session details, tips, and answers
engagement session
It's best to schedule your engagement session 6–8+ months before your wedding, especially if you're wanting to use your phots as Save The Dates. Each season offers a unique backdrop for gorgeous photos – even winter! The session's time of day will depend on the season and location and will be finalized at booking.
When you're ready to schedule your 1-hour session, please email at info@ydaylenewilson.com so I can secure your date in my calendar.
scheduling
01.
There are countless landmarks, buildings, parks, and more around Denver that can accommodate your engagement session. I highly recommend picking a spot that's special to you and your fiancé. Over the years, I've been to dozens of locations with couples. Select 'next' to view my top engagement sessions locations. (This location is the Great Sand Dunes National Park)
Buena Vista is a small town about 2.5 hours from Denver. It is situated at the base of 14 thousand foot peaks and also next to the Arkansas River. It is the perfect playground for adventurous couples wanting that Colorado Mountain feel. No permits are required.
Buena Vista Colorado
Twin lakes is near the town of Leadville Colorado. About 2.5 hours from Denver. You feel like you just drove to switzerland. There is no lack of photo opportunities here. Everything you could ask for and no permit required.
Twin lakes
Lake Dillon in Silverthorne Colorado is a perfect location for an engagement session. There is a ton of variety from aspen trees, to pines, the lake itself and there are viewpoints with stunning mountain backdrops. No permits are required.
Lake Dillon
Loveland pass is one of the most breathtaking locations for photos. It's only about 45 minutes out of Denver and has hanging lakes, gorgeous alpine trees, epic mountain views and stunning sunsets. No permit is required.
Loveland Pass
If you love Aspen trees then Kenosha pass is the place for you. It is alive with fall colors and aspens in ever direction, there is a wide field with mountain views as well. No permit required.
kenosha pass
Jaw dropping views, little old cabins, an abandoned train car and aspens dotting the dirt road. Boreas pass is just outside the town of Breckenridge and a perfect spot for engagement photos. No permit required.
Boreas Pass
Crested Butte is fantastic not only for the quaint downtown but the surrounding fields of wildflowers and mountain views. Everywhere you look there are bright pops of color and mountain ranges. No permits are needed.
Crested Butte
St Mary's Glacier is not far out of Denver, the hike isn't very long or strenuous and there is a very pretty lake surrounding by large peaks. Some of the twisted trees and logs make for a really fun and different feel. No permit is required.
St Mary's Glacier
The tiny town of Blackhawk. boasts a lot of casinos but it also has a quaint downtown and just past downtown are hills of aspen. It's not far from Denver and a beautiful fall location for photos. No permit required.
Blackhawk
This is going to be quite the trek but it will be a one of a kind engagement location. You can stay the night in vail and make a weekend out of it. Some of the best lake/mountain combos you can get. There is also a little bridge and aspens. No permit required.
piney river ranch
best for: fall, winter
best for: all seasons
best for: all seasons
best for: fall, winter
best for: all seasons
best for: all seasons
best for: all seasons
best for: spring, summer
don't forget the weather
Only one bright color at a time
avoid bold patterns
when in doubt, go neutral
accent with accessories
use complimentary colors
Picking your outfit color palette and planning your outfits for your engagement session is the first (and most important) step in creating gorgeous photos! While you should consider the weather, it's best to be comfortable and confident in what you wear. I've collected some do's and don'ts for picking out your outfit, along with some outfit inspiration from previous couples.
outfit inspiration
03.
take advantage of a hair/makeup trial
get a manicure for close-up shots
Show your own style
The more of your own style you bring to the shoot the better. Bring one dress up outfit and one casual outfit.
What really shows who you are as a couple?
Plan an adventure the two of you would love
I highly encourage my couples to think about what makes the two of you unique. What do you love to do together? Let's turn your engagement into an adventure.
session tips:
04.
It may take as long as three weeks to get all of your photos back. I try to make them a priority as I know you may be printing them for save the dates and other wedding related things.
06. How long will it take to get our photos back?
Absolutely! I know being in front of the camera can feel awkward so I have a lot of prompts and games we will play to lighten it up and get you moving. By the end you will be having a great time!
05. We are nervous, will you give us direction?
Yes, you absolutely can. If your dog is a handful it's recommended to bring someone else to help watch them so you can focus on each other. Sometimes we can leave them in the car for a little while.
04. Can we bring our dog on our engagement session?
Usually two is a good number. I usually recommend one casual and one dressy. The longer we take changing clothes the less time we have to shoot.
03. How many outfits can we bring?
Engagement sessions are one hour in length. If we get some crazy amazing light we may go a little over but one hour is usually all we need.
02. How long does an engagement session take?
I will drive up to one hour from Buena Vista Colorado and if I need to go further there will be small travel fee of $200
01. How far will you drive for an engagement session?
Have a question about your engagement session? I've got an answer! And if you don't see your question here, please reach out via email: info@daylenewilson.com.
FAQs
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