, temperatures shift quickly near sunset. A structured coat, shawl, or knit layer photographs beautifully, and keeps you comfortable between shots.
COMFORTABLE WALKING SHOES
If we're exploring downtown, dunes, or trails, bring a pair of flats, boots, or sneakers to walk in. You can change into dress shoes once we're in place.
TOUCH-UP ESSENTIALS
Lip gloss, powder, a brush, or hair tie for quick adjustments.
IF YOU'RE BRINGING A PET
Bring a trusted friend or family member to help hold the leash when we transition into portraits without them. Neutral leashes photograph best, and treats are always helpful.
WATER + A SMALL SNACK
Especially for golden hour sessions. Staying hydrated keeps energy relaxed and natural.
A SMALL BAG
Something minimal to hold essentials so we're not juggling items during transitions.
"I love thee to the depth and breath and height
my soul can reach."
frequently asked questions
You don't need experience. Truly.
Most couples feel unsure at first, that's completely normal. My role is to guide you through the session with natural movement, subtle direction, and lots of laughter. That way nothing feels forced or overly posed.
The goal isn't performance, it's presence.
back to questions
Overcast skies are incredibly flattering. Wind along the Lake shore adds beautiful movement. Even light snow can feel cinematic and romantic. Not every session needs clear skies to feel magical.
If conditions become extreme or unsafe, we simply reschedule. No pressure. No stress. We plan intentionally, but we also leave room for the unexpected. Sometimes that's exactly where the magic happens.
back to questions
Your full engagement gallery will be delivered within 2-4 weeks of your session.
If you're planning to use your photos for save the dates or announcements, be sure to schedule your session with the turnaround time in mind. Giving yourself margin ensures you won't feel rushed when it's time to design and send them.
back to questions
- Nicole xo
Thank you for trusting me with this season of your life.
Your engagement is more than a milestone, it's a chapter. And it means so much that I get to document it.
I cannot wait to create something beautiful with you.
