Long are the days of matching turtlenecks for engagement photos, with fashion on everyone’s minds choosing an engagement photo outfit is tough. About 2 years ago I was going crazy trying to figure out what to wear for our engagement photos. I was really struggling with if I wanted to do the whole classic look (black dress) or if I wanted something fun and bright. If you have gotten a grasp of my style you know it’s full of color, I rarely am caught in all one color (although Portland is making me wear a lot of black on black)! Lucky for me the month before the photoshoot I was headed to San Fran with my mom and best childhood friend. We cut out some time during our sightseeing to do some shopping, needless to say it was a bit frustrating, but the options in SF were amazing. I ended up doing a classic (ish) look and a fun look! I know my fashion taste isn’t for everyone so I’ll include some of my engagement photos as well as some other “nailed it” looks. My wedding photographer allowed me to use photos from her prior engagement sessions as examples. Big thanks to Melissa Jill for allowing me to use all your wonderful and creative photos and thanks for having such fashionable clients! You can check out more of her work here, even if you aren’t getting married or engaged her images are worth checking out and admiring. She surely knows how to capture emotion, especially in wedding photography. In October I’ll share with you my favorite wedding photos just so you can see how amazing she truly is!
CLASSIC LOOK- Classic is always a good thing, but as expected I needed a pop of color so that is why I opted for a black dress, I offset it with purple pumps and I got Jay a purple shirt. I love that we also did one outfit that was a bit more “fancy”. With a simple background and muted colors, a bright pair of heels lets my personality still come through. And it ended up working perfect with the background!
Our Color Look: Don’t be afraid to be in the spotlight. If your man opts for neutrals, go ahead and slip into a bit of color. The contrast will look beautiful on camera! This look works cause of Jay kept his clothing very simple and let my clothes do all the talking!
Semi Formal: This couple nailed it! The grey suit, her polka dot dress and a pop of color with her shoes! I love everything about this look. Their color scheme is perfect, if she was wearing a plain black dress it wouldn’t be nearly as perfect.If you’re feeling more glamorous, show off your best looks with him in a suit and you in a great cocktail dress.
This couple also got it right, in shades of blue, but not all the same color. The pattern at the top of her dress makes the whole look come together.
Patterns: Once again these two are killing it with their casual look, I love his tie and vest and her jeans and green patterned shirt. I think what’s most important is that you aren’t too “matchy matchy”!
Men In Plaid: I love how she kept it simple and picked a color that complimented his shirt and didn’t compete with it, it totally works!
I love his plaid shirt with his navy cardigan, so the plaid isn’t overwhelming. She opted for black pants and a floral cami with a chambray top. The layering here is well done and she figured out how to mix a patterned with plaid (which is a hard thing to do)!
Casual Looks: This photo should be in a magazine it’s perfect! These two nailed the causal look as well as a fall look. I love her burgundy sweater, jeans, and boots while he opts for a oatmeal colored cardigan. If your shoot involves being active or playful outdoors, let your clothes have that same easy vibe, like these two.
I wouldn’t think to put this blue and plum color together, but these royal tones work nicely. I love the mixing of colors! Since it’s your engagement photos you will be taking a lot of close-up shots, remember what’s in focus. Below, it’s about the fit of the clothing. You don’t want anything that’s going to be too tight, but you don’t want to get lost in an oversize blouse, either. Fit counts, this blouse fits her so well and tucking it into her jeans creates a slimming effect.
This winter look is also all about layering. I think the key to this not looking so heavy is they have kept the colors simple. Each in jeans and then she opts for a red jacket and tan scarf, while he wears white and a dark blue jacket. Mixing color’s like above it great, just don’t mix too many!
Lighter Colors: I was afraid to wear light colors cause I thought it would wash me out with my blonde hair, but she pulled off the soft cream look. There’s something so romantic about a pretty white dress for your engagement photos. It’s a little bit bridal and gives everyone a glimpse of what’s to come.
Bring Your Dog: Because if you do you could end up with photos like this! Melissa you should have a section of your blog that has all the dog shots I think I spent an hour saying “ohhh so cute” to my computer at every pup picture! P.S. this first shot is of Melissa Jill herself and her adorable dog Dixie! What’s a dog post without Dixie dog in it right Melissa?!
Ok enjoy swooning over these engagement photos all weekend and hopefully they helped with good examples of engagement fashion or even fashion for your upcoming family photoshoot!
Cheers,
Jess
Cheers,
Jess
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