We started out at the good old Sam Houston statue in Hermann Park and then made our way to the reflection pond. Next, we ventured into the Japanese Garden and then finished up in front of the Museum of Fine Arts. 

Their wedding is in July and I can't wait! It's going to be a lot of fun.

We ended our session near the Black Labrador on Montrose. Actually it was at the Freed-Montrose Library…then the Black Labrador. Alex and Vi are avid readers so it was a perfect place to end their session.

When to schedule

It all depends on what you want to do with your engagement photos. Do you want to make a guest book, "Save the date" announcements, photo slideshow, or include them as a DIY in your wedding? I suggest that we take your engagement photos at least 3 months before the wedding. In most cases, I can deliver your photos in 3 weeks. That allows me 1 week to organize them, 1 week to doing any post-processing, and 1 week to deliver them to you. Then you have about 6 weeks to make announcements, slideshows, or have them printed for a guest book. 

Although, I suggest at least 3 months,  you can schedule a session with me as soon as a week after the proposal! The earlier the better. 

If you decide to schedule an engagement session with me, I do require several things from you. You have to be ready, willing, and able. Ready: mentally and physically. That means plenty of sleep the night before, refreshed and prepared. Willing: confident in yourself and your fiancee to look your best in front of the camera. Able: Well rested and full of energy to last the entire session. I'll have refreshments and snacks for us; including a Red Bull for that last hour. 

What to wear

In general, you should wear something that brings out your best features. Avoid clothing that is too distracting from the main focus, you!

Do's

• Dress up and look your best. The next time you'll get professional pictures done is probably on your wedding day. Every picture I take is meant to be framed and mounted on the wall. With that in mind, wear something special like evening wear or go for the "city chic" look. But whatever you do; spice it up! 
• Wear comfortable shoes. We will be walking from location to location. If your outfit has high heels, bring a pair of sandals to walk in. You can get tired pretty quickly wearing your heels the entire time.
• Guys should wear a pair of nice socks. We will be sitting, standing, jumping, climbing, or something similar. Nothing clashes more with slacks and shoes that a pair of white socks. 
• While matching outfits are an option, try not to go too far with it. I suggest matching accessories with what your guy is wearing. I am a fan of a dress shirt and heels or headband and handkerchief. There are countless other options, so have fun with it.
• Get a mani and pedi a few days before the session. I'll be getting some close up shots of that gorgeous ring.
• Guys should get hair cuts a few days before the engagement session. Try not get one the day before because razors may irritate the skin.
• Do you feel like having several outfit changes? I can accommodate up to one outfit change but note that you will probably have to change in your car. Extra outfit changes are subject to an additional charge because of the time involved.

Stuff to avoid

• Matching white or black shirts. Wearing those will make you look bland and unexciting. If you do decide to wear them, accessorize your outfit a little bit.
• Busy prints or large logos. We aren't shooting an advertising campaign for Polo or Guess. We want the focal point to be you; not some brand name.
• Anything that will cause you discomfort. Meaning, wearing something you wouldn't normally wear. If you feel uncomfortable, you'll look uncomfortable.
• Anything that will cause blemishes. I would avoid any heavy drinking or partying the night before. I'm pretty good at retouching but help me process pictures faster by not having eye bags. Get plenty of sleep the night before and come to the session well rested and relaxed. I promise we'll have a good time.
• Wrinkled clothes can be distracting too. If you going to wear evening wear to the engagement session, I suggest hanging them up in the car and getting dressed on location.