What do I Wear?!

How exciting! It is finally your turn to flaunt the cutest, sweetest, and maybe even mushiest pictures of your love for the world. That’s right! You’re engaged and you want the engagement pictures to prove it. This is an awesome experience that I recommend to every couple, not only to enjoy and remember the time in your lives before you’re married but also to give your wedding photographer a test drive. These photos are a great way to see if the photographer you choose will be right for the wedding day while getting some really special shots of you and your future Mr. or Mrs. But what do you wear? Decision after decision may be a common theme in your now, ever-busy wedding planning life, but it doesn’t have to be stressful! Take a look at the following tips and know that whatever you end up wearing, the end result is just to be comfortable and happy.

1) Ask your photographer.

Something that I always recommend to clients and that can be quickly forgotten is to ask your photographer! They are, after all, the professionals, and my guess is this is probably not their first time doing an engagement session. They will be familiar with what colors, patterns and fabrics pick up well in photos, and what to steer clear of. They will also help in guiding you to choose a great location at which to take your photos and help you theme your outfits to present nicely in this location.

photos by: J. McLean Photography

2) Be authentic.

If you would rather pull teeth than be caught in a floor-length gown and most of the time are in sneakers rather than stilettos, that’s okay! The most important quality surrounding these photos is that you and your future spouse are represented well. This means that if you want to wear jeans and a baseball cap because you both spend your weekends at the baseball diamond, be yourself and do it! Don’t feel like you have to conform to some kind of Pinterest worthy couples photo for you to fit in. These photos are about you and your love for each other. That’s it. Plus you’ll be much more comfortable being photographed in your element – and the camera picks up on that!

photos by: Stephen Reasonover Photography

3) Mesh, don’t match.

Your photos will look much more put together if you and your significant other don’t match TOO well. Complementary colors or fabrics work just fine; just don’t have shirts made in the same pattern. A little color goes a long way!

photos by: Anna Lowe Photography

4) Seasonal accessories enhance the atmosphere.

Here in Maryland, fall is a beautiful time for engagement photos! You can accessorize your photos with a cute plaid scarf or chucky sweater. In the spring, consider some pastel colored jewelry, or sunglasses for the summer. Adding these little details can help communicate to the viewer the season you’re celebrating, and will help you to remember the little details of your photoshoot experience!

photos by: Scott Cech Studios

5) Options are essential!

Overall, if you can’t decide on one look, talk to your photographer about giving you some options! There might be a small additional charge for a wardrobe change or two, but it is so worth it in the end when you have some magnificent photos of the two of you to hang up at home before you’re married – in love and excited, ready to take on the world together.