HAIR + MAKEUP
For your hair: You don't have to get your hair professionally done, although that always looks good, but if you do it yourself just put in a little extra care and attention. Wear your hair the way you feel the most beautiful.
Most makeup artists offer a trial run to make sure they are the right fit for you and to test out the look you want for your wedding day, so your engagement session is a perfect opportunity to do this.
You don't want to waste looking gorgeous by just going to the grocery store or staying home!
I highly suggest that you get your makeup professionally done, but if you are doing your own makeup, be sure to put on much more than you normally would, because makeup looks washed out in photos.
False lashes look AMAZING in photos and really enhance your eyes, so I recommend wearing them!
OUTFIT 1- Formal
HER
{If you decide not to have two outfits at your engagement session, choose formal rather than casual for your outfits.}
Bride-to-be, start by styling yourself since you are most likely putting together the wardrobe for your engagement session.
For your first outfit, I highly recommend wearing a dress. They are classy, compliment all body types, and, from my experience photographing many couples, look the most flattering in photos. Pants and a shirt can still look very nice, but they don't have the same effect as a dress.
Your dress can have a pattern or be a solid colour in any length or style you like, however, dresses that are modest make the whole photoshoot look more elevated and high-end.
Don't forget about shoes! They truly make or break the look. If you're wearing a fancy outfit, you don't want to be wearing sandals or Crocs! Choose shoes that match the tones and vibe of the outfits. Heels and flats are always a good option.
After you have chosen an outfit, add a few accessories that accentuate it and reflect your personality and style.
HIM
Once you've chosen your outfit move on to your fiancé's.
Start by picking out a pair of dress pants in a colour that complements your dress. (Make sure he has a belt on for this outfit.)
Then add a white or coloured button-up shirt. If your dress is a solid colour, you can choose either a patterned shirt or a solid-coloured shirt; but if your dress is patterned, then it's best to choose a solid colour for him to offset the pattern in your dress.
He can also wear a suit jacket or tie to elevate the look a bit more.
Be sure he is wearing dress shoes to make the whole outfit look cohesive.
For accessories, he can wear a nice watch or cufflinks as these are always amazing details in photos.
STYLING YOUR
ENGAGEMENT SESSION
OUTFIT 2- Casual
HER
For your second outfit, you can get into something more comfortable or change into another formal outfit.
Casual wear at a photoshoot doesn't mean sweats and a hoodie, it's more of a polished look. A perfect balance between comfort and style.
Start by choosing a shirt that has a pattern or is solid coloured. Once you have the shirt, pair it with pants, jeans, or a skirt that complement its tones (it's okay to go with trendy pants, you don't have to stick with skinnys). Consider adding layers like a cardigan or chic blazer.
Again, don't forget about your shoes! The nicer they are, the better!
HIM
Choosing your fiance's outfit will be the same steps as choosing yours.
Start by picking out a shirt that has a pattern or is solid coloured. If you are wearing any patterns, it is best that he doesn't. Once you have the shirt, pair it with pants or jeans that complement its tones.
THINGS TO AVOID:
1. Small and busy patterns: Small patterns (especially checkered or striped) sometimes photograph in a way that gives off strange colors and abnormal patterns in the final image.
2. Choose Comfort Over Style: I want your session to be fun! If you have an outfit that requires you to suck in or constantly worry about how you look, that isn't the best choice for your engagement session.
3. Coordinate, Don't Match: A lot of couples MATCH outfits, but that is not the goal. The goal is to make the two outfits COORDINATE.