Ten Exceptionally Beautiful Ideas for a Stylish Engagement Session

Engagement Session Inspiration

Many of my clients inquire with me excited about an engagement session, but not really sure where to start. It’s so easy to get lost in Pinterest, or come across a friend’s engagement photos that you love – and wonder how it all came together so perfectly – the location, the outfits, even the colors + textures – everything just feels right.

How to plan for gorgeous engagement photos:

Like a lovely wedding, a beautiful engagement session takes planning. Thankfully, it’s not nearly as much planning as a full wedding – just a little reflection on where you feel most at home as a couple and what will help you feel stylish, at ease, and natural in front of the camera.

This is something love I guiding each of my couples through personally. When we work together, my first step is to listen to the places, feelings, activities, and moments that have made your relationship unique. I love when you feel like your favorite version of you at your session, and when the resulting photos are beautiful and unique and honest. If you’d like more information about booking an engagement session or working together for your wedding, drop me a line here – I’d love to create with you.

Seattle Engagement Session Inspiration

To get you started, here are ten exceptionally beautiful ideas for an engagement session in the Pacific Northwest (or anywhere!). Each idea comes with outfit suggestions and a petite inspiration board. Enjoy!

I. Soft Meadow Moments

Engagement Session Inspiration from Destination Wedding Photographer Anna Peters

Inspiration board credits, clockwise from top left: Mur Lifestyle, Me!, MK Sadler via Once Wed, Tess Comrie

Vibe: Fresh and effortless. For the couple who loves a good leisurely stroll to the corner coffee shop together.

On her: You can’t go wrong with a good wrap dress! If it’s in soft linen, even better. Add a pair of block heels ( I love these in grey suede) that feel feminine but will keep you sturdy walking in the grass.

On him: Slim fit chinos and a relaxed cotton button up (love this striped one!).

II. A Bold Desert Engagement

A desert engagement session inspiration board from Seattle Wedding Photographer Anna PetersInspiration board credits, clockwise from top left: via Pinterest, MK Sadler, Janey Pakpahan, uberragend

Vibe: Glowing, adventurous, high fashion, a little dramatic (the good, epic sunset and romance kind of drama).

On her: I’m loving the contrast of a black (or navy) dress against the sand. In flowing silk would be incredible, it will catch the wind. Add a minimal gold cuff for a simple, showstopping look.

On him: Lightweight navy pants and crisp white on top.

III.  Chic and Modern

Engagement Session Inspiration from Destination Wedding Photographer Anna Peters

Inspiration board credits, clockwise from top left: Venamour, Elise Josephkeep, Faris

Vibe: Fresh, unique, stylish. I should maybe call this one “millennial pink” – Sculptural details and soft colors for a super chic bride.

On her:  Keep it simple, but with an eye-catching shape, and add a pair of suede mules.

On him: Camel pants and light indigo on top!

IV. A Formal Engagement

Engagement Session Inspiration from Destination Wedding Photographer Anna Peters

Inspiration board credits, clockwise from top left: via Pinterest, Jake Anderson, At The Labeques‘, via Pinterest

Vibe: For the couple who loves dressing up (or never gets to!). This is a great way to have the best of both worlds if there was a different cut or style of gown you loved but didn’t end choosing for your wedding day. You are totally allowed to double dip and splurge on a stunning dress you can also wear at your reception or rehearsal dinner. For an extra elegant touch, ask your florist to create a small bouquet for your session.

On her:  One shouldered perfection. Love this one too.

On him: Your favorite suit, or invest in that new one you’ve been eyeing. Navy photographs so dang well.

V. On the Waterfront

Engagement Session Inspiration from Destination Wedding Photographer Anna Peters

Inspiration board credits, clockwise from top left: Arshile Gorky, Tess Comrie, Me!, Christine Clark

Vibe: This one may just be my favorite, even though it’s so simple. Seattle is a city on the water and I love shooting near it. Soft white pops in the most beautiful way against the blue-grey of the Pacific Ocean.

On her:  Love the mock neck here, and the lace sleeves. Or, off the shoulder is always, always flattering!

On him: Slim fit chinos, plus a great short sleeve shirt.

VI. A Session At home

Engagement Session Inspiration from Destination Wedding Photographer Anna Peters

Inspiration board credits, clockwise from top left:  Jenny Kayne, Julie Cate via Once WedJenn Eliott Blake, Hello-hello

Vibe: Cozy and intimate. I love this especially if you love to cook together. The kitchen accessories you can get them at https://viebelles.com/ a specialized kitchen online store, if you want the best dinnerware sets you need to check out laurelandwolf.com. Start with a trip to the farmers market and then slow dance in the kitchen.

On her: Your coziest, most flattering sweater and white jeans, or a soft, effortless dress.

On him: Light colors work best, especially indoors where shadows get deeper.

VII. A Calm Lakeside Picnic Session

Engagement Session Inspiration from Destination Wedding Photographer Anna Peters

Inspiration board credits, clockwise from top left: via Pinterest, Plume Calligraphy, Me!, unknown via Pinterest

Vibe: If your ideal summer day is a lazy one sipping wine on the end of a dock. At the very end, throw on your swimming suits and jump into the water at sunset.

On her: Your favorite faded skinny jeans and a feminine off the shoulder top.

On him: White pants, and a soft black chambray.

VIII. A Road Trip Engagement

Engagement Session Inspiration from Destination Wedding Photographer Anna Peters

Inspiration board credits, clockwise from top left: Sabellar, via Pinterest, via PinterestTec Petaja 

Vibe: If you love a good weekend getaway, want to roll down the windows and explore somewhere new for your session. So very Pacific Northwest, and I love it.

On her: A great pair of black jeans, your favorite ankle boots, and wrap up in a wool poncho on top. A hat would be so fun here, too.

On him: A sturdy cotton jacket, and light wash jeans.

IX. Bold Jewel Tones

Engagement Session Inspiration from Destination Wedding Photographer Anna Peters

Inspiration board credits, clockwise from top left: via Pinterest, via PinterestAnthropologie, Negin Mirsalehi

Vibe: Sometimes, you gotta go bold. For a modern, adventurous couple who loves color, their city, and always knows how to have a good time.

On her:   This yellow dress is just so good – the color, the layers, the movement. Or, literally anything from Leanne Marshall – the queen of color.

On him: Keep it simple, and dressed up – a soft blue suit would be incredible here.

X. An Off-Duty Destination Session

An Inspiration Board for a Destination Engagement Session

Inspiration board credits, clockwise from top left: Me!, Me!, Janessa Leone, via Pinterest

Vibe: If you nurse a serious case of wanderlust – bring me along on your travels for an unforgettable destination engagement session. Some of my destination wedding couples also opt for a “day before” session, which is such a beautiful way to pause during your whirlwind wedding weekend and spend some quiet time reflecting and enjoying together.

On her: An easy, breezy, vacation-worthy dress, in stripes or soft pink.

On him: Great white pants and denim up top.

I had so much fun working on this engagement session inspiration blog post, I hope it leaves you inspired! If you’d like more information about booking an engagement session or working together for your wedding, drop me a line here – I’d love to create with you.