A Minnesota & Ohio Wedding Photographer’s Guide To Make Sure You Look Your Absolute Exquisite Best
Your engagement session is not just about taking beautiful photos—it’s about capturing the joy, excitement, and love between you and your partner. To help you feel confident and prepared, I’ve put together this ultimate engagement session style guide. From choosing outfits to bringing the right accessories, here’s everything you need to know!
Choosing the Perfect Location
The right location sets the tone for your engagement photos.
Whether you prefer a scenic outdoor setting, an urban cityscape, or a cozy indoor vibe at a hotel/studio, I’ll assist you in selecting the perfect spot that complements your personalities and vision.
If you have a meaningful location in mind, let’s incorporate it into your shoot! Otherwise, I can provide recommendations based on lighting, season, and aesthetic.
Outfit Planning: What to Wear
Coordinate, Don’t Match: Choose complementary colors and tones (soft pink, blue, white, tan, peach or a navy blue) rather than identical outfits. Neutrals, earth tones, and pastels work beautifully in any setting.
Though, if you are going for a more dramatic look, bright and bold colors (think cherry red or hot pink) might be a better choice
For Men: Wear suit pants, dress pants, or solid chino pants with collared shirt and possibly a blazer or full suit will look the best. Pair it all with a brown belt and shoes and your favorite dress watch for an elegant and masculine look.
For Women: Consider wearing something very flowy like a long dress or your dirac it makes everything look dreamy and helps to document motion.
Dress for the Location & Season: Flowy dresses, cultural bridal dirac, classic suits, qamis (thobes) and well-fitted outfits create a timeless look.
Avoid Distracting Patterns: Solid colors or subtle soft patterns are best. Stay away from logos, neon colors, and busy prints. When wearing patterns, carefully coordinate with your partner ( I would suggest only one of you wearing a pattern and the other a solid color.)
Consider Your Footwear: Bring comfortable shoes, some locations will require a bit of walking. I’ll provide a cart to carry extra shoes, accessories, drinks and wardrobe changes so you can swap as needed.
WHAT TO BRING: Accessories & Props to Elevate Your Look
Accessories add a personal touch to your photos! Consider bringing:
- Wedding cultural accessories (e.g., heirloom jewelry, traditional attire, or meaningful props that reflect your culture)
- A bouquet for a soft, romantic feel
- A second outfit if you’d like to have 2 different looks (casual and formal is what I recommend)
- Hijab, dirac veil, or a hat (for the men)
- Men: Your favorite watch
- Water for the hot days
- Jackets for the cold days
- Comfortable walking shoes to put on during location changes
SPLURGE ON Hair & Makeup
Consider booking professional hair and makeup to enhance your look and boost your confidence. If you’re doing your own, go for a soft or bolder look than usual to stand out on camera. Don’t forget a touch-up kit with powder, lipstick, and hairspray!
Fellas get a haircut
Prepping for the Best Experience
Rest & Hydrate: Get plenty of rest the night before and stay hydrated to ensure you look and feel your best.
Pack the Essentials: Bring water, comfortable shoes, and any props or wardrobe changes. Don’t worry—I’ll have a cart on hand to carry everything, making it easy to switch outfits!
Relax & Have Fun: The best photos come from genuine moments. Trust the process, be yourself, and enjoy this special experience with your partner!
Ready to book your session? Let’s connect and start planning!
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