Jess, Sean, and their precious pup Ruby recently came to me for their colorful fall engagement session. I loved it so much that I thought it would set the mood and inspire this fall and winter engagement post. Whether you’re looking for photography props or outfit ideas, you can find it all here in this winter engagement guide.

Here are a few of my favorite outfit ideas, photography props, and themes for cold-weather engagement sessions:

Bring Your Pet

Four-legged friends are my all-time favorite “props” to include in any engagement session, no matter the time of year. Not only do they provide lots of laughter and cute photos, but having your best bud there will help you relax during your session. Still getting used to being in front of the camera? No problem! Bring your Ruby along to calm your nerves and provide some distraction. (Plus, I’ll be there to guide you and help you feel at ease the whole time. Just think of your engagement session as a fun date!)

Utilize the Landscape

Another personal favorite—use your surroundings as built-in photography props, especially if you have access to stunning seasonal scenes like the ones in Jess and Sean’s session. Fall leaves, red brick, vintage cars, ducks, geese, and ponds—yes, please!! These all provide naturally photogenic backdrops for your session.

Bundle Up in Winter Wear + Gear

You may not want to bundle up for all of your engagement photos, but embrace the cooler season with seasonal gear. Your engagement is a milestone moment in your life, and it’s fun to reflect part of the story and the time of year it occurred. You don’t have to wait for warmer weather to book your engagement photos!

Here are a few fall and winter outfit ideas for your engagement session:

• Boots
• Scarves
• Wool Socks
• Hats
• Gloves
• Sweater
• Coat
• Vest

Bring Blankets + Pillows

Get cozy with your guy or gal and snuggle up together for a romantic, laid-back engagement session. Sit, stand, lay down—whatever feels comfortable to you. Blankets have a way of emphasizing the connection between you and creating romantic, intimate vibes. Alternatively, you could take the session inside and do a cozy lifestyle session if the wintry weather just isn’t for you.

Seasonal Photography Props

I’m a fan of simple and classic photos, but I’m also totally down if you want to style your session up with a festive theme, especially if it reflects your personality. Here are a few photography prop ideas to get you started:

Fall + Winter Photography Props

• Pumpkin patch, vineyard, apple orchard, or farmer’s market (more of a location than a prop)
• Quilt
• Canoe or kayak
• Bed of leaves
• Wreath
• Sled (small!), snowshoes, or ice skates—skip anything cumbersome)
• Hot cocoa or coffee mugs
• Picnic basket + food
• Champagne or festive cocktails (if location permits)
• String lights or holiday lights
• Ornaments
• Evergreen and pine (an engagement ring on a pine branch is beautiful!)
• Signs, banners, photos, or memoirs
• Snow (I wish I could make this happen, but engagement photos in the snow are equally romantic, beautiful, and fun if the timing is right!)

Festive Colors + Materials

If there were ever a time to break out the colorful wardrobe for a photo session, winter is it! Fall exudes warm, rich hues, so earth tones and subtly-tinted neutrals work really well for that time of year. In the winter, the landscape looks a little bland, so that’s a great time to bring out some fun and festive colors, patterns, and textures. I LOVE Jess’s emerald sweater. Jewel tones are gorgeous in winter photos. For outfit inspiration, I love corduroy or velvet skirts, leggings, and booties. Or maybe bring out the plaid!

Texture adds a bit of dimension and character to your photos. Try incorporating one or two of these materials and textures into your fall or winter outfits:

• Satin
• Flannel
• Wool
• Suede
• Velvet
• Fleece
• Leather
• Denim
• Faux fur

You can also play around with patterns. Try fall-inspired prints, florals, and fashion trends (like subtle leopard print) to provide that little something extra you’re looking for. Just be sure not to go overboard and detract from the main focal point—you!!

Connect with Rachel to Plan Your Engagement Session

Need a bit more guidance for you upcoming couple’s or engagement session? I’m here to help! Drop a line here to get started. Or, visit rachelwehanphotography.com and the Portfolio for more ideas and inspiration. You can also find me on Instagram @rachelwehanphotography.

Psst…I do boudoir photography, too. Contact me here for more information.