Ali Garcia Photography

A PLANNING GUIDE FOR COUPLES

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If you’re reading this, it means you’ve already taken a big step — you chose to document your story in a way that actually feels like you. That matters.

This guide is here to help you feel confident, prepared, and excited — without the overwhelm. You don’t need to have everything figured out right now. That’s part of why I’m here.

Whether you’re planning an elopement, a proposal, or a couples session just because — my goal is to make this process feel easy, thoughtful, and meaningful from start to finish.

Take what’s helpful, skip what isn’t, and trust that we’ll shape something that fits you.

WHAT YOU'LL FIND IN THIS GUIDE:

Location Guidance

Choosing a place that feels right

Timing & Light

When your day will photograph best

Outfit & Style Guidance

What to wear and how to coordinate

Planning with Intention

Focusing on what actually matters

Timeline Flow

How your day can unfold naturally

What to Expect

What it’s like working together

Weather & Flexibility

Embracing the unexpected

After Your Session

What happens next

CHOOSING THE RIGHT LOCATION

Your location sets the tone for everything — but it doesn’t have to be complicated.

When choosing a spot, I always encourage couples to think about:

How you want the experience to feel (quiet, adventurous, scenic, intimate)
Accessibility (how far you want to hike, walk, or drive)
Privacy (popular spots vs. tucked-away locations)
Time of year (weather, crowds, seasonal changes)

Colorado offers everything from dramatic mountain views to quiet forest paths, open fields, and cliffside overlooks. Destination locations bring their own magic, too.

If you’re unsure — that’s completely okay. Location guidance is part of your experience with me. I’ll help you choose a place that photographs beautifully and feels right for you. Click the link below for my exclusive location guide to browse a list of curated spots perfect for your Colorado elopement or couples session.

COLORADO LOCATION GUIDE

BEST TIME OF DAY FOR PHOTOS

Light has a huge impact on how your photos feel.

Sunset: Soft, warm, and romantic. Ideal for relaxed, dreamy images.

Sunrise: Quiet, peaceful, and intimate. Perfect for secluded locations.

Midday: Bright and bold. Best for shaded areas, overcast days, or dramatic landscapes.

I’ll help guide you toward the best timing based on your location, season, and overall vision — and we’ll always leave room for flexibility.

OUTFIT & STYLE GUIDE

What you wear should feel like you — elevated, comfortable, and natural

WHAT PHOTOGRAPHS BEAUTIFULLY

Neutral and earthy tones

Soft textures and natural fabrics

Layers that add movement

Flowy dresses, relaxed tailoring, and well-fitted basics

WHAT TO AVOID

Large logos or graphics

Neon or overly bright colors

Stiff or restrictive fabrics

COORDINATING WITHOUT MATCHING

Choose complementary tones rather than identical colors. Think balance — one outfit softer, one more structured.

FOOTWEAR

Prioritize comfort. You can always switch shoes for photos. Neutral boots, sandals, or clean sneakers photograph best outdoors.

ACCESSORIES

Hats, jackets, jewelry, and meaningful personal items can elevate your look without overpowering it.

HAIR & MAKEUP

Natural, timeless styling always photographs best.

Avoid heavy contour or overly matte makeup

Choose hairstyles that move well in wind and weather

Professional hair and makeup is recommended, especially for elopements and weddings

WEATHER, BACKUP PLANS & FLEXIBILITY

Weather Doesn’t Ruin the Day — It Shapes It

Colorado weather can change quickly — and that’s completely okay. Some of my favorite images have come from wind, clouds, light rain, and other unexpected conditions. We’ll always have backup options, flexible timing, and a plan that works with the environment rather than against it. Trust the process — it almost always leads to something better than originally planned.

PLANNING WITH INTENTION

The most meaningful photos come from moments that feel real — not forced.

When planning your day, focus on how it feels, how you connect with each other, and being present rather than perfect. It’s okay to let go of traditions that don’t fit or expectations that don’t feel true to you.

This experience is about documenting your relationship as it is, not how it’s “supposed” to look.

SAMPLE ELOPEMENT TIMELINE

This timeline is meant to guide the flow of your day — not control it. We’ll adjust timing based on your coverage length, location(s), and what matters most to you.

20-45 MINUTEES

Getting ready or pre-ceremony moments

Ease into the day with slow, intentional moments. This can include getting dressed, reading letters, a first look, or quiet time together before heading to your ceremony spot.

20–30 minutes

Ceremony

A private, meaningful ceremony focused on connection. Whether it’s just the two of you or a small group, this time is unrushed and centered on being present.

60–90 minutes

Adventure portraits

We’ll explore the surrounding area, move through the landscape, and capture natural, candid moments as the light shifts. This usually feels more like an experience than a photoshoot.

20–60 minutes

Second Location or Celebratory Time

Travel to a second spot, pop champagne, share a toast, enjoy a picnic, or simply soak in the moment together. This portion adds breathing room and space to celebrate.

WHAT IT’S LIKE TO BE PHOTOGRAPHED BY ME

I’ll guide you with gentle direction and movement-based prompts. Most of the time, you’ll simply be interacting with each other — walking, laughing, holding hands, and taking it all in. My focus is documenting connection, emotion, and the in-between moments you’ll want to remember most.

AFTER YOUR SESSION OR WEDDING:

You’ll receive sneak peeks within 1 week (elopements + proposals only)

Your full gallery will be delivered within the timeframe outlined in your contract

Your images will be ready to download, share, and print

If you ever need help choosing images or deciding how to use them, I’m always here.

A FINAL NOTE:

Take care of yourselves — eat, hydrate, and build in quiet moments together throughout the day. Let go of expectations, be present, and trust that you’re exactly where you need to be. You don’t need to perform or have everything perfectly planned. Just show up as yourselves — I’ll take care of the rest.