How to Plan a Kick Ass San Diego Engagement Session
Woohoo!! Congrats on getting engaged! You’re probably super excited, and let me guess, a little overwhelmed? Planning a wedding can be… stressful, to say the least. Thankfully, our team here at Honey is here to help you every step of the way. Let’s take one step at a time. First things first… let’s start planning out your engagement session!!
Choosing your photographer
So there’s a difference between hiring just any ol’ photographer and hiring a photographer that will tell dad jokes while hyping you up during your entire session. If you haven’t already guessed, over here, we’re much more the latter. If you didn’t do that weird laugh-snort thing at least ONCE during your session, you’re doing it wrong. *drops mic*.
ANYWAYS. Make sure you choose a photographer that vibes with you and your partner super well. Check out their website, creep on their Instagram, stalk their Pinterest. Be sure to also read reviews if they have any (I’m already one step ahead of you - check out our client reviews here!) to make sure you know what you’re in for. You’ve gotta love their portfolio, but that emotional connection is even more important. If you jive, you’ll have an easier time fully trusting them and allowing yourself to just be YOU in front of their camera.
Once all this is done and everything looks good, it's time to hit ‘em up!!
Figuring out what to wear
So you’ve found your dream photog, but now it’s time for the dreaded task of trying to figure out how you’re gonna dress for your engagement session. Lucky for you, I LOVE helping my couples with this!! Here are my hot tips for styling yourself for your sesh. If you take anything away from this, it’s to COORDINATE > MATCH.
Comfort level: maximum
If you’re not comfy in the clothes you’re wearing, it’s absolutely gonna show in your photos. Who wants to feel stiff and uncomfortable during their own engagement session?? CERTAINLY not our couples. Ditch the trendy shit and wear your favorite dress or comfiest pair of jeans. I PROMISE you won’t regret it.
Color is your friend
To put in plainly, f’ the neutral tones and throw some color up in there. Rich, vibrant, jewel or deep earthy tones are definitely where it’s at, especially if you’re a fan of bold colors! For jewel tones, think deep ruby, emerald green, sapphire blue, or even shades of mauve. And for the earthy feel, go for rustic colors like rust orange, maroon, hunter green, mustard yellow… all that fun stuff. We’ve found that photos usuallyyyy come out the best with one person is wearing a more vibrant color and the other is wearing something deeper or darker, so keep that in mind!
Patterns for one
Wanna wear a cute lil’ pattern?? GO FOR IT!! If that’s what you feel best in, that’s what you’re gonna photograph best in. However, if you’re the pattern-wearer in this situation, your partner might wanna stick to solids to avoid clashing of any sorts. That’s the LAST thing we want, right??
Deciding on a location
So you’ve got the perfect digs. Now it’s time to figure out where this is gonna go down. When choosing a location, do a gut check. What feels most like you and your boo? Is there a quintessential spot that is super special to you? Which vibe are you going for… casual, fancy, urban, rustic, adventurous, cozy, beachy? No matter your vibe, we’ve got killer spots for you in San Diego and beyond.
Your Own Home
Tons of couples nowadays have opted for taking their engagement photos in-home. You and your partner are usually MUCH more relaxed, PLUS we can take photos with your dogs. What more could you ask for??
Get more inspo: Bri + Danny
Nature Vibes
These next few spots are definitely a “field and trees'' vibe, with lotssss of greenery and open space! It looks super pretty during golden hour or pretty much any time close to sunset. You can see hills, mountains (and sometimes even cattle!) in the background. If you love all the nature-y things, these spots were MADE for you!
Julian: want that true middle of nowhere, country feel? Julian is your spot. If you’re ready for a little trekking, then you’ll find such a variety of rustic, country life out here!
Get more inspo: Elly + Davis
Los Penasquitos Canyon: I’m talking tall trees. I’m talking fields. I’m talking wildflowers. IT’S A FAVE! (Check out more here.)
Get more inspo: Kylie + Larry
Iron Mountain: gorgeous sunlit mountain views and a nice trail lined with trees. YES PLEASE. (Check out more here.)
Get more inspo: Broghan + Tyler
Beachy Vibes
Engagement sessions at the beach are a CLASSIC, you seriously can’t go wrong. Especially if we’re shooting around sunset… I promise you will not be disappointed. Cliffside locations are my fave in case we don’t get that low tide. Here are a few of my favorite beaches to shoot at:
Windansea: want a little bit of that cave look without actually going into a cave? Then by all means… let’s go here! (Check out more here.)
Get more inspo: Anna + Hunter
Sunset Cliffs: perfect for a MASSIVE variety of cliff structures and terrains.
Get more inspo: Hilary + Jeremy, and Christine + Matt
La Jolla Shores: the best of both worlds. Low-tide beach splashing plus amazing cliff views!
Get more inspo: Gabi + JT, Sarah + Keyvan, and Rachel + Taylor
Date Night Vibes
If you’re not exactly the outdoorsy type, I GOTCHU. Having more of a personalized date night feel can make engagement sessions suuuuper cute and YOU. Here are some fun and lovey-dovey options for ya!
Beach & Burgers - grab some In ‘n Out and head to the beach! You end up with super authentic photos of you and your partner probably doing what you love most. As long as you get me a burger too, I’ll be happy!!!
Get more inspo: Rochelle + Ian (+ Lucy)
Balboa Park - a VERY historical, romantic-looking spot that makes every photo look like it came out of a movie. Who doesn’t wanna take a stroll through one of all of San Diego’s favorite spot? Just trust me on this one, k?? K.
Get more inspo: Bri + Danny
Your favorite pizza joint - if you and your partner are more chill and laid back, this would be just SO MUCH FUN for you! Snappin’ pics of you guys having pizza and beer?? Sign me UP.
Get more inspo: Alexis + Brian
A pumpkin patch - obviously this isn’t available all-year-round, but if the timing is right, having your engagement sesh at a pumpkin patch is soooo sweet and romantic! Plus, you get to buy pumpkins.
Get more inspo: Vanessa + Johnny
Urban Vibes
Oh so you’re a TRENDY couple, got it!! You’re probably way too cool for me, but I would love to take your photos at either of these places.
Downtown Carlsbad - we loooovvee the artsy street vibe of downtown Carlsbad, plus there are tons of restaurants just in case you wanna spice it up!
Get more inspo: Alexis + Brian
Downtown LA - okay so think Downton Carlsbad but like, times 10. LA is a bit of a drive, but the photos are SO worth it if you’re down!
Get more inspo: Ellie + Justin
Feelin’ a Lil’ Adventurous?
There’s nothing I love more than a couple who’s down for an adventure! If you wanna get outta town for a bit and get some dope pictures while we’re at it, put these spots on your list.
Sand Dunes - Tell me these photos don’t speak for themselves. I’m actually obsessed, and if you’re thinking about this spot, let me know and I’ll convince you to do it.
Get more inspo: Stephanie + Jeff
Lake Arrowhead - AMAZING if you still want to be in nature but still want to go somewhere different!!
Get more inspo: Amy + Beth
San Fran - definitely quite a ways from home, but come on, IT’S SAN FRANCISCO!! Who WOULDN’T wanna visit for a day or two??
Get more inspo: Olivia + Jimmy
Just remember, no matter what you’re wearing or where you’re taking photos, it’s about you and your partner. Focus on each other and spending time together, and the joy and love will shine through every photo! As always, ya’ girl is here if you have any questions or need some more guidance.
Don’t be afraid to hit up any member of our team here, and we’ll get back to you ASAP rocky.