When you start to plan your wedding, everything comes at you pretty fast… tons of decisions about vendors, venues, colors, who to invite… but one part of your wedding planning shouldn’t be stressful: your engagement session! Your engagement session is a chance to celebrate the relationship that you and your significant other have, the one that’s led you to all of this wedding planning in the first place! Although everything can feel overwhelming, I hope these few simple tips will make you feel more relaxed and ready for your engagement session!

1. Choose a location that matters to you! I am more than happy (as I’m sure other photographers are too!) to suggest great locations based on the time of year you plan to have your session. But, the pictures will be more exciting and mean more if you choose somewhere that matters to you and your fiancé. Maybe the place you had your first date, or where you got engaged. Maybe even the venue you’re getting married at! Pick somewhere that matters to you.
2. Plan more than one outfit for each of you for the session. I absolutely LOVE the “polished” look: a beautiful dress for my ladies and a suit for the guys. There’s something that instantly boosts your confidence when you put on sleek outfits like these. However, I definitely still encourage a more personal look for you both too! Something that you feel comfortable in, no matter what – the look that is more like what you wear every day together. No matter what you pick, remember to think about the colors that look best with your skin tones and colors that won’t clash with your location! You don’t want your outfits to distract from the session – you want to enhance it!
3. Consider having professional makeup done.The camera tends to wash out most skin tones, so having a well-done professional makeup job can make all the difference! A professional makeup application can cost additional money, but being able to have your features enhanced for the camera will add that extra “oomph!” to your images you’re looking for. Additionally, this can be a great time to try out any bridal make up Ideas you were thinking about!
4. Get that ring cleaned! During our session, I’ll ask for your ring to get some close up detail shots of your beautiful jewelry! Make sure you take it in before our session to have an inspection and that it’s cleaned so it’s nice and sparkly!! Don’t forget, I’ll probably take a few shots of your hand with the ring on – so a manicure wouldn’t be a bad idea either!

Honestly, wherever you choose to have your session and no matter what you wear, your engagement session will be a celebration of you two and a chance to take a breather from the stress of everyday life (and wedding planning!). Spend this time together laughing, kissing, and letting your photographer capture YOUR story before your big day comes and the next chapter begins.