COORDINATING THE LOOKS
The goal is COORDINATING outfits instead of MATCHING! I also recommend avoiding that both of you wear WHITE as a top since it doesn’t allow for any contrast in your images. As you’re coordinating your outfit with your partner’s, keep in mind that your outfits will look the most cohesive on camera when the color palettes coordinate, but don’t necessarily “match.” You should each aim to wear a different dominant color, but stay within a similar color palette family. For example, if you’re wearing a blush dress, gold earrings, and nude heels (blush being your dominant color), then your partner could wear something in the gray or navy family while incorporating a blush accent or accessory. This way, you have your own dominant color (blush) and they have theirs (navy)! Most people choose one of their outfits first, and then put together their partner’s outfit based on that.
FLATTERING YOUR FEATURES
In our experience, every woman, regardless of her shape, has an area of her body that she’s self-conscious about, so recognizing what that is in advance is key. Choosing flattering silhouettes and colors that compliment your natural features is the best way to ensure you’ll love the way you look in your photos. Three-quarter-length sleeves create an awesome slimming effect on all arms, so be on the lookout for an option with a longer-length sleeve. You could also bring a cute jacket, blazer, or cardigan along too. Skinny straps or strapless dresses have the opposite effect on arms on camera, so we recommend avoiding those whenever possible if your goal is a set of slimmer-looking arms. Heels elongate legs, making them look amazing. Closed-toed shoes, heels in particular, look great on camera because they carry out the line of your leg all the way down to your toe. If your toes are showing in a peep-toe heel, you might want to schedule a pedicure before your session so you don’t regret letting your feet show. These little tricks make all the difference!
MAKE A STATEMENT
Pairing an accessory or two with your outfit can really help bring some extra dimension to your images. Bold statement necklaces bring a lot of pop to the photos, while the smaller, delicate ones are not as noticeable on camera. Belts, bracelets, and earrings bring great visual interest, so choose one or two that don’t compete for attention. Fresh flowers in a crown or bouquet can be a really romantic touch as well!
GO PRO: HAIR & MAKEUP
Splurge a little! If you were considering getting your hair and makeup done, this is the perfect opportunity to treat yourself! Professional hair and makeup are on the top of most of our clients’ checklists because it looks amazing and removes the stress of getting ready on your own. Whether it’s lash extensions or blown-out hair, professional hair and makeup will give you an extra boost of confidence in front of the camera, and it always photographs like a dream. You will cherish these images forever and so investing in professional hair and makeup can be an extra fun way to celebrate the occasion and allow you to be extra confident during your shoot! If you’re working with a makeup artist, have them apply your makeup in natural light, if possible, so that it looks fresh and not too heavy. Plus, that’s the type of light we’ll be shooting in, so it’ll give you the best expectation of how it will translate on camera. Some of our clients feel like their makeup is “too much” at first, since it’s more than you would wear on a normal day, so if you feel that way at the beginning, don’t worry! Good makeup artists know how to get it just right for the camera — and our clients always love the final result. If you need a recommendation for hair and makeup, just let me know and I’ll send you the contact information for some of our favorite hair and makeup artists. They’re sweet as pie, unbelievable professionals, and wonderful people. You’ll LOVE them, and we know they’ll take good care of you!
GET THAT SPARKLE
Don't forget to clean your ring! Time permitting, we will be photographing your gorgeous diamond, which means that this would be a perfect opportunity to have your ring cleaned so that it’s clear of dirt and other build-up that may be visible through a macro lens!
A LITTLE EXTRA POLISH
Don’t forget, your ring will be center stage, so give yourself permission to get it cleaned and your nails done, too!
SKIP THE SPRAY TAN
Although it might seem counter-intuitive, we recommend that you do not get a spray tan before your session, even a few days prior, because it tends to photograph orange even when it’s applied subtly and by a professional. Your actual skin tone will photograph the most beautifully!