WHAT EVERY BRIDE NEEDS TO KNOW

The engagement session is one of our favorite parts of our time together because it gives you both a chance to be in front of our cameras before you get married, which is going to make your wedding day experience feel so much more comfortable. By your wedding day you’ll have experience as our models and we will know each other even better! Even though you’re going to be married along time, you only get to be engaged for this short period of time. We’re so excited to capture the only time in your life when you get to be a Fiancé. We created this guide for you, and packed it with all our best secrets for getting the best out of your engagement experience!

DRESS UP

Ever searched Pinterest for “engagement photoshoot outfit” inspiration? You’ll see lots of GOWNS, SPARKLES, TULLE, and even fun accessories like flowers and flower crowns. The reason is, and we cannot stress this enough, you CANNOT be “too dressed up” for these pictures! What’s one thing you’re going to love about your wedding photos? Likely it will be the special attire you’ll both be donning. Why not bring that same feeling into your engagement session? Don’t be afraid to get fancy. It’s even a good excuse to check out sites like Rent the Runway if you don’t want to spend a lot to look like a million bucks or if you’re thinking you’d never wear that long sparkly dress again. Once more for those in the back, you cannot be TOO FANCY

Say Yes to the Dress(es)

We highly recommend dresses. Why? Not only do long, flowing dresses look beautiful on camera because of all the elegance and movement we can capture, they are also flattering on all shapes. Ladies, the first thing you notice about photos of yourself is your insecurities, am I right? Dresses are a simple solution for effortlessly flattering those curves! Three-quarter length sleeves create an awesome slimming effect on all arms, so be on the lookout for an option with a longer length sleeve. Heels (especially closed-toed heels) have an elongating effect on camera and can be an added touch to make you feel as confident as can be. That confidence will even be reflected in the photographs.

Quick Tip: Bring a pair of flats to wear when moving from place to place. Your feet will thank you!

You can even start the session in one red carpet worthy stunner and change part way through into a more comfortable dress, one that feels like one you might rock on a special date. As tempting as your favorite jeans and comfy top might be, why not dress it up for a day?

Accessorize

Big statement necklaces bring a lot of pop to the photos, while the smaller, delicate ones are not be as noticeable on camera. Belts, bracelets and earrings bring great visual interest, so choose one or two that don’t compete for attention so you don’t overdo it. Fresh florals in a crown or bouquet can be a really romantic touch as well. Of course, your ring will be the focal point of many images so don’t forget to clean/polish it and your nails up beforehand!

When it comes to hair and makeup, lash extensions or professionally styled hair will give you an extra boost of confidence in front of the camera, and it always photographs like a dream. If your Fiancé questions the necessity of such a “splurge”, feel free to tell him it’s the Photographer’s orders!

Color Palettes

The right color can compliment your skin tone and make sure you’re wearing the outfit and the outfit doesn’t wear you. Avoiding ultra-bright, bold colors and patters will help bring all the attention to your faces and let the eye focus on the way you feel about each other. The camera loves shades of soft pink and muted blues, mixed with sophisticated light neutrals like heather gray, creams, leather brown and white. That softer color palette fits beautifully into almost all natural outdoor environments.

You and your Fiancé should aim to coordinate, not match. Most of our brides choose their dress first, and then put together their Fiance’s outfit based on that. So if you’re wearing a blush dress, soft blue earrings and nude heels (blush being your dominant color), then he could wear a navy coat with gray pants, paired with brown leather shoes and maybe even a blush pocket square. This gives him his own dominant color (navy) while still incorporating a few touches of your color palette.

Suit Up

It’s no secret that men look most striking in a well-tailored suit. If he doesn’t have one, now’s the perfect time to invest in something he’ll wear for the rest of his life! Most of the most well-known brands have off-the-rack suits in their stores for a fraction of the price of a custom one. Solid shades of gray or navy are a strong compliment to most women’s outfits, whereas pinstripes or plaid patterns tend to distract. Adding another layer will bring extra dimension and visual interest to your photos too. Blazers, vests and coats up the level of any look.

Long pants and closed-toed shoes are the most sophisticated and masculine looks for men. They draw attention away from his legs and feet and place it where you want it: on the face you fell in love with. So, for your session, it’s best to leave the shorts, sandals and jeans at home. Ties, bowties, pocket squares, colored socks, belts, tie clips, suspenders, vests and watches are sharp compliments to any suit.

How to Prepare

Most men aren’t overly excited to take photos for hours, because they don’t have an expectation of what’s to come and why it’s so important to you. Take fifteen minutes to educate and empower your guy. Tell him why you chose us and our style of photography. Show him some of your favorite photos that we’ve taken, explain why you love them and how much this session means to you. Trust us, he’ll light up the camera for you! He might not love modeling, but he does love you. By the time we’re done, though, they can’t believe how fast it went and just how much fun they had! Guys, trust us when we say this isn’t going to be a repeat of that stuffy senior session you had with that less-than-friendly photographer back in high school!

Don’t Sweat It

We know we just gave you a lot to think about. We really do want your engagement session to be a time for you to just be yourselves and enjoy it. We promise you’ll have fun and share lots of laughs. We hope you’ll make memories that will last long into your happy marriage.

We look forward to seeing you soon!