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 photos 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 hello@mjmendozaphotography.com so I can secure your date in my calendar.
scheduling
01.
There are countless landmarks, buildings, parks, and more around Richmond & Virginia/DC 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.
I love this location. It’s great indoors and outdoors so it’s one of my go-to’s for rainy day sessions. Pup friendly outdoors, easy parking on the street or in their parking garage. Fun seasonal exhibitions, gorgeous pink marble hall, landscaped grounds and the red Chihuly reeds outside are VMFA staples. Plus treat yourself before, after or during your session with cocktails at their in house restaurant, Amuse.
Virginia museum of fine arts
Always a fan fave and really can’t go wrong here, no matter the season! Virginia’s State Capitol is a classic vibe with the white columns and seasonal flowers. Free to the public, pup friendly, parking easily found on Bank St close to the building (although RVA road construction may make detours happen!)
virginia state capitol
Is there anything more iconic than the National Mall in DC? No, there isn't. If you are dreaming of classical architecture, effortless charm and an iconic session, the National Mall is it. There is a $150 permit fee to photograph there and I always recommend a sunrise session to reduce the number of crowds there. But I promise you, it always has been well worth it.
National Mall
City views + nature goodness = cue Hannah Montana’s best of both worlds. Because it definitely is! Libby Hill is perfect for those who want to show some Richmond in their photos but also want some of nature showing up! Free public park (so pup friendly!), street parking, close to cute city alleys and homes as a bonus if we walk around some ;)
Libby Hill Park
Rich in historic charm, Old Town Alexandria is such a great place for portraits. Cobblestone streets and alleys, this blue siding close to the Wharf holds my heart and the charm of Old Town itself is always fantastic. Travel fee of $110, no location permit fees required.
old town alexandria
Beautiful nature & city views! It is a popular RVA spot so when the weather’s nice, people are out and about. Not great after a huge rain storm as the river will flood but beautiful especially during May through mid-November.
belle isle & brown's island
A recent favorite, Pleasure House Point Park is close to Virginia Beach and gives me all the beach and nature vibes without any of the tourists from the boardwalk. Pup friendly, no location permit needed, travel fee of $75.
pleasure house point park
A hidden gem in Richmond! It’s located just past Carytown and it’s my favorite spot when cherry blossoms bloom in RVA! Brick path with cherry blossom trees blooming on either side. Stunningly gorgeous and very simple. Cherry blossom blooms all depend on weather so this location is best during peak bloom, often a couple weeks before the DC Cherry Blossoms bloom.
windsor way
Close to Windsor Way, this Tudor style manse is stunningly beautiful with a porch overlooking the gardens in the back that are perfect for spring & summer engagements. There is a location permit fee of $100.
agecroft hall
This one is a little more generalized because of how big Shenandoah is but honestly it's hard to go wrong in the mountains. Some of my favorite spots: Big Meadow, Raven's Roost, nearly any overlook on Skyline Drive.
shenandoah nat'l park
And believe it or not, that's just some of my favorite places! I have a full list of locations from Richmond to Northern VA to DC to Virginia Beach with a variety of sceneries. And please note that these are just ideas for you to brainstorm. If there's a location dear to your hearts, let's go there! I'm always happy to travel and explore new destinations to capture this brief and joyous period of time in your lives when you are both fiances.
view the full list
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
no bright or neon colors
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
clean your engagement ring
Pampering yourself is always a great idea, right?! Although not necessary, there are a few to-dos that will elevate your engagement photos:
trust me as your expert photographer
relax, have fun, and just be you
There's absolutely no reason to worry about your session. I like to look at your session as a way to get to know each other and have some fun! As you approach your session, keep in mind these 2 things:
session tips:
04.
I usually suggest 1-2 outfits! One more formal for your Save The Dates and because how often do you get to get all dolled up?! And one more casual outfit as a "day date" kind of feel!
06. how many outfits do you suggest having ready?
Engagement session turnaround times are 4-6 weeks, typically on the shorter end during non busy season and typically on the longer end during busy season (may/june and sep/oct)
05. when can we expect our images back?
Always down for adventuring! Travel fees do apply for engagement sessions 30 miles outside my home address (0.56 per mile) except for the Luxe Engagement Session which includes travel throughout VA/DC.
04. our chosen location is outside of the rva area, will you travel?
Of course! If you're torn between a few choices, please feel free to email me photos of your outfits and I can help narrow them down.
03. can i reach out to you with help picking outfits?
Locations here are just a suggestion to get some ideas flowing, we don't have to stick to the list by any means! If there's a place that fits your vision or that means something special to you then we can 100% use your location instead!
02. what if there's a location we like that's not on the list?
Times vary throughout the seasons but generally, I love to do engagement sessions about 2 hours before sunset so we have that gorgeous golden light!
01. when is the best time for our 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: hello@mjmendozaphotography.com
FAQs
05.
Some simple ways to tell a story in your engagement photos is to style your session by incorporating a prop or two. Think about what the two of you love to do together. Going on bike rides, having a picnic together, walking your dog, etc. Props aren't a must by any means, but if you want to add an element of "wow" to your engagement session, here's some ideas to help start brainstorming!
As a disclaimer, pets are not props but they're always the first thing my couples ask about when adding something to their engagement session and I will never say no to a pup (or kitty!) joining us. Your fur baby is often your first baby and part of the family so it only makes sense that we include our furry friend. And don't worry, I've got plenty of tips on how to include our fur babies in the session!
Your pet
Let's pop the bubbly! These are always super fun photos to take when my couples shake and pop a bottle of their favorite champagne to share together. We gotta celebrate that engagement, right? Not a champagne fan? I've had couples bring their favorite craft beer or share a coffee at a cute cafe!
champagne & cheers
This almost goes hand in hand with the champagne ;) In addition to a bottle or in lieu of, we can pack a small picnic basket with some treats and a blanket to put down and share. Or if you want to go all in, picnics by picnicrva and ivey picnics are a great way to get photos and sneak a date in after we wrap up with the session!
let's picnic
A small way to accessorize is by adding in a small bouquet of flowers. You can reach out to your florist to ask about a small bouquet and this could even be a test run of your wedding day bouquet! It adds a fresh element and gives you something to do with your hands too ;)
fresh flowers
If you enjoy bike rides together but aren't feeling the neon colors of your personal bike, I've got just the thing. Basket & Bike in RVA is a bike rental and their black and white simple bikes with baskets are perfect for a blanket & treats for an outdoor picnic & bike ride (for the photos that is!)
bikes
If you have access to a boat, whether a rowboat or sailboat, or a classic car then don't be afraid to utilize it! It adds an element of WOW that makes your photos stand out.
boats & cars
Enjoy grabbing ice cream together or finding new hole in the wall cafes? Most places are happy to allow us to pop in and grab some photos while we're there and we add in a little bit of something that's personal to you both by visiting one of your favorite places or doing something you like to do together.
your favorite date night spot
Something that can definitely add on to your session and give variety to your images is your clothing! Add a chic hat, blazer, a super glam or dramatic dress will add that statement to your images! If you think you're being extra, please know that I am ALL for it and will actively encourage your flair for the dramatics whether it be a glam outfit, statement piece or anything else.
clothing
nordstrom
asos
petal & pup
baltic born
reformation
anthropologie
vici
morning lavender
lulu's
rent the runway
my favorite places for engagement session outfits
shopping
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