[Wedding Planning 10] | Helpful Tips for Your Engagement Session

daytoremember.net | Daniel Colvin Photography | The Eiffel Tower | Paris, France | A Day To Remember Houston Luxury Wedding Planning and Design

One of the most exciting activities during the engagement period is always the Engagement Photo Session. As exciting and fun it can be, for many couples, it can be a nerve wrecking and maybe awkward experience. When couples realized the camera will be on them, all of a sudden, they freak a bit and go into a cheesy smile and goofy poses.

Remember that Friends episode where Monica and Chandler go for their Engagement portraits and Chandler has the worst freaky smile? Yeah, we've seen that happen numerous times, although not as exaggerated as the show, but you get the idea!

We are here to provide you with some helpful tips to ensure your Engagement Session is fun and relaxing!

1. BE PREPARED

Engagement sessions usually run anywhere from one to two hours. Once you've decided on the vibe you want [indoor, outdoor, mixed], it's time to pick out your outfits. We recommend two outfit changes, maybe even a third one, depending on the length of your shoot. Have a third person there, who won't make you feel uncomfortable, especially during those intimate moments. If your mom or sister is ultra conservative, maybe they won't be the best option, so having your BFF may work out best!

This third person will be your personal assistant, to hold your outfits, have a bottle or two of water to refresh yourselves [TIP: drink with a straw to avoid ruining lipstick/gloss]. In addition, this person will hold your touch up make-up/hair products, unless your stylist is coming along to the shoot!

2. WHAT TO WEAR

Less is more when it comes to selecting the perfect outfits. We recommend soft, subtle and neutral tones, allowing for a more timeless look, ensuring your images don't come of as dated. If colors are your thing, no worries, we recommend you incorporate in ways where the colors are not so close to your faces -- think accessories like shoes, belts, even earrings. Too much of a strong color could bounce off your face, especially when there's plenty of sun out!

Buying a brand new outfit for your shoot is a good idea after you've worn it once or twice, allowing you to feel comfortable in your outfit and see how well it responds to your body [does the outfit wrinkle easily, are those shoes really that comfortable, etc.]. In addition, wear an outfit that represents who you are, not who you are trying to be. When you go outside of your style just for pictures, you will find yourself very self-conscious and you just will not be comfortable, which will be reflected in your pictures.

Engagement sessions are a great trial for your Hair and Make-up artist, allowing you to get comfortable with your artist, as well as the products. Having professional makeup and hair styling allows you to see how it reads for the camera. Remember what may feel like a bit more than usual make-up, will be perfect for the camera, as the lens reflects differently than in-person or your mirror. How well did your hair and make-up hold during the photo session and the rest of the day? Making any tweaks to your make-up or hair before the big day is a huge plus!

3. DON’T FOCUS ON HOW "GOOD YOU LOOK"

You look amazing! You are both happy, glowing and in love. Remember these words. Focus on having fun, enjoying your time with your future spouse and don't fret on "Do I look good, do I look ok?"

Remember your engagement session is about capturing those special moments, the joy and excitement of your new life chapter. Remember to focus more on being in the moment!

4. BE OPEN AND HONEST

Many of our couples have never had professional pictures [not counting work-related] taken. The chances are higher you haven't had professional pictures as a couple either. Remember to come to your engagement session with an open mind and an open heart, trust your photographer will capture the true essence of you as a couple!

Don't be afraid to open up, be vulnerable and allow yourself to be in the moment, be genuine...be you!

5. BE PLAYFUL, BE YOU

Your photographer will give you direction, but if your goal is to have naturally posed images, you will best achieve these by being relaxed, natural and playful with your true love.

Picking out a location that means something to you, or maybe capturing you guys on your favorite activities when out on the town, such as drinks at your favorite bar, dessert at your favorite restaurant or coffee at your local coffee house. Are you a fur parent? Bring that furbaby along for the ride, I mean, who doesn't love pictures with furbabies???

6. HAVE FUN!

Don't sweat the small stuff, focus on the big picture. The best laid plans sometimes foil, only to create new experiences with a much better outcome!

Enjoy the moment, allow yourself the freedom to just be you!