1. Start with a photographer you trust. Hiring the right photographer is one of the most important decisions you will make for your wedding. He/she has the task of documenting not only a very special day, but more importantly, your love and the beginning of your family’s story. Make sure you love their work and trust their skill and you’ll be more relaxed (and better photographs will result).
2. Choose a location that’s meaningful to you. When you are photographed at a location that is significant to you, it tells a more complete story of your love and who you are as a couple. Think about the place you first met, your first date, a spot you spend a lot of time, your new house…your engagement photos are about capturing who you are at an incredibly special time in your lives and the location can help express that.
3. Make sure your style and clothing represent who you are. Plan on wearing two outfits each for two looks and have fun with it. Get dolled up like you would for a fabulous date or rock the sun dress and Sperry’s if you’re headed to the docks. Just make sure your style is YOU. Remember what Coco says: Fashion changes, but style endures.
4. Wear clothing you both feel fabulous in and coordinate outfits, but don’t match. You should both be casual if you want to have fun with roller skates on the boardwalk, or you should both be dressed elegant if you want a timeless classic look on a city sidewalk. Whatever you decide to wear, make sure you are comfortable and feel great.
5. Consider bringing a significant prop. If you bring an item that is fun or important to your relationship it generates creativity and provides some personal insight into your story. It could be a guitar, cowboy hats, your motorcycle or your dog…as long as it’s you, it’ll help communicate more about your relationship.
6. Have fun! This is about documenting your love and telling your story so enjoy every moment of it! The more fun you have the more relaxed you’ll be and the more honest imagery you’ll create.
Some quick extra tips:
1. Avoid tiny or busy prints in your clothing
2. Get your hair and make up professionally done
3. Use eye drops an hour before the shoot to make your eyes pop
3. Get plenty of sleep the night before the shoot and be on time
4. Drink lots of water the week of the shoot to hydrate your skin
5. Avoid drinking alcohol the night before the shoot
6. And again, have fun!