location ideas, session details, tips, and answers
engagement session GUIDE
If you're planning to use your engagement photos for your Save the Dates/Invitations, I recommend scheduling at least 6–8+ months before your wedding. If you don't plan to use them, then we can schedule your session anytime you'd like!
Time of Day: Ideally, we'll want to meet 1.5-2 hours before sunset on the day of your session. This will vary slightly based on location and I will confirm times with you via email prior to your session. Keep scrolling for location ideas and inspiration!
Please note: Engagement sessions are limited to Monday-Thursdays during peak wedding season (May - October). An additional $150 travel fee will apply for locations further than 60 miles of my location in Milton, VT.
When you're ready to schedule your 1-hour session, please email at info@jennabrisson.com so I can secure your date in my calendar.
scheduling
01.
There are countless landscapes, mountain views, buildings, parks, and more around Vermont that can accommodate your engagement session. I highly recommend picking a spot that's special to your relationship. Over the years, I've been to dozens of locations with couples. Select 'next' to view a few of the most popular local engagement session locations.
For more of my thoughts on locations, read this blog post.
To be honest, my favorite locations are ones that hold sentimental value to you as a couple, or when couples rent unique properties such as Airbnb's or via Hipcamp. (Just make sure you're asking the property owner permission first.)
Stuck on a sentimental location? Instead, try incorporating activities you do together (visit a coffee shop, a trip to the ocean, cozying up at a family property in Vermont). This also makes for an extra special gallery of images.
Private property, Airbnbs, & sentimental spots
Located in Shelburne, Vermont this location has it all - open fields, mountain views, woodsy trails, landscaped gardens and lake views. There is a $50 fee to use the property and it must be scheduled in advance, but this is easily a location favorite.
shelburne farms - shelburne, vt
No matter the season, the Trapp Family Lodge grounds are stunning! There are easily accessible (and epic) mountain views, expansive landscapes, gorgeous summer flower varieties, and sometimes a guest appearance by their highland cattle! There is a fee for taking photos at Trapp ($10 in summer, $26 in winter + a snowshoe rental). The sun "sets" an hour earlier at this location.
Trapp family lodge - stowe, vt
Whether you're looking for more of a downtown adventure or you're simply hoping to incorporate a brewery visit into your engagement session, this is a great option! Oakledge Park offers lush greenery, lake views of Burlington, and is close enough in proximity to pair with a quick trip to a local brewery.
Oakledge park / downtown burlington
From great food to great photo locations, Stowe, Vermont has a lot to offer.
Image 1: Barnes Camp Bridge
Images 2-5: Moss Glen Falls
Images 6-7: Stowe Bike Path
Images 8-9: Stowe Village
Pro Tip: Mix and match these spots - we can often fit two of the above locations into one engagement session.
Various - Stowe, Vermont
If you're looking for more of an adventurous style of engagement session, this section is for you! These sessions require you to book an extra hour of coverage, but are so, so worth it for the gallery of images. Inquire for cost details. Not pictured, but great options: Sterling Pond or any shorter local hike (browse AllTrails.com).
Images 1-3: Stowe Pinnacle (45-60 minute hike)
Images 4-6: Mt. Mansfield Toll Road*
*Note: Mt. Mansfield Toll Road is open late May - October only. We'll aim to drive up at 4:25 (the last car is allowed at 4:30, and drive down when our session ends. I also ask that couples cover the ticket cost of my car to drive up (or, I'm happy to hop in with the two of you if there is room).
Adventurous options
Are you interested in having your engagement session outside of Vermont? That's great, I love traveling! For sessions further than a 2 hour drive, I often ask couples to cover overnight accommodations in addition to the added travel fee for locations further than 60 miles from my office in Milton, Vermont. Inquire for details.
a note on travel
I love when couples include their pups in engagement sessions! Please make sure you choose a dog-friendly location, and:
1. Please tire them out a bit first - this saves us time during the session.
2. If you can, bring friend/someone the dog is comfortable around.
3. Bring treats/squeak toy & a lint roller.
Do you need help with dog-friendly locations? Feel free to email me! Otherwise, check out this blog post for more tips on including your dog in your engagement session or on your wedding day.
A note on bringing your dog
don't forget the weather
no bright or neon colors
avoid bold patterns & words/logos
when in doubt, go neutral
accent with accessories
use complimentary colors
Picking your color palette and planning your outfits for your engagement session is the first (and sometimes most stressful) step in creating gorgeous photos! While you should consider the weather, it's best to be comfortable and confident in what you wear. Below I've listed a few do's and don'ts for picking out your clothes - feel free to reach out if you need help!
OUTFITS
03.
take advantage of a hair/makeup trial
get a manicure for close-up shots
clean your engagement ring(s)
Although not necessary, here are a few other to-dos that will often help to elevate your engagement photos:
trust me as the expert - you've hired me for a reason
relax, have fun, and just be you as much as possible
I know it's hard, but do your best not to worry too much ahead of time about your engagement session. The purpose of these sessions is to have fun, capture a few gorgeous moments of you together, and spend a little time together before your wedding day so that when I show up you can just trust me to do my thing. As you approach your session, keep in mind these 2 things:
session tips:
04.
bring a lint roller if you wear dark colors
Back to top
Unless you're bringing someone to help with your dog, I often prefer that you don't have observers for your engagement session. Most of the time it can be distracting and semi-uncomfortable having someone observe the entire time. That said, if you really don't think it will distract you - feel free!
06. Can we bring people with us to the session?
When you are ready to schedule your session, let me know what month/week you're hoping for and I will send over my availability. I often hold two consecutive dates on my calendar so that we can choose the best weather option as the day nears. Ultimately, though, I won't make you take photos in inclement weather - we will make it work!
05. what happens if there is bad weather?
Yes, absolutely! My #1 recommendations are 1) wear light neutrals as they are timeless and flattering in all seasons and 2) wear something you are comfortable in so that you feel good. Email me with questions / for more help! Or, check out Pinterest for inspiration and other tips - there are some great resources there too.
04. i'm still having trouble with outfit ideas. can you help?
Great question! You will receive a few sneak peek images within 4-7 days of your session. The full gallery of 50-75 images will be delivered in 4-6 weeks.
03. when will we receive our photos after the session?
Complimentary engagement sessions that are included in your wedding package are about 60 minutes. If you'd like more time with me, or more outfit options you can add time - reach out for upgrade details.
02. how long is the session?
I recommend no more than 2 outfits. Most couples opt for a casual, neutral option paired with a more formal option. Bonus: I have a portable pop-up changing tent, should you need it!
01. how many outfits can we bring?
Do you still have questions about your engagement session? Here are a few answers. If you don't see your question here, please reach out via email: info@jennabrisson.com
FAQs
05.