Are you unsure about what you and your partner should wear for your engagement photos? Don't fret; you're not alone! This classic fashion conundrum is something many couples face when preparing for their pre-wedding photoshoot. As connoisseurs of both photography and fashion, we have a treasure trove of tips to elevate your engagement ensemble to new sartorial heights.
RULES OF ENGAGEMENT- INCREDIBLE STYLE
Breaking down what to wear—and what not to wear—as a couple when planning this super-fun pre-wedding photoshoot.
WHAT TO WEAR FOR YOUR ENGAGEMENT SESSION
If you’re a couple who lives in t-shirts and jeans, NOW IS NOT the moment to debut a beaded dress or a tuxedo. The essence of your shoot should be comfort, allowing you to look like your best, authentic selves.
Choosing outfits that deviate too far from your comfort zone can leave you looking and feeling awkward in photos. While some engagement shoots might start in intimate settings—like your hotel suite, a sailboat, or a private cabana on the beach—where less is more, you’ll eventually want to elevate the style.
Does this mean you should don an old t-shirt, a pair of jean shorts, flip flops and cargo pants? NO, and NO. Good style means to practice restraint even when you go casual. Casual style means not dressy. Casual style does not mean shabby. Casual style means relaxed but ultimately cool. Let's break down an example with TWO looks for each of you to sport during your casual but chic engagement shoot.
The Chic Casual Couple - Engagement Shoot
1) Begin with a tailored pair of shorts that highlight your physique and a crisp t-shirt.
2) For your next look, swap your jeans for sleek chinos that resist creasing, complemented by a sharp belt, a fresh t-shirt, or shirt and a pair of polished loafers.
1) Opt for an elegant top in neutrals or classic black. One-shoulder tops and crisp white shirts are simply stunning.
2)Transition into a slip dress or minimalist two-piece that flatters your figure, pairing it with strappy sandals or chic, understated flats.
The extras: Accessories go a long way. A black and white or monochromatic scarf, a pair of teardrop earrings, a minimal belt and of course your engagement ring are more than enough to elevate your casual looks.
The result: Your cool casual couple looks are a total win.
Keep reading further to see the DON'Ts
For Him:
For her:
If you adore the charm of cocktail hour, get ready for an elevated and glamorous experience! Now is the perfect moment to tap into your inner style icons and infuse that timeless allure into your dressy engagement shoot outfits! Remember, practicing restraint (again) is key when deciding on your engagement shoot looks.
What does this entail? Choose palettes that harmonize without being overly matching. Opt for tones that enhance your natural complexion, and select fabrics that exude elegance while remaining comfortable and effortless.
1) Keep in mind that fit, silhouette, and quality fabrics are the cornerstones of a great outfit. No amount of styling or photo editing can remedy issues like persistent creases, baggy pants, or a mismatch between your garment and posture. Start with breathable materials like cotton or seersucker for your daytime dressy looks, complemented by a knitted polo and your favorite loafers.
2) As evening approaches, transition to twill (be cautious with linens as they tend to crease easily) paired with a well-fitted blazer that has partial lining. You can either tone it down with a t-shirt or elevate your look with a shirt, depending on the ambiance of your chosen location.
1) Looking polished enough for your engagement photos but still breezy and lightweight. Think ramie in terms of fabric, a gathered midi piece, or louche tailoring for earlier in the shoot.
2) Don a sleek LWD or an LBD for evening paired to a statement clutch, or go fully out with a flocked silk-chiffon dress that's perfect for your fiance to take you dancing once we wrap up!
The Chic Dressy Couple - Engagement Shoot
For Him:
For Her:
Showcase your stunning ring and ensure his arms around your waist look strong and clean. As he kneels, we'll capture many details of your body language. If you're wearing sandals, make sure your feet are flawless. The same applies to your partner, especially if you're opting for a chic casual look with bare feet. Ladies should steer clear of bold nail colors; instead, elegant French, soap, or Japanese manicures and pedicures exude sophistication and style.
This is especially important if we plan on changing locations, which means quite a bit of walking. We wouldn’t want you to suffer in those beautiful new heels! Wear a comfortable pair for walking, and you can always switch back to your stylish shoes before we start shooting.
Prior to our shoot, have a conversation with your makeup artists to ensure you’re camera-ready. You'll feel refreshed and will shine on camera.
Do's and Don'ts for Engagement Shoot Looks
Say Yes to:
Two Pairs of Shoes for Each of You:
Fresh Manicures and Pedicures for Both of You:
Sleek, Fresh-Out-of-the-Salon Hair and Makeup:
Loud colors, stripes, and flashy fabrics often fail to be flattering. Instead, opt for earth tones, blacks, ivories, whites, and nudes, which consistently enhance every photograph. If you crave a touch of color, reserve it for a subtle accessory, such as a scarf or bag, that won't dominate each shot.
If you're aiming for a stunning look during a luxury engagement shoot, your hair and makeup should highlight your features beautifully. Experimenting with a new hairstyle or makeup style right before the shoot can lead to disappointment, as you might not feel like yourself in the final images. Choose elegance and remember that sometimes less is more.
Visually busy and misproportioned jewelry can negatively impact your overall appearance and make you look less put-together. When styled appropriately, some costume jewelry can exude elegance; however, large, flashy pieces may overshadow your natural beauty and draw attention away in photos. Our goal is to encapsulate your love story, express your unique love language, and highlight your sophisticated style all at once—not merely to create an advertisement for a designer brand.
Do you find yourself wanting more tips for your engagement photography? We're here to assist you! Feel free to send us an email or complete our contact form, and we'll be delighted to share our expertise with you.
Say no to:
Bold Colors and Patterns:
Dramatic Makeup or Hair Colors:
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MEET THE LENSPEOPLE
dimos bablis
vasia bablis
Your most dazzling self! That's what I aim to capture in every snapshot: the soulful moments where everything clicks, with faces beaming warmth, and gestures speaking volumes. Days full of lushness, buzzing with action, cozy vibes, outrageous fun, cutting-edge style, or steeped in tradition ceremonies. What if your photos could have all that jazz? What if there is no particular venue, or so many amazing locations? I'm on a relentless quest for every possibility, no exceptions!
Weddings are not just the current trend or the Pantone of the year; they're deeply connected experiences of the couple with the life they choose to live, their culture, their very own crowd. The camera maxes what has never happened before or will ever be the same. And then there's that magnetism of details and destinations, the excitement of being ready for any feeling, any intensity, the gorgeous setup, or the blast of a party. My focus is to give our clients images that keep them feeling.
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