What to Wear for Your Engagement Pictures

"What would you suggest we wear for our session?" is what many photographers hear often from about every couple involving their own individual engagement sessions. Engagement photos are a great way to get to know your photographer, and for that photographer to get to know you as a couple. On your actual wedding day, you will feel more comfortable around your photographer, and the photographer can take images that better show your personalities and relationship.

Consider the location where you'll be shooting and the mood you want to create, and then pick the perfect outfits to match. Some suggestions on what to wear for your session are:

• Wear something comfortable. If you're not comfortable, it will be noticeable in the pictures.
• It's best not to wear tight jeans or other tight clothes that could restrict movement or show curves that you don't want to show.
• Wear clothes that are on the same level of dressiness. Don't dress up and have your fiance wear their everyday street clothes. Coordinate your clothing with each other and wear similar shades that go together. Choose clothes that look best on you, but don't be too matchy.
• Wear something you love, and make sure it's "you". Choosing clothing that compliments your personality, will make it shine through the photographs.
• Avoid trendy clothing. This will date your photos as soon as the trend goes out of style. 
• Choose solid colors because patterned prints will look busy in photos and draw attention away from your face, so choosing solid colors are often best. 
• Choose colors that compliment your skin tone. For example, if you have light skin, white or light color clothing can wash out your complexion in photographs. 
• Have the clothes match the location and season of your shoot. If you are taking pictures in a downtown area, you might consider more urban clothes, such as a nice button up shirt for your guy and more dressy pants or dress for yourself.
• Wear shoes you love. Shoes can make a statement!
• Avoid any major changes with your hair and makeup. You want your engagement photos to reflect who you really are, and you want to be comfortable in your own skin. 
• Consider bringing an outfit to change into mid-way through your photo session. You could start the session wearing dressy clothes, and then change into more casual clothes (or vice versa).

Here are just a few images that I found (and loved!) for inspiration:

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If you are still stuck on what to wear, check out your photographer's blog to see what couples, just like you, are wearing. There are also so many wedding inspiration blogs out there that can make you inspired; Style Me Pretty, 100 Layer Cake, Ruffled, Green Wedding Shoes, Snippet and Ink, to name a few. Or check out Pinterest, which has an endless amount of inspiration.

Your engagement pictures can be used for your Save the Dates, guest books or just in frames to decorate your cocktail hour or reception and of course, will be used around your house. Take a little time to make these photos priceless in the many years to come. 

-Amanda

What To Do When You First Get Engaged

Congratulations!  Welcome to one of the most exciting times of your life.  Before we get into the beginning stages – find your fiancé and kiss!  The next few months can be overwhelming for some so it is important for you, as a couple, to take a deep breath and have fun.  If you haven’t already done so start to think about your wedding – the mood, colors, location, time of year and write it all down in a journal.  Start capturing your ideas on paper so you can refer back to your notes as you continue in the process. 

First, tell friends and family.  Try to tell your closest family and friends in person because they will want to see the excitement on your faces.  Be prepared to retell your magical engagement story over and over again and show off your new beautiful ring!  If possible, take time to get a manicure before you start showing off your ring, after all your hand will be in a LOT of pictures! 

After you have shared the news with the most important people in your lives, sit down and discuss a preliminary guest list.  Take this time to determine exactly who you and your fiancé would like at your wedding.  After you have decided on your guests, ask your parents if they would like to add any additional people.  The guest list is important because it ultimately helps to determine your venue. 

Next, discuss a budget and keep it realistic.  The budget, just like the guest list, will determine the venue, along with all other details, of your wedding.  It can be a difficult conversation for some but it is important to know up front whether or not you will have any financial help from family members.  While having this conversation be sure to remind all involved that this your wedding.  Obviously you appreciate their help but it is important to make your wedding day about you and your fiancé.  If you and your fiancé are paying for your wedding be sure to communicate and start a savings account immediately! 

Think about how long of an engagement you would like and then beginning to create a timeline.  This is a great time to secure a wedding planner who can help to ensure you stay on target and don’t fall behind in your planning.  A planner has the knowledge to provide you with a probable timeline and is in contact with vendors in your budget.  Throughout the planning process and on your wedding day a planner helps to provide you with a stress-free environment so you can fully enjoy your day. 

This is one of the most exciting times of your life so be sure to find time with you and your fiancé.  Show off your ring, tell anyone who will listen that you are engaged, kiss a lot, take your time, stay calm and remember it is your wedding, so take charge.  Last but certainly not least – ENJOY IT!

-Annemarie