Your partner popped the question, and now you can both officially be called fiancés! Your engagement is such an exciting time for you both that it deserves beautiful documentation. It’s easy to focus solely on their wedding day and forget to enjoy their engagement. Use this time to celebrate, go on dates, dream about your future together, and plan your wedding as stress-free as possible. You can also remember this time by doing an engagement photoshoot! It is so important to document this big milestone in your life so you can look back at the photos on your future anniversaries.

I had a fantastic time shooting Natalie and Evan’s Pittsburgh engagement session at Allegheny Commons and North Shore! This sweet couple got engaged on their 8th anniversary—how incredible!—and I am so excited to photograph their wedding in October of next year. Sometimes, it can be a bit nerve-wracking when preparing for your professional photo shoot, but you don’t have to be nervous. I have compiled a list of what you can expect during your engagement session (although I’m always open to suggestions if you have something else in mind). 

What to Expect During Your Pittsburgh Engagement Session

Warm Up

Meeting at a location of your choice will be the first step in the photo shoot. We can do the session indoors or out (or both!), as long as it’s somewhere that makes you both happy! We can start by taking some fun, relaxed photos of the two of you so that you can get the jitters out and feel more comfortable. Typically, couples wear casual outfits for this part of the shoot, such as jeans, a nice sweater, and boots or sneakers.

Time for Some Fun!

Next, we can try having you both do an activity for fun, candid photos. Some of my favorite ideas include: 

• have a picnic
• pop a bottle of champagne
• sip cocktails or coffee
• play with your sweet puppy
• dance together
• take a romantic stroll along the river

And don’t hesitate to suggest your own ideas as well. The goal is to show the two of you having fun together, not too posed. We will use natural light and settings to capture the most natural and spontaneous shots. 

Spice Things Up

Then, you may want to change into new outfits for formal or styled photos just in time for the “golden hour.” Usually, ladies like to change into a cocktail dress and heels, and men wear a suit or a nice dress shirt and slacks. It is up to you and what look you are going for, but I’m happy to offer suggestions. The city has some great hidden gems I can recommend for your Pittsburgh engagement photos. You can stand, dance, or sit together with a gorgeous sunset splashed across the backdrop. 

Sometimes it helps to try several spots in the same area for background variety. For example, you may love the look of a brick wall on the outside of a building and then choose to take some shots inside as well. It’s entirely up to you and your vision for the shoot! And of course, I am happy to provide suggestions or answer any questions you may have.

Document Life Beautifully with Rachel Wehan Photography

Your engagement is a precious time that should be cherished, celebrated, and enjoyed. You can use engagement photos to create beautiful memories that will last a lifetime, and they make stunning wedding invitations and other announcements to share with loved ones. 

Above all, it’s a chance to take a moment to pause and enjoy the start of a new chapter in your life. And remember, you don’t have to feel nervous when taking photos. We can go at your own pace and take pictures in a meaningful and fun location. I love taking engagement and wedding photos because they capture each couple’s unique love story. Congratulations to you both! I can’t wait to work with you!

Find more photos, resources, and tips on Instagram @rachelwehanphotography and on the Blog.