WHAT TO WEAR

When selecting your outfits, think timeless, romantic, and effortlessly elegant. Your engagement session is meant to feel elevated yet natural, creating imagery that will remain beautiful and relevant for years to come. The goal is to wear pieces that enhance your connection and complement the setting without overpowering it.

For Villa Montalvo, classic silhouettes, soft fabrics, and refined tailoring photograph exceptionally well. Neutral tones, warm earth hues, and muted pastels blend seamlessly with the historic architecture and lush gardens. Shades such as cream, beige, soft gray, taupe, olive, muted blues, and blush are all wonderful choices. I recommend avoiding bold patterns, loud colors, or heavy logos, as these can distract from the emotion and intimacy of the moment.

Flowing dresses, structured yet relaxed suits, and thoughtfully layered outfits create a romantic and polished look. Textures such as silk, chiffon, linen, wool, and fine knits add depth and movement to your images while keeping everything understated and elegant.

I also encourage bringing a second outfit or layering pieces to introduce variety throughout the session. A subtle outfit change allows us to create both soft, romantic portraits and more classic, editorial moments as we move through different areas of the property.

Rather than purchasing something entirely new, you may consider renting attire, especially dresses. This is a wonderful way to achieve a high end, couture inspired look while remaining practical and intentional.

Above all, choose pieces that make you feel confident, comfortable, and authentically yourselves. When you feel good in what you are wearing, it naturally translates into beautiful, relaxed imagery.

CAN I BRING PROPS?

My approach to photography is natural and story driven, using the beauty of the surroundings to create imagery that feels organic and refined. However, I always welcome thoughtful personal touches that enhance the overall aesthetic and feel meaningful to you both.

If you would like, you are more than welcome to bring a bouquet of flowers that complements your outfit, especially your dress. A soft, romantic bouquet can add an elevated and editorial touch to your engagement session and works beautifully within the Villa Montalvo setting. You may also choose to collaborate with a florist to design something custom. I am happy to photograph the florals in a way that highlights their artistry, and I can tag and credit the florist in the final images when shared.

The same applies to any accessories or personal items you may wish to include, such as hats, sunglasses, or other subtle details that reflect your style. If these elements are incorporated thoughtfully, they can add character and dimension while still keeping the overall look timeless and cohesive.

If you are considering bringing anything specific and would like my input, please feel free to reach out. I am always happy to offer guidance to ensure every detail feels intentional and beautifully curated for your session.

ARE YOU GOING TO TAKE DETAIL SHOTS?

Yes, absolutely. Detail photographs are an important part of your engagement story. I will capture close ups of hands, rings, and quiet in between moments, so it is helpful to have nails neatly groomed and hair styled in a way that feels polished and effortless. These details help bring the full story together and add depth to your final collection.

WHAT SHOES SHOULD I WEAR?

Choose shoes that are both comfortable and cohesive with your outfit. Since we will be walking and moving throughout the grounds, comfort is key. I often recommend bringing a second pair of shoes if you plan to change outfits or would like the option to switch between walking and portraits.

WHAT YOU SHOULD EXPECT

Whether this is your first time working with a professional photographer or not, my goal is to create an experience that feels intentional, elevated, and genuinely meaningful. These images are more than photographs. They are memories that deserve to be preserved in a way that allows you to relive the emotion, connection, and love you feel right now, not just today, but for generations to come.

Your engagement session is an opportunity to simply be yourselves. To slow down, feel present, and lean into the environment and the moment you are sharing together. There is no pressure to perform or be anything other than who you are. The most beautiful images come from authenticity and connection.

My photographic style is centered around real moments. Nothing forced. Nothing overly posed. Nothing that feels unnatural. I will gently guide you throughout the session so you never feel unsure of what to do, but the focus will always be on capturing genuine interactions, natural movement, and the quiet in between moments that make your relationship unique.

This is a collaborative process. The way I photograph, interact, and edit is thoughtfully tailored to reflect who you are and how the experience truly felt. Every artistic choice I make is intentional and made with your story in mind. These are your memories, and I approach them with care, purpose, and respect. I prioritize quality over quantity so we can create something timeless that you will value for a lifetime.

At any point during the session, if something feels uncomfortable or if there is a particular pose or idea you love, please share it with me. Open communication is essential. I want you to feel heard, supported, and confident throughout the experience. This is a shared creative process, and your input is always welcome.

Together, we will create something beautiful, honest, and enduring.

AFTER OUR SESSION

I know how exciting it is to see your images, and I promise I will share a sneak peek with you as soon as possible. Your full engagement gallery will be delivered within four weeks of your session date, thoughtfully curated and carefully edited to reflect the emotion and beauty of your experience.

I absolutely love when you share your images with friends and family. When posting online, I kindly ask that you credit and tag me, as it allows me to see which moments you loved most and helps others discover my work through your story. It is always a joy to celebrate these images with you.

To preserve the integrity and artistry of your photographs, I also ask that no additional filters be applied when sharing on social media. Each image is professionally edited with intention, and adding filters can alter the color, tone, and overall feel of the final result.

Thank you for trusting me with your memories. I cannot wait for you to relive this chapter through your photographs.

ALBUMS + PRINTS

In a digital world, it is easy for photographs to live quietly on hard drives and devices, rarely revisited. Even when images are printed, colors often look different than they did on screen, which can be disappointing after investing so much heart and intention into your session. Your engagement photographs deserve more than that.

These images tell a story. They capture a chapter of your life that is meant to be celebrated, revisited, and shared. There is something truly special about holding your memories in your hands and experiencing them in a tangible, lasting way. I am a strong believer in printing both my professional and personal work because nothing compares to the feeling of turning the pages of an album filled with moments you never want to forget.

ALBUMS

I offer a curated selection of heirloom quality albums that have been carefully chosen after extensive research and comparison. Each album is crafted with exceptional materials and attention to detail, designed to stand the test of time. My standards are uncompromising when it comes to quality, because these photographs are deeply personal and deserve to be preserved beautifully for a lifetime.

PRINTS

To make the process seamless, I provide direct access to professional printing through your online gallery. This ensures your images are printed on premium papers with true to life color and exceptional clarity. It is the easiest way to turn your favorite moments into artwork you can enjoy every day, knowing they are printed exactly as they were intended to be seen.