So this week I had the lovely honor of photographing Katy & Joey for their engagements. Katy was a doll, and even brought a freshly yellow bouquet of daisies in a jam jar! These two were wonderful to work with and we really enjoyed ourselves, despite sweating our butts off in the hot Florida sun!

This chick is F-I-T fit. When Jenn called me about doing some audition photos for her dancer auditions, I was happy to oblige. But man, I came away from this shoot thinking I should pick yoga back up. She has a killer body, and legs for days. The edgy yet graceful poses she was dishing out really blew me away. Overall, a very fun, very efficient photo session with a unique and stunning outcome!

I’ve had a lot of questions about what I suggest for engagement sessions, so this is a blog post for all the brides and grooms out there that like to plan ahead (I sure do!), and need some insider tips for their e-session.

First of all: The photographer. Ladies, this is most important, second only to finding your groom. Couples should find a photographer that they connect with, who shares their artistic preferences, and who is willing to collaborate with their clients. Some photographers are only interested in a portfolio build, but there are gems out there whose utmost interest is client happiness.

Now for the fun part: Decisions decisions decisions. By this time words like “outfits, locations, poses, themes, colors, backdrops” should be swarming around in your head, but not to fret! When it is all said and done, these are the decisions that will matter most. What will your engagement pictures reflect of you as a couple?

General Theme: Do you want the shots to be romantic, vintage, youthful, playful, fun, edgy, indie, funky, different, unique, colorful, humorous, lighthearted, offbeat, modern, or traditional? Think of a few key words to describe how you want the photos to be, and make sure to communicate them to your photographer.

Outfits: This is entirely up to the couple. Outfits help to translate the theme of the shoot. Personally, I suggest that you wear whatever you feel most fabulous and beautiful in, because that added confidence boost will show in your pictures. I love when brides add small details, fancy heels, adorable dresses, fantastic prints, etc. One key tip to remember: try to have one person wearing a playful print, and the other wearing a solid complimentary color – this adds so much visual interest without much aesthetic clash.

Poses: Posing is important, which is why your photographer will make heaps and heaps of suggestions during the shoot. The only thing to remember with this topic is: have fun! If you feel like doing something, do it! Those spontaneous poses and facial expressions are always the most treasured and most reflect the couple’s unique personality (as noted in the above photo).

Locations: Ah, now, the holy grail (if you will) of engagement photographs. A good location says so much about a couple; it gives the couple a medium with which to portray who exactly they are. My personal favorite ideas for a location are those that directly relate back to the couple, like a café, restaurant, library that the couple frequents, or an area that holds special memories (first kiss, first date, etc). Aside from those special locations, scope out your local area for beautiful fields of flowers, semi-private beaches, beautiful streets or shops, all of which add a fantastic (often colorful) backdrop for the couple.

Okay! Now go forth and take the most fabulous engagement pictures to send out in your save the dates and display with your wedding table centerpieces and frame in your newlywed home! And one last thing to remember: have fun! These are pictures you will be showing your children’s children, show them how cool you were!