Weddingbee Blog

I’m a planner, and as such I did a fair amount of Internet research before our engagement shoot. Stalking Viewing other people’s photos gave me ideas about outfits, accessories, and poses. There’s a plethora of advice out there on how to prepare for your session, but here are a few tips that we found really helpful:

1. Be true to yourself. If you normally wear flip flops, it probably isn’t a good idea to use this as an opportunity to wear four-inch stilettos. Wear clothes, shoes, and accessories that scream “you.” If you’re comfortable in your own skin, that confidence will translate to the photos. For example, these were our “casual” outfits:

You might be going “Whaaaaaa? That’s super dressy!” But, these clothes reflected our personal styles, and I love how they turned out!

2. Coordinate. Your own outfit, but also with your fiance’s outfit. In the eternal words of Stacy London and Clinton Kelly: “It doesn’t have to MATCH, it has to GO!”

3. Color. I’ve read in many places that jewel tones (e.g., emerald, ruby, sapphire) photograph well and also tend to look good with any complexion. Avoid loud, distracting prints, and also bright whites…huh? Didn’t Mr. Tartlet wear a white suit in your photos? Yep, we ignored that last bit of advice, and for the most part it worked out just fine. However, there were a small handful that had a distinct Touched by an Angel look:

Whoopsie. Well, he’s one hot angel!

4. Hair. Now is so not the time to experiment. If you plan on getting your hair cut, do it well before the photo session so it has time to relax into the new style. Don’t be like Mr. Tartlet, who was late to the shoot because he was getting his hair cut. That’s my guy.

5. Makeup. Even if you’re like me and don’t wear makeup regularly, I highly recommend wearing some for the session. If you’re a fellow sufferer of shiny-forehead syndrome, my weapon of choice is Laura Mercier’s Smooth Focus Pressed Setting Powder. I’m pretty sure Photoshop editing can achieve similar effects (I’m no expert), but getting dolled up made me feel sassy and more confident!

6. Nails. The photographer will likely want a close-up shot of your ring. As such, nails should be clean, and make sure your hands aren’t super dry. Manicures aren’t necessary, but if you’re looking for an excuse, this would be a great one!

7. Bring chapstick. Your lips may get really dry after all those smooches. Along the same lines, I wish I had brought a bottle of water because I was super parched by the end of the session.

How did you prepare for your engagement photos?