Engagement Session
session details, tips, and answers
01.
Engagements
It’s best to schedule your engagement session 6–8+ months before your wedding, especially if you’re wanting to use your photos as Save The Dates. Each season offers a unique backdrop for gorgeous photos – even winter! The session’s time of day will depend on the season and location and will be finalized at booking.
When you’re ready to schedule your 1-hour session, please email at [email protected] so I can secure your date in my calendar.
Scheduling
02.
Location Ideas
There are countless landmarks, buildings, parks, and more around Louisiana that can accommodate your engagement session. I highly recommend picking a spot that’s special to you and your fiancé. Over the years, I’ve been to dozens of locations with couples. Click the arrow to view my top engagement session locations.
Location Ideas
Fontainebleau State Park
If you’re looking for large trees, Spanish moss, and a beach, Fontainebleau State Park is the location for you. It can get busy when the weather is nice and not too hot, but there’s so much variety around the park. There is a small fee to enter the park which you pay when you enter.
Location Ideas
LSU Botanic Gardens
Located Right next to I-10, you’d never know this hidden gem existed if you weren’t looking for it. The garden is beautiful and they are correct when they say there is always something blooming in the gardens. There’s a fee to have photos taken and you do have to schedule ahead of time.
Location Ideas
Arsenal Park
Located in downtown Baton Rouge, Arsenal park is really beautiful with lots of greenery and Capital Lake right next to it. Because there’s no fee there can be lots of people around taking photos. You can also walk a few minutes over to the front of the state capitol for more photos in the gardens in front of the building.
Location Ideas
Downtown Baton Rouge
There are lots of fun places to take photos in downtown Baton Rouge. With the building, historic sites, and the river right there, there’s no way you can run out of locations for photos. There is no fee to take photos downtown.
Location Ideas
Windrush Gardens
I love Windrush Gardens. The location is huge and it’s always beautiful whenever I go there. Windrush Gardens is located just down the road from LSU Botanic Gardens. Windrush Gardens is Located right next to the Rural Life Museum. There’s a separate fee to have your photos taken at Windrush and Rural Life.
Location Ideas
City Park – New Orleans
City Park is a great location if you’re looking for a park location in New Orleans. The park is huge with so many hidden spots that are perfect for photos. You won’t run out of locations at City Park. There is a fee to have photos taken at City Park and it’s best to call ahead before the session to get a permit.
Location Ideas
The French Quarter
While the French Quarter may be very crowded, it’s so unique and interesting. There’s no mistaking the location of your photos when they are taken in the French Quarter. If you’re up for taking a walk you can get some amazing photos and there’s no fee.
Location Ideas
The Antique District
Located in downtown Denham Springs, the Antique District has so many beautiful murals that make great backdrops for photos. It’s very colorful and fun if you want more of a small-town vibe for your photos. There’s no fee for this adorable location.
Need More Ideas?
Check out the button below for a list of locations with info on contact information and any fees that may apply.
03.
outfit inspiration
Picking your outfit color palette and planning your outfits for your engagement session is the first (and most important) step in creating gorgeous photos! While you should consider the weather, it’s best to be comfortable and confident in what you wear. I’ve collected some do’s and don’ts for picking out your outfit, along with some outfit inspiration from previous couples.
04.
Session Tips
There’s absolutely no reason to worry about your session. I like to look at your session as a way to get to know each other and have some fun! As you approach your session, keep in mind these 2 things:
RELAX, HAVE FUN, AND JUST BE YOU
TRUST ME AS YOUR EXPERT PHOTOGRAPHER
Pampering yourself is always a great idea, right?! Although not necessary, there are a few to-dos that will elevate your engagement photos:
CLEAN YOUR ENGAGEMENT RING
GET A MANICURE FOR CLOSE-UP SHOTS
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF A HAIR/MAKE-UP TRIAL
05.
faqs
Have a question? I’ve got an answer! And if you don’t see your question here, please reach out via email: [email protected]marikosearing.com.
I’m not sure what to wear.
If you need more help with what to wear check out the Planning Resources page and take a look at the style guide. Still not sure. Just contact me and I’m more than happy to help.
What if there’s bad weather?
I will make the call before the session and contact you. We will reschedule for a later date.
Most engagement photos that I see on your website are outdoors. Can you photograph us at an indoor location?
Of course! Most of my couples prefer outdoor locations but if you’d like something indoors that’s possible.
Is an engagement session necessary?
It’s not necessary, but it is something I recommend. It gives us a chance to hang out and get to know each other before the wedding day. Plus you get some beautiful photos for save the dates or to put up around your home.
How long will it take to deliver the photos?
Engagement session photos typically take about 2 weeks to deliver. I always strive to deliver photos as fast as I can edit them, but the quality of your photos is of the utmost to me.