Your Couples Session Planner
in all the little ways you love each other
location
vibe / inspiration
what to wear
weather
WORKFLOW
BEFORE WE BEGIN
A little note from me
Whether you've been together for six months or sixteen years, every chapter of your story deserves to be remembered. The quiet familiarity, the way you make each other laugh, the little gestures that say home without a single word, these are the things worth holding onto.
Your couples session is designed to feel less like a photoshoot and more like time intentionally spent together. There is no pressure to perform or be anything other than yourselves. Simply come as you are, slow down for a moment, and let this season unfold naturally.
My biggest hope is that you arrive feeling relaxed and present. Forget about the camera, lean into one another, and allow yourselves to simply be. The rest is my job.
I can't wait to hear your vision and create something beautiful together.
Sarah x
setting your perfect scene
Outdoors
Lighting and location make such a massive difference to the look and feel of your images. I have a location guide available for you to check out. These spots are tried and tested, my favourite hand picked spots. Outdoor sessions are scheduled during golden hour (the hour just before, during and after the sunsets), the colours are just so beautiful and the lighting THE most flattering. Start times will vary depending on the seasons for example in winter the sunsets much earlier than summer.
Home Property
There is something so special about being photographed in a place that already feels like home. Whether it’s where you’ve built a life together or somewhere that holds meaning, these sessions are relaxed, personal, and beautifully you. Together, we’ll capture the connection and all your little details that make this season of your story uniquely yours.
FAQ
Do you travel for photoshoots?
Yes absolutely, anything within 40 mins each way there is no travel charge. Anything beyond this a travel fee will be added to your invoice. If you are wanting a session at your home property that would require extra travel please let me know your address upon booking so I can quote you correctly.
Is it okay if we are not natural in front of the camera?
Absolutely! A lot of couples can feel this way before their session. Rest assured you don’t need to know what to do or have any poses practised before your session. I’ll support you throughout and create space for the moments that feel natural and effortless. Your only job is to enjoy some quality time together in a beautiful location, while mine is to capture those natural moments and gently guide you through the rest!
Can we choose a location that's not on your guide?
Most of the time the answer is yes, I recommend that you visit the location and send me a video to check that it's suitable. I do ask that you note down the time the sunsets at the spot so that we can time our shoot to start 1 hour prior to the sunsetting.
I'm worried about the weather what if there is no sunset?
So valid! I hear you, it feels like a lot of money and time invested into your photos. The protocol is I will email you on the day of the shoot around 12pm if the weather is looking like rain, too windy, extremely cold etc we will postpone to the next mutual date that works. If it's overcast (really cloudy) I will suggest to bring the session start time forward 1-2 hours because it gets darker much quicker. Overcast weather can be really beautiful to shoot in too, lighting is much softer and flattering. But if your heart is set on a sunset where possible give you the option to postpone should I have the flexibility to do so.
location guide
Marlborough is such a special part of the world with the most beautiful landscapes. With sweeping golden hills, stunning coastlines, lush vineyards and wide open skies, the beauty here is endless. Whatever your vision, there is a perfect spot waiting for you and your person.
Documenting the beauty of what already exists
There is no need to arrive with a plan or know exactly what to do. I’ll help you feel comfortable from the moment we begin, guiding you through the session while leaving room for the moments that happen naturally. Every couple has their own rhythm, and I love capturing the little things that make yours unique.
What to wear?
+ What's the vibe we are going for?
+ Embrace the season you're having your session in and dress appropriately for the weather.
+ Think about what is going to make you feel confident and comfortable!
Just to be clear I don't want to be the fun police with telling you what to wear because I want this session to feel like you. I can however guide you into what works best for flattering skin tones because what you wear does have a big impact on how the images look.
The most flattering look's for your photos I recommend sticking to neutral and earthy tones — think off-whites, creams, pastels, browns and greens. Mix textures and fabrics for depth and interest.
Please avoid bright colours, solid black, and anything with large logos or graphics. If you'd love any styling advice, please just ask!
CLIENT WARDROBE
My client wardrobe is available for your session! I have a gorgeous range of neutral-toned dresses that fit a range of sizes beautifully. You are more than welcome to come in for a try on at the studio and an item from the wardrobe for your session.
Hair & Make up
This is something that is really personal, don't overthink it. If it's going to be breezy and you never wear your hair out it's probably going to annoy the heck out of you so a soft updo might be a good option. However most women will have it down and rock soft curls.
If you need to outsource this you can ask me If I have capacity to do your hair (I am an ex hairdresser) at the studio
Or try Samantha @ameliamaevehair
Make up soft and natural, you do not need to fake tan your body from head to toe if you wouldn't usually do this. Men don't wear make up and they still photograph well!
If this is something you would like to outsource try @stephaniebelt_makeup www.stephaniebeltmakeup.com.
weather expectations
Marlborough weather has a mind of its own, so it's always good to be prepared! Maybe lowering your expectations because not every session has perfect conditions and it's just something out of our control. With a relaxed attitude and a go with the flow vibes we will make the most of the evening. Please check the forecast before your session and pack a spare layer for warmth just in case. I would also suggest a spare outfit in the car just incase someone get's dirty or wet during the session, something clean and warm to throw on afterwards is always a good idea.
my workflow
I’ll usually like to begin with gentle prompts to help you feel comfortable and ease into things, then allow the session to naturally unfold from there. We’ll move between guided moments and genuine interactions, creating space for laughter, inside jokes, connection, and highlighting the little parts that feel like the two of you.
The goal is for your session to feel relaxed, effortless, and like time spent together, with beautiful images created along the way to take home.
I look forward to meeting you both and capturing something you'll look back on for years to come.
A gorgeous selection of pieces lovingly chosen so you can feel comfortable, confident, and completely yourself during your session.
client wardrobe
What happens next?
1 month prior to your session you will receive a couples questionnaire this is when you can fill in all the details and we can have a chat to lock everything in! I am always available on email should you need to get in touch sooner.
A final note from me
Thank you for trusting me with a little piece of your story. The seasons we are in often pass by before we realise how much they meant, and it is such a privilege to preserve these moments for you to return to.
I hope these photographs become a reminder of this chapter, the love you share, and the memories you are creating together.
I can’t wait to see you both soon.
Sarah x