Yay!! You’re Engaged!!
Soak it all up and enjoy every moment of this little phase of life you are in. But when it comes to capturing this special season, you might be wondering how to plan engagement photos that feel personal and unique to you as a couple.
How do you pick all the right colors? What style of dress should you go for? What vibe do you want for our engagement photos? Where should you have them? Indoor ceremony or outdoor? The list goes on and on.
But guess what?! I went through all that during my own engagement and we planned a wedding in 5 months flat. I’ve seen too many of my brides struggling to find joy in the process. So I am here to help! I want you to feel all of the giddy joy this season can bring and help you with some of the planning details so that you can truly enjoy being engaged!
So, let’s dive into how to plan engagement photos that truly reflect your love story!
Before we get started, you need to know that I don’t want your engagement photos to look like anyone else’s.
So how do we make that happen?
Step One: Your Vision
Envision this: a beautiful painting of one of your favorite scenic views. Maybe somewhere you love to visit, maybe a painting you know would fit well in your home, maybe a place you dream of. Now place yourself in that painting.
There… you are starting to form a vision. Keep that perfect painting in mind, we will come back to it.
Now, ask your fiancé these questions:
What are some of our favorite memories or date nights?
What do we love doing together?
In 20 years, when our future kids are looking at these photos, what do we want them to see?
What activities, clothing, locations, or things define this stage of our lives?
What aesthetics or vibes are naturally drawn to?
When we want to have fun, what do we do?
Then, create a FEELINGS board.
Notice I’m not saying inspiration or mood board. If you searched and found something similar to your perfect date night or engagement photo vision, great! Go ahead and pin it.
However, what I am really looking for goes beyond posed inspiration and location options. I’m talking about lots of different things. I want you to pin things that resonate with you– colors, textures, quotes, some images of wedding-esque things, your favorite things, etc. This gives me insight into how to best tell your story.
Step Two: Location Location Location
When thinking about how to plan engagement photos, your location choice is a huge factor. Each location brings its own vibe, colors, textures, and theme.
Okay now remember that painting you were imagining? Let’s go back there for a moment. Think about your location as the backdrop of a painting. The backdrop is already painted— what do you want it to look like? Is it a wide-open field with rolling hills? Or a moody forest with tall trees? Is there water? Tall buildings? Vehicles? Is it sunrise or sunset? What season is it?
A lot of people just end up choosing downtown or the park as the location for their photos. I have shot there countless times and can still make those locations look unique, no problem. However, let’s get creative friends! Now is the time to think about your perfect date. Turn on those creative juices and let’s get specific.
Here are specific location ideas for engagement photos in the Lincoln and Omaha Area:
- A theater
- An arcade bar
- An art museum
- A local river, stream, or lake
- the zoo
- A local country club
- A rooftop bar
- The botanical gardens
- a winery
Step Three: What To Wear
The wardrobe. This part of the planning is always so tricky. Here’s my advice.
Keep these 3 words in mind: Movement, Timeless, You
Movement:
Make sure you can dance, jump, spin, run, and do all the things in your outfit. Bonus points for an outfit that moves with you. Think: flowy, airy, fun, textured, soft, cozy, and flirty— whatever vibe you’re going to want to make it more than jeans and a tee.
Timeless:
Look for a piece that you won’t regret wearing in 5 years. Use what I call: “The 5 and 5 rule.” 5 years ago you could have probably worn it, and in 5 years you could probably still wear it!
You:
Lead with your personality. Make sure it has that classic, trademark, YOU stamp on it! Whether it’s something old or new!
Step Four: The Activity
This doesn’t have to be fancy or anything wild! You can go out for ice cream, play put-put, or have a picnic! Do something that you would normally do on a date, or even just a typical Sunday morning activity. Maybe you always go to a cute little coffee shop on the weekends or bake cookies in your kitchen?!
Remember, we want your engagement photos to represent YOU.
Let’s recap:
Talk to each other about what your dream date looks like.
Create a feelings board on Pinterest and keep adding to it.
Find somewhere fun for a little date night (or day)!
Choose your outfits.
Remember the three words: Movement. Timeless. You.
Decide how you’re going to make the photo session feel like you. Coffee? Picnic? Pets?
Then— breathe.
Don’t. Stress. Seriously.
Ready to start planning your own unique engagement photos?
Let’s do it! Reach out today so we can capture your love story!
