Your session is scheduled, and we found the perfect place, but now . . . what to wear to your engagement photo shoot? This isn’t as daunting as you may think. With some easy tips, you can transform your outfits and be photo-ready! We connect with all kinds of couples so this article is to share some of our favorite guidelines and tips with a wide variety of styles and locations.
For our brides and grooms, we love brainstorming and even seeing photos of outfits before, so they feel confident and have options going into the session. Here are not only some of our favorite images, but outfits, and couples!
Do we dress up or go casual?
Both! In our sessions, we schedule enough time for 2 outfits.
Who could ever choose just one outfit? I know… me neither so, that is why we encourage couples to have variety in their portraits through multiple outfits. It doesn’t have to be overwhelming and we have a few “tips” to have dynamic looks without full outfit changes too. There is no perfect outfit to wear, the most important thing is to be comfortable and be yourself. We encourage everyone to have a dressy and casual look for variety!
Dressy
If your wedding is more of a high-end fancy affair, it’s always nice to have dressier and more composed outfits, especially if you are sending save the dates with a feature image. Having engagement portraits that align with your wedding style help to communicate the vibe of your day. It’s not a requirement, and a dressy outfit can have casual elements too, but there are some key items that make a couples outfit feel more polished.
This couple had a nice balance with this beautiful pink dress, high heels, and then the groom wearing khakis.
Both have a full-on glam look but are still not fully dressed up since the groom didn’t wear the jacket. Love that bowtie!
This hybrid outfit blends a polished dress with a crisp dress shirt and denim.
Casual
If you don’t like to be fancy, but you want to have polished photos no worries! Often for the ladies, this comes down to wearing a dress or pants, skirt or shorts, heels or flats (you get my drift). So like we said before there aren’t any rules, but we are sharing some couples that blended comfort and beautiful looks. When I look at these photos the words that come to mind is cozy, mmm who doesn’t love feeling cozy. Yes, please!
How FAB are these boots – just beautiful!!
YES… BABY GOATS!!!
Looking your best during the session
Shoes are important
We are not believers in the phrase, “pain is beauty” because there is NO POINT. OK, now I shall get off my soapbox. I love the look of high heels, but the functionality of a flat or flip flop. So, bring both. Wear flats or sandals walking between locations and then slip your fab heels on before we start capturing your love story.
Favorite Accessories
- Scarves
- Wraps or large shawls – especially in a cooler month, they are so cozy
- Vests – guys, add a vest and have a whole new look over a sweater
- Fun shoes – ladies, a fun POP of a bright or patterned shoe add to an outfit
- Jewelry – changing a necklace or earrings can bring great variety to your look
Layer up
Taking a few accessories and creating layers can take a simple outfit and make it special and pop. Also if your session is in a cooler month, you will be comfortable. Remember, being comfortable allows you to relax even more and be natural for your session.
Be prepared with a few “must-have” touch-up kit
Between looks or event locations, a few seconds of freshening up helps you feel and look your best. We love natural and fun sessions, so don’t overthink it but come prepared.
- Lint Roller – as 2 dog owners we can’t live without these. Bringing one helps to catch any stray hairs or random “fuzzies” you may pick up along the way.
- Extra hair and makeup touch-ups – To make sure that you can maintain your hair and makeup look, bring a small touch-up kit if needed between outfit changes.
- Bobby Pins (you never know if we have a little wind how these come in handy)
- Chapstick or lipstick – you know… love requires kissing so, you may need to touch up on lip products.
- Powder – To keep shine at bay (especially in the warm summer months) bring a compact or loose powder.
What about jerseys? Bring them! We can snap a few photos at the end to cheer on your favorite team :).
No matter what you wear, it’s truly all about love and celebrating this beautiful season of your life! Please contact Leigh before the session to brainstorm or share outfit ideas, we love helping you look and feel your best!
Congrats! – Leigh