Congratulations! Now to decide what to wear to your engagement session...

He asked, & You said Yes!

So you probably had a few paparazzi photos from the proposal to share on IG-

But for your actual engagement session with your real photographer, how can you make sure you look your best in the photos?

Here are a few ideas to help

What outfit choices work well in photos:

Guys:

layers 

Dark pants or jeans

Solid colored button down shirts

Jackets, vests, sweaters, scarves, hats (but nothing baggy)

Real shoes (rather than sneakers, sandals, etc, unless you're on the beach)

Girls:

layers

Fitted top/dress with sleeves, in a solid color, that works with your eyes and skin tone

Or if wearing a sleeveless top or dress, bring along a fitted sweater/ jacket with sleeves that works with the strapless item 

(Most of us hate the way our bare upper arms look in unposed photos, or seeing armpits in snuggly or hugging pictures)

shoes or boots that are comfortable enough, but still cute

manicured nails

tailored jackets or fitted sweaters that come in at the waist or have a belt

scarves/vests/jewelry options

props like chalkboards and '&' signs from Hobby Lobby, if you like

hats

What outfit choices don't work so well in photos:

Guys: Shorts, Solid white shirts, plaids or big prints on anything, Polo shirts, t shirts, sweatshirts, logo shirts of any kind, baggy anything, skinny clothes, sneakers, baseball caps, necklaces, or rings

Girls: Shorts, Solid white tops (but a solid white dress is awesome : ), plaid anything, big prints on anything, loose sweaters or jackets, sneakers, anything without a defined waist (think 'hourglass'), rings other than your engagement ring (detracts from and confuses the mind of the viewer, who subconsciously is looking for your engagement ring) 

Optional: eyeglasses

If you want to identify the year and it's trends in the future, keep them on. But if you want a timeless look, think about wearing contacts or taking off your glasses for at least part of your session. Frames will instantly identify when your photos were taken for decades to come.

This groom wore a white shirt and his future bride, a white skirt/black top in the pic above. They truly had a great time at their e-sess & loved their photos....That said, imho, if her skirt and his shirt had more visual separation and their outfits had been complimentary but not identical colors, I think they might have loved their photos even more!  

J. wore a checked shirt-small or subtle prints are fine. R. picked a solid green top that made her beautiful eyes stand out.

Tip for you winter e-session clients who love the snowy look, but don't want to freeze: Think of a place you may have access to, such as a greenhouse, barn, building lobby, or anywhere semi-warm &  with pretty window light; to allow for indoor and outdoor winter sessions without too much frostbite!

                                                Enjoy a few all-seasons engagement photos to inspire you! : )

Please, girls, learn from T. and don't hesitate a moment to wear the flowy, swirly dress in your fave color! 

And if bold prints just make you happy, just do you- there are no hard and fast rules!