Hi! One of the first questions I get after my wedding couples book their engagement session is "okay, but what do we wear?”
Trust me, I get it. Always photographing, never being photographed. Because it's hard. Getting photos taken can already feel like a vulnerable thing (especially when you aren't used to it) and adding the pressure of choosing outfits that you’ll look back on years from now can feel like a lot. I say this because, truly, it's the most common question that I get outside of "what are your prices?" Your engagement photos are not the time to create some weird version of yourselves that doesn’t exist. I want to document the two of you in the season of life that you are currently in. I want the excitement, the connection and the way that you naturally love each other. I know this is going to sound so cliche, but the best outfit that you can choose is one that feels like you just? slightly? elevated?
The most important thing you can wear is something you feel good in. Like, what do you feel hot in? For real. Wear that. If you’re constantly adjusting your dress, pulling at your shirt or feeling uncomfortable in your shoes, it will show up in your photos. Choose pieces of clothing that you can move in, sit in, walk around in and enjoy your time together in. The way that I photograph my couples, we’re moving, we're walking, we're laughing, we're cuddling in the grass, so you want to be able to actually do that.
Secondly, think timeless over trendy. Your engagement photos will likely become images that you keep forever, so choosing something that feels timeless can help them age beautifully. Soft neutrals, earthy tones, warm colours and classic pieces photograph beautifully because they keep the focus on the two of you. Think creams and whites, warm browns and tans, sage, olive, and muted greens, denim, linen, cozy knits, flowing dresses or simple layers. That being said, if your style is bold, colourful or completely different, lean into that. Your photos do not need to look like a Pinterest board.
One thing that I do want to note when it comes to colouring though, some people often have said "ope, I didn't even think of that" so I want to share... If you intend to use your engagement photos for your wedding website or invitations, or even have them on display on your guests tables, etc, if you're choosing a bright bold colour and it doesn't happen to match the palette at your wedding, someone might cry because of how difficult it is to tie everything together.
Now, when choosing your colours... Please think about coordinating, not matching. You don’t need to show up wearing the same colour from head to toe. You and your partner both wearing white shirts with denim pants (while I know it was a highly sought after look for a long time), isn't the vibe. Instead, think about how your outfits work together. If one person is wearing a pattern, the other person might choose something more simple. If one outfit is lighter and softer, the other can balance it with deeper tones or texture. The goal is for your outfits to feel connected and one part of the whole picture, not identical. So if white shirt and denim pants is your vibe, maybe the other person chooses a full white dress or a printed dress with white and blue accents.
Another thing to consider, is to bring a second outfit. Truthfully, I love when couples bring two different looks. Even if it means getting dressed behind a blanket blowing in the wind or in the back of a vehicle. My suggestion if you do choose to bring two outfits is that one is more casual and true-to-you, maybe something you’d wear on a date night, and the second can be that more elevated choice. Having options gives your gallery more variety and lets you create a few different feelings within the same session.
One big thing to consider when you're choosing outfits is the location that we are doing photos. Your outfits should work with where we are. Also, please think practically. If we’re exploring outdoors, make sure you can comfortably walk, so maybe bringing a second pair of shoes.
To top your entire look off, accessories and sentimental pieces can add so much personality. Your favourite necklace, a watch, a jacket that you always wear, a family piece or something connected to your story together can make your photos feel even more personal, too.
At the end of the day, your engagement session is about documenting and creating art out of who you are right now. Wear something that makes you feel confident. Wear something that feels like you. The rest comes naturally when you’re focused on the person standing beside you
