If you’ve ever heard me talk about my career (which you obviously have if you’ve read this blog, EVER, then you may also know how much I absolutely LOVE engagement sessions. They’re my time to get to know my couples on a more personal level, and are usually the first time we meet in person after the initial Skype date consultation! Engagement sessions are a chance for couples to be goofy, be romantic, and most importantly, be fully invested in each other. Unlike the wedding day, there’s no one else fighting for their attention and it’s always been one of my favorite parts of the wedding process.

But let’s be honest, planning an engagement session is no easy task, ESPECIALLY when it’s cold outside. Who knows what will happen this winter, but if you find yourself in a position where you’re about to plan a winter engagement session, hopefully some of these tips will ease your mind!

1. LAYERS! Just like packing for a vacation, layers are your friend when it comes to cold weather photo sessions. You can dress any outfit up with long sleeves, sweaters, vests, scarves, belts and I guarantee you can probably find a cute jacket too! As usual, pinterest is pretty great for outfit planning. Layers also give you a variety of outfit choices all in one! Scarf on, scarf off, jacket on, jacket off….you get the point. Make sure to coordinate your outfits but try not to match or wear the exact same colors. In winter especially, plaid scarves are a great way to differentiate and give a pop of color to your photos.
   
2. ACCESSORIZE!! This kind of plays off the above point, but adding scarves, mittens, or hats always adds a cute and personal touch to the pictures and you get to stay warm (er)! Especially if it’s windy (which I feel like it seems to be a lot in winter) it will keep your hair from going all over the place! 
3. BELTS! Okay, I know this may fall into the accessory category, but adding a belt as an additional layer really helps you bring back your waist line if you don’t want your layers to feel baggy. If this isn’t what you’re going for then that’s no problem either! I love flowy layers, they’re kinda my jam.
4. MAKE YOUR FEET HAPPY. Literally, there is nothing worse than cold feet (no pun intended). Once my feet get cold it’s just downhill from there, and I imagine lots of people are the same. Don’t try to be tough and wear cute flats (or worse, heels?!) in the snow. I don’t think anyone would be that crazy butttttt just incase, wear boots. Bonus points if you have toe warmers.
   
5. Speaking of toe warmers, that’s not a bad item to bring with you! And hand warmers! Because there is nothing more attractive than purple hands in your engagement pictures.
6. BLANKETS! Blankets are good for so many things. I love blankets. Even in the summer I feel like I always am wrapped up in a blanket simply because of the safety and comfort it brings. During a winter engagement session, it’s always fun to cuddle up with your fiancé, blankets are great props to wrap yourself up in AND sit on. Bonus points if you have TWO so you can do both of those things at one time!
   
   
7. PROPS! Seem to be even cuter when it’s cold out. You don’t need cheesy props, but just think of all the things you would do with your fiancé on a cold weather day outside if there wasn’t a photographer there.. Would you drink hot chocolate? Eat S’mores? Cuddle in a blanket? All these things make such cute props! (And taste good, obviously.)
8. HAVE FUN! When you’re having fun (and this is almost a guarantee if your engagement session is with me) then you tend to think less about the cold. But better yet, there’s something about the snow (if there is snow at your session) that I think brings out the kid in a lot of us. Don’t be afraid to let loose at the end of your session for a friendly snowball fight or snowman building contest! I’m sure we can find a fire to warm up to after.
   
9. Keep weather in mind. Snow is spectacular to shoot in and some of my favorite sessions have been in the snow. However, keep in mind that the roads may be bad so always be smart with the weather conditions and make sure not to risk your safety in the case of bad weather. Rescheduling is ALWAYS an option in this case.
   
   
10. Get cozy. Like super cozy. Remember that it’s your photographer’s JOB to capture your love, so being cuddly in front of them is kind of a must + you’ll stay warm if you get real close. =)

I hope these tips helped put your mind at ease while planning your winter engagement session!