Wedding season is amongst us, and while many happy couples are preparing to walk down the aisle, many more are still in the early stages and preparing for their engagement + save the date portrait sessions. There are so many routes you can go down when planning these sessions (themed, formal, destination location), but there are a few touchstones that remain the same no matter when or where you have them done.

Here are a few tips to help you get the perfect photos:

Scout Locations
In-studio portrait sessions are always easy and fun, but there’s also nothing like going out on location. With so many beautiful backdrops throughout every city, your engagement session is a prime time to capture a special moment or location in your wedding story. Public parks and murals, lakes, galleries, trolley cars and city attractions all fun options for a shoot. Think about what you and your mate love to do, and try to find a way to incorporate that into each session.

Compliment Each Other
Not just with words, but with your wardrobe! After you decide on a location, think about what you can wear as a couple that is complimentary without being costumey (you don’t want to become an internet meme. Eek!) Whether you decide to go really casual or get decked out to the nines, stick with silhouettes that are flattering to your frame (you’re at the mercy of the elements so nothing billowy or baggy), and coordinate the patterns + color in your attire not only to each other, but also to your location. Skip out on solid white or cream tops (which can sometimes get blown out in the sunlight) for pretty hues of blue, red, green, or yellow, and balance out your patterns so that they don’t clash with any backdrops. Whatever you wear, make sure you feel comfortable and confident in it-it will show in your photos.

Be Polished
Fellas, make sure you shave and get a fresh haircut 1-2 days before, and ladies, go for a mani/pedi and do your makeup so that you can be perfectly polished in your photos. If you’re able to have your makeup professionally done, take them inspiration photos and have a test run with them prior to the session so that you won’t be surprised the day of. Cameras can be harsh + show EVERYTHING (pores, blemishes, wrinkles) while also washing you out, so while you may be someone who prefers to go au natural every day, a little bit of polish will go a long way. If you’re unable to have your makeup done, no worries: groomed + defined brows, foundation + concealer (to smooth and highlight skin) mascara, and a little bit of color on the cheeks and lips will instantly brighten up your face. Talk with a friend who’s makeup you admire or visit a beauty counter for application tips and tricks so that you can be the best version of YOU.

Show Your Personality
When everything else is said and done, have fun and show your personality in your photos! These images can be a reflection of your love, so be open to trying different poses, be affectionate, tell each other inside jokes and LAUGH! Nothing can show your happiness like a smile, so while planning a wedding can be stressful, don’t forget to celebrate during moments like this.

Once you’ve chosen the perfect photos, you now have images that can be used for events leading up to your wedding day including save the dates, engagement party, bridal brunches, and more.

Thank you to BJ + Joya, my (newly engaged!) couple for this post. They were so much fun to shoot with (even though he hates taking photos, lol), and I can’t wait for our next session!

engagement photos photography tips style