A Pasadena Love Story: Grace & Ethan’s Engagement Session + 5 Tips for Planning Yours
Engagement sessions aren’t just about taking pretty photos—they’re a chance to celebrate your love, connect with your photographer, and get comfortable in front of the camera before your wedding day.
Grace and Ethan’s engagement session in Pasadena, California, was filled with laughter, tender moments, and even a hilarious debate over which Shrek character they embodied! Their bubbly personalities and sweet love for each other made capturing their connection an absolute joy.
If you’re planning your own engagement session, here are five essential tips to ensure it’s everything you dream of (and more!).
1. Engagement Sessions Help You Get Comfortable in Front of the Camera
It’s completely normal to feel a little nervous before stepping in front of the lens. That’s why engagement sessions are the perfect warm-up for your wedding day!
During Grace and Ethan’s session, I used a mix of gentle direction and fun prompts to help them feel natural. Rather than stiff poses, I encourage movement, playful interactions, and real emotion. One of my favorite moments was when they debated which Shrek character they were—cue all the giggles! By the time we wrapped up, they felt completely at ease, which means on their wedding day (that I cannot wait to capture in September!!!!) , they’ll already know exactly what to expect.
Pro Tip: Choose a photographer who gives guidance rather than just posing you. Movement-based prompts and interactions create authentic, emotion-filled images that feel like YOU.
2. Picking the Right Location Matters
Location sets the tone for your engagement photos, and I always help my couples choose a spot that suits their style and offers great light, privacy, and variety.
For Grace and Ethan, CalTech in Pasadena provided the perfect backdrop—gorgeous nature spots, charming architecture, and soft golden light filtering through the trees. We moved seamlessly between different settings to give them a wide variety of images without feeling rushed.
Pro Tip: When choosing your location, think about:
Privacy: Fewer crowds = more intimate moments.
Lighting: Golden hour (right before sunset) is magical, but don’t be scared of harsher light too. If your photographer is excited by it, (I am!!!!) there is magic there as well.
Variety: Locations with different textures (like greenery + architecture) offer more visual interest in your gallery.
3. A Hands-On Photographer Makes All the Difference
I take a very hands-on approach to engagement sessions because I believe the more prepared you are, the better your experience will be!
Before booking, I hop on a video call with couples to get to know them and answer any questions. Then, I send a detailed questionnaire that helps me tailor the session to their personalities and comfort levels. Do they love PDA, or do they prefer subtle touches? What’s their vibe—playful, romantic, adventurous? Every couple is different, and knowing these details helps me create a session that feels natural and fun.
Pro Tip: Work with a photographer who takes the time to understand your dynamic as a couple. The more they know about you, the more your photos will feel personal and genuine.
4. Outfits & Small Details Can Elevate Your Photos
What you wear can have a huge impact on the look and feel of your images! Grace and Ethan chose outfits that complemented each other and felt true to their personalities. Grace’s wine red dress worked beautifully against Pasadena’s natural landscapes, and Ethan’s subtle patterned shirt added easy visual interest.
Pro Tip: Here’s how to nail your outfit choices:
Stick to neutral, earth and jewel tones for a timeless look.
Avoid distracting logos or busy patterns.
Think about movement—flowy dresses, textured layers, and soft fabrics photograph beautifully.
A second outfit can add variety (one casual, one dressy works great!).
Make sure whatever you choose to wear is comfortable. If you are thinking whether or not you are going to have a wardrobe malfunction, it will show in you images.
5. Engagement Sessions Create Meaningful Memories
Beyond being a warm-up for your wedding, engagement sessions are a chance to pause and soak in this special time in your relationship.
Grace and Ethan spent the session laughing, sharing inside jokes, and embracing the joy of simply being together. Whether it was twirling in the golden light, whispering sweet nothings, or sharing a quiet moment wrapped in each other’s arms, they walked away with not just photos—but an experience to cherish.
Pro Tip: Treat your engagement session as a date! Plan something fun afterward, whether it’s dinner, a picnic, or even just grabbing ice cream. It makes the whole experience even more memorable.
Final Thoughts
Your engagement session should be more than just a photoshoot—it should feel like an extension of your love story. Grace and Ethan’s session was filled with laughter, genuine moments, and a whole lot of personality, and that’s exactly what I want for every couple I work with.
If you’re engaged and looking for a Los Angeles wedding photographer who will help you feel confident, comfortable, and fully yourself in front of the camera, let’s chat! I’d love to help you plan a session that feels uniquely you.
📍 Looking for an engagement photographer in Pasadena or Los Angeles? Let’s create something beautiful together. CONTACT ME HERE
SAVE THIS POST FOR LATER! 📌 If you found these tips helpful, be sure to save this post or share it with a friend who’s planning their engagement session. 💍✨
