What to Wear: Engagement Sessions

Things to Keep in Mind

• Your body type. We all hate those fashion magazines that tell us all of the ways that we are making ourselves look horrible in the clothes we love. And I want you to not only look fabulous, but feel fabulous too in your photos! So know what works for your body type. If you are going shopping for your session, bring a friend with you and ask for feedback. Or, go shopping in your own closet! Put in the effort, and dress accordingly.
• Coordinate colors. You want to look great together without looking too “matchy”. One thing to remember is that you don’t have to be in the exact same color. The same color family would work well too (example: bold purple and light purple).
• Coordinate styles. Guys make sure you match the overall vibe of your fiancée’s outfit. If she’s wearing a dress, make yourself look a little nicer. If she’s wearing some hot jeans and fun heels  then funk yourself up a little with a snazzy tie and nice Chuck Taylor’s.
• A cute cocktail dress or a little black dress is always a good way to go.
• Stick to more fitted clothing. Anything baggy will make you look bigger than you are and look messy.
• The layered look is always a winner. Think, “Night on the town”. For example:
  Guys: Nice dark jeans, hip shoes, dress shirt and a loose tie. A jacket to finish it off.
  Ladies: Nice jeans, paired with a dressy top, splashes of color or patterns, funky jewelry and high heels.
• It is always best to bring a few different outfits so that you can change for your specific location. My couples typically bring two outfits: one dressier and one casual. Whatever speaks to your personalities as a couple!
• Most importantly: Be comfortable and have fun with it! You will have a much better time which will make for better photos.

Things Not to Wear

• Bright white matching shirts – just say no
• Tops with big logos or a lot of writing on them – keep it clean and classy. A shirt that says “Not at the table, Carlos” isn’t a good idea. (The Hangover, anyone?)
• Shirts with short hemlines and mid-drifts or super short skirts.
• Exact matching outfits. Look coordinated, not matching. White shirts and jeans don’t have much personality and your engagement session is your time to let your personality shine.

Things you might want to bring with you:

• Flip flops – If you are like me, you’ll want to bring these for walking between locations, especially if you are wearing heels!
• A compact mirror for makeup or hair touch-ups
• A blanket or picnic blanket if we are shooting in a field or a park
• Hairband, clips, ponytail holder, etc. in case of a windy day

Want to really personalize your session? Think about bringing props.

• Sunglasses
• A “Thank You” or “Save the Date” sign on a posterboard for personalized thank you and save the date cards. It’s a great way to get your engagement photos out there for everyone to see!
• Instruments you play
• Cupcakes… you know that’s a winner in my book!
• Balloons (or one big balloon!)
• Your pet. (Note: If you are bringing your pup with you, think about bringing a sibling or friend to watch the dog when not in photos.)
• Hats
• Your favorite cool couch or chair. Think a fun chair in a field, imagine the possibilities!
• Anything else that screams, YOU as a couple.

Makeup and Hair:

Are you having your makeup done for your wedding?  Then why not get it done for your engagement session? It is always great to have a professional when you can. So in order to add that extra “je ne sais quoi” to your session, think about getting your hair and makeup did! I am sure you are absolutely wonderful at doing it yourself on a day-to-day basis. But a professional will know what photographs best and how to make you look amazing for your fun engagement session that you will be looking at for years to come. If you need a referral, just ask!

If you are worried about cost you can always arrange to have your makeup trial done on the same day of your engagement session, two birds with one stone! Looking back, I should have done this. I had my makeup trial…and no where to go! Or are you in need of some makeup products? Hit up a MAC or Benefit counter and get your face made up. Plus new goodies!

Above all else, just remember:

Be yourself! An engagement session is a chance to photograph you, so let your personalities shine through ! Dress nice, but don’t get so “gussied up” that you are uncomfortable or don’t feel like “you”. Interact with each other the way you normally would. Goof off, make faces, cuddle, laugh, play. In other words, have fun!