Engagement Guide
Engagement Photoshoot Prep
An Engagement session is a great first step in prepping for your wedding day.
By planning your engagement session at least 6 months before your big day, you will be able to use the images for your ‘Save the Date’ and Invitations.
Another plus is at your engagement session, we will teach you our foundation of posing. Our easy posing guide fosters positivity and confidence and the poses can be used on your wedding day to help capture shots quickly and effortlessly so you walk away with beautiful images and special memories.
PRO TIP: Don’t share all of your engagement photos right away, build the anticipation by only sharing a few photos a month leading up to the big day!
Outfit Myths
MYTH ONE: Avoid neutrals because they will wash you out! Whatever color you chose, know that this myth couldn’t be further from the truth. Sure some colors don’t work for some people but the truth is, neutrals are the most photogenic color palette for portraits.
MYTH TWO: Always wear black to look thin! Sure, black is slimming but it adds a more serious dimension to portraits. There is nothing wrong with black but if you’re only wearing black to look thinner, we have your back! We believe every person is unique and beautiful just the way they are, and understand there are things we don’t necessary like about ourselves. If you share these things with us upfront we can often help with insecurities with posing and lighting. Often times you don’t realize how great you can look with just a quick adjustment before we take the photo. If you still feel like a little more needs to be done and want to digitally shed a couple pounds, we can help you out. With that said, we will not change the look of you entirely.
MYTH THREE: We need to exact matching outfits! False! Think of matching black turtlenecks with jeans. With that said, coordination is a great idea. Chose colors that compliment each other.
MYTH FOUR: You have to buy something new! False! If you know you look awesome in an outfit that you already have and it fits the style you want for your session, that would be a great choice!
Top Tips
THINGS TO DO:
POCKETS: Empty your pockets! Literally. You don’t want to look back and see your phone or keys through your pockets.
PARKING FEE: This may not apply to your photoshoot but it is a best practice to have cash on hand for parking fees.
TIMING: Allow additional travel time when life throws an unexpected curveball or heavy traffic your way.
LIP COLOR & HAIRSPRAY: You may need to apply more lip color after an outfit change and a few hair adjustments.
COMFY SHOES: If you’re wearing fabulous shoes that are difficult to walk in, bring comfy shoes while walking between locations.
ACCESSORIES: blankets, hats, scarves, a car, motorcycle etc.
SOLID COLORS: subtle plaids or solid colors that coordinate. Layer texture and neutrals are much more pleasing to the eye and they create a warmer image.
THINGS TO AVOID:
Clothes that fit poorly (too loose or too tight).
Colors that blend in with the background too much. If you pick a park or forest for your session don’t choose green or brown colors.
Exact matching outfits (unless you are going for the iconic 80s look).
Neon yellows, greens and oranges (tend to cast onto skin).
Strong / overly bold patterns
(small patterns are great and can pull outfits together).
Style(s) you’re not comfortable with
(feeling awkward will reflect in your photos).
Shirts with large characters/logos (can be distracting).
Uncomfortable shoes (you will be walking and moving around).
Deciding On Your Style
Bright & Bold
You don’t have to apply all of these “ingredients” to get a perfect Bright & Bold look.
Only one wears a pattern: If one persons wears a bold pattern, the other doesn’t. The bolder the pattern, the more important this rule is.
Bold Backgrounds: If you are going for a bright and bold look, we will help balance it with solid colored/neutral backgrounds. It’s a double win if the background coordinates with the outfits.
One bold color: We recommend one person wear a bright/bold colored outfit/accessory and the other wear solid/neutral to balance out the colors.
Large Patterns: If you want to wear a bright & bold pattern a larger scale pattern is a great choice.
Neutral
If you’re hoping for a more romantic style that includes “light” and “airy” colors, you can make outfit choices that will lead your images to be a lighter, softer look. Here are some ingredients that result in a romantic styled images.
Neutral Colors. Blush, light pinks, light blues, light teals, creams, light grays and whites result in a light and airy look. These colors photograph softer and more romantically!
Long/Flowing Skirts/Dresses: Dresses and skirts with feminine ruffles, multiple layers of fabric with the ability to flow and move in the wind photograph beautifully! You will be in awe at how impactful moving fabric softens an image.
Khakis vs. Jeans: If you want your images to be as light and soft as possible, consider having one person wear lighter pants instead of dark pants or jeans.
Classic
Classic has never looked so good! This look allows for a lot of variety and style. With a classic look you can go for that bold and beautiful, or a light and airy style. Think of casual as an upgrade to your daily style.
Classic outfits allow more patterns in your style. Flannel, animal prints, solids can work well. It is recommended for one person to wear a pattern and the other to wear a solid. This allows for a nice contrast while still coordinating.
Jeans or khakis work well for the casual look. Sneakers are great if they are black, white, blue, brown with minimal patterns. Matte boots or dress shoes can also pair well with casual look.
Classic should still compliment you and your personal style. Wear it proudly and with confidence.
Dressy
Who said the red carpet was for celebrities only? Dressy style is designed to stand out because they are not done very often. For this style you want the best of the best. Suits, dresses, ties, button ups and the shoes to match. Think of dressy as a night out on the town or a gala.
Now, before we continue, dressy styles are harder to pull off. Not everyone dresses in suits or these style of dresses. If this is not something you would wear or if it does not fit your personality don’t force yourself into this theme.
One piece of advice with dressy style is to consider a second outfit that compliments the dressy style. This gives your entire album a unique look as the day goes on. We suggest starting your session with a classic style and ending in the dressy style.
Dressy styles are a fantastic choice to give your session a high end fashion feel and one you will be proud of for years to come. With all styles, stick to a couple of colors and use your color pops as an accent to compliment the rest of the outfit.
Engagement Seasons
SPRING:
Spring blossoms are beautiful! We recommend having plenty of Claritin or Zyrtec on hand just in case allergies start to flare up.
SUMMER:
Summer greens are gorgeous! We recommend bug spray and sun block to protect you from pesty bugs and strong sun rays.
FALL:
Fall colors are fantastic! We recommend bringing accessories that can be used as extra layers in case the temps turn cooler than expected.
WINTER:
Winter is wonderful! We recommend bundling up in warm, stylish layers to stay cozy and comfortable during your photoshoot.
Wedding Checklist
Venue
Photographer
Videographer
Caterer
Cake Baker
Band / DJ
Engagement Session
Mail Save the Dates
Officiant
Wedding Dress
Additional Attire
Hair & Make Pros
Barber
Hotel Accommodations
Mail Invitations
Guestbook
Favors / Exit Props
12-24 Months
8-12 Months
8-12 Months
8-12 Months
6-12 Months
6-12 Months
6-8 Months
6 Months
Personal Preference
Personal Preference
Personal Preference
3-6 Months
3-6 Months
3-6 Months
2 Months
1-3 Months
1-3 Months