Category Archives: thoughts & trends
Patterns! Solids! Skirts! Heels! Boots! Barefoot??? Before you get lost in the details, there are a few important things you should know about dressing for your engagement photo shoot. It’s less about look and more about feel… we want you to feel confident, sexy, and fun (without being distracted). Believe it or not, we’ve had couples cancel their shoot the morning-of simply because they got in an argument over what to wear!
Do yourself a favor and do some basic planning now. Don’t worry about what does or doesn’t look good on camera, your engagement photographer is a professional and can work with whatever you give them. You’re job is to feel comfortable and have fun. Your photos will really show the difference!
Dress for Comfort and Authenticity!
First thing’s first… Wear something that you feel comfortable in! Don’t overthink it and don’t force yourselves into something awkward and unnatural. If you feel good, you look good. Your confidence is much more important than the latest Pinterest-perfect trend. Let’s be real, not all of us look/feel good in every latest fashion.
Consider what you might wear out to a nice date with your fiancée. It’s often better to go with something you know rather than a brand new outfit straight off the rack. You don’t want to be distracted by a loose zipper or a scratchy new seam; this photo session is about you! If you let your engagement photos reflect who you really are as a couple, they will stand the test of time for years to come!
PRO TIP: What makes you feel at ease? Is your soon-to-be family incomplete without your dog? Bring him along too! What’s your favorite activity with your fiancée? Even a gym and workout clothes can make for fun and romantic photos if that’s an important part of your relationship.
Talk it Over with Your Guy
Ladies, remember that this authentic comfort is especially important for the gentlemen. Guys — or let’s just say most guys — haven’t exactly spent the last month dreaming about this photo shoot. Try not to force them into a look they’re not comfortable with, and don’t surprise them day-of with a whole new wardrobe! Remember what you fell in love with and work with them to find a nice look they feel comfortable in.
Guys, remember that this is a big deal for your bride-to-be! Make a point of taking the time to look your best. Again, this doesn’t mean you should go right out to buy a new expensive outfit. Be deliberate and don’t forget the basics: shave or trim, fix your hair, iron your shirt, and decide if you’re going tucked or untucked. We’ve been asked to photoshop everything from too-long neckties to “alfalfa hair.” Don’t be that guy!
This beautiful couple is workin’ it and workin’ together! Collared shirt and sweater are a natural compliment to the scarf and riding boots.
Coordination
We don’t see very many couples getting too matchy-matchy anymore, but coordination is still important! Decide on a general look or feel that fits you both. Your man’s boots and jeans might pair well with a summer sundress. A suit or sport coat might pair with heels and a favorite little black dress. This might seem pretty obvious, but you don’t want to show up sporting two totally different looks!
Of course, your look should fit the general feel of the shooting location too. There’s lots of great locations for engagement photos in Tulsa. Cowboy/girl chic for sunset photos among the hay bales, comfy-casual for the coffee shop, or dressed up for the after-hours bar… you get the picture.
Jeans and a sport coat plus black dress and heals in Tulsa’s downtown Brady District. It all works together!
In Conclusion…
Don’t overthink this, and just have fun! Feel free to call your photographer to brainstorm locations or ask about looks. Remember that we’ll get all the necessary posed photos, but your favorites will probably be the ones of you interacting together — just being yourselves. This is a great time to get to know your soon-to-be wedding photographer and get comfortable in front of the camera. Good photography should be fun and easy. We hope you don’t just end up with beautiful photos, but great memories of a fun outing with your fiancée!
We traveled all the way to Oregon to capture a weekend of beautiful lifestyle engagement photos with this couple. Where would you have your dream engagement shoot?
For some, it’s a cherished memory, but others say it’s straight up bad luck! If you’re getting married in 2017, you’re probably wondering whether or not to have a “first look” with your soon-to-be spouse. No matter what you decide, there are several creative ways to take advantage of those precious moments before the guests arrive. Check out a few of our recent favorites!
The First Look
The controversial first look is either highly desired or strictly avoided! If you’re not the superstitious type, it can be an amazing part of your wedding day. Keep in mind that your ceremony will feel like it flies by, and sometimes it’s hard to soak everything in as you stand in front of family and friends. The first look is a great chance to spend a quite moment with your partner before all the activity. Take your time, take a deep breath, and just be present. Your wedding photographer is there to capture all the details for you to enjoy later!
Another big benefit of the first look is the opportunity for outdoor daylight! Keep in mind that especially in the winter, sunset can come as early as 5:15. It could be pitch dark by the time your ceremony is over at 6:00. A good pro photographer can work with whatever they’ve got, but you might have to do a first look if you really want outdoor shots with blue skies or the perfect golden hour glow.
Some couples also use this opportunity to exchange gifts, often including jewelry or other small items that can be worn during the ceremony.
PRO TIP: The first look isn’t just for the groom. Many brides also share a first look with their fathers after they’re done getting ready. For seeing the father on the way to the groom, we’ve officially coined the phrase “first look with a layover!”
The First Non-Look
Believe it or not, you can have a first look WITHOUT actually seeing each other! Some call it a “private moment,” and we’ve sometimes called it the “first non-look.” How, you ask? All you need is a wall, doorway, or even a basic corner (and a little restraint.)
PRO TIP: Remember, you’ll want the help of your wedding photographer and/or someone in your wedding party to pull off your moment without accidentally catching a peek!
Recently, we captured this amazing moment at Spain Ranch with Meredith and Brett before their wedding. A strategic corner offered a chance for a few words of love and laughter, and the couple was even able to hold hands. Natural light filtering through the venue’s rustic elegant hallways made for some gorgeous photos. We captured the whole perspective for the bride and groom to see after the fact!
Personal Notes
Still not convinced the first look is for you? Personal notes are another classic way to commemorate the final hours before your wedding. Take a quite moment in advance to hand-write and seal a letter for your partner, and have someone in your wedding party deliver the note while you’re getting ready. Reading your note is an excuse to slow down for a few minutes, and your photographer can be right there to capture the joy and emotion as you both read.
PRO TIP: Make sure you put your letters in a special place, as they can serve as a beautiful memento from your special day. You might even make it a tradition and write a new letter of love every year on your anniversary!
Sparklers, not just for weddings. Who knew?
Happy Independence Day!
So, today was the big day and the biggest questions had to do with Kate Middleton’s dress. What would it look like, who designed it.
Well, i think we can all agree that she looked beautiful. But clearly it was Kate’s choice of accessories that really screamed ‘Princess.’
Kate accessorized her style with a 1936 Cartier halo tiara lent to her by Queen Elizabeth. The tiara, which was purchased by King George VI for the Queen Mother, was presented to the Queen on her 18th birthday.
Now, not every bride can have a tiara from Cartier, but every bride has the ability to make an impact with little details. From colorful shoes to cowboy boots to family heirlooms, little touches of personality will have a more memorable impact on your big day than any invitation, cake or table topper can ever have.
Here are some simple accessories that have worked for our brides.
A flower in the hair is a simple touch that adds a lot of impact.
