Your engagement session should reflect who you are as a couple. One of my favorite shoots incorporated a bench that the couple had some of their deep talks on. Another shoot was down in Hollywood Candy for a vintage vibe. Here's a few ideas to get you started. 

1. Whimsical - flowing dresses, soft pastels, and an outdoor setting like a field or a lake

2. Urban & Chic - Stylish outfits with a modern city backdrop, rooftop views, or alleyways

3. Hobbies or Favorite Restaurant - self explanatory! 

4. Vintage - themed outfits, downtown locations, ivy covered walls or buildings

Not sure what you'd like to do? Let's chat and plan something that matches your love story! 

Once you've decided on the vibe, what you wear will play the next big role in how your photos look. Here's my best tips: 

• Choose light neutrals & soft colors - these photograph beautifully and look good with any color scheme on that save-the-date, just in case you happen to change your mind later on! Think soft beige, light blues, sage greens, blushes, or whites. Brides often choose white for their photos, although you definitely don't have to! 

• Coordinate, don't match - choose outfits that complement each other without being "matchy-matchy". If one of you is wearing a pattern, keep the other in solid colors.

• Location & season - flowy dresses look beautiful in open fields and nature settings, while structured outfits work better in formal, urban settings. Make sure to dress for the weather! 

• Avoid distractions - skip the big logos, neon colors, or busy patterns. Those things can take away attention from you and your fiance. 

• Bring an extra outfit - or jacket! Having one casual and one dressier look can give variety to your photos and leave you with more options for save-the-dates. 

Your engagement session should feel personal to you. Some ideas are: 

• A scenic outdoor spot - a field of flowers, a forest trail, or a lakeside sunset.

• An urban setting - your favorite coffee shop, city streets, or a rooftop skyline.

• A sentimental location - where you had your first date, a park you love, or even your own home! Just make sure your photographer has the proper lighting equipment if you're wanting to shoot indoors.

Honestly, it'll be in more photos than you probably expect. Give it a good clean before your session. If you don't have a chance to take it into a professional, you can soak it in warm water to loosen the dirt, and then gently scrub it clean with mild soap and a soft toothbrush. Something a jeweler told me once, make sure you are cleaning the bottom of the gemstones, not just the tops. It's actually usually the dirt on the bottom - underneath and in the settings - that cause rings to lose their sparkle. 

Schedule your session around golden hour or blue hour - the soft, warm glow right before sunrise or after sunset creates the most magical lighting for photos. 

Get your nails done! This includes guys too (y'all don't need polish, but clean up the cuticles and smooth out the rough edges) - your hands will be in a LOT of close-up shots. 

Relax and have fun! The best photos happen when you're just being yourself. Enjoy the time spent with your fiance - laugh, cuddle, kiss, and enjoy the moments! After all, you're getting MARRIED!!