As a wedding and engagement photographer in Atlanta, Georgia, I understand the value of the engagement session. Having an engagement session is SO important! In fact, right after booking, we begin planning it. Spending a little extra time and effort goes a long way and makes a HUGE difference in photos. It’s during this time that I’m able to get to know my couples and for my couples to feel relaxed in front of the camera. Capturing this special time in Alexis and Jason’s journey while also getting to know them was an honor! They are ADORABLE and their sweet personalities undeniably shine through in their portraits. 

When picking outfits for your engagements, consider how they will look in a photo album. It’s a great rule of thumb not to match your outfits, rather select colors that are complimentary. Use accessories to tie your outfits together. Think soft, romantic, and elegant. Don’t forget the sexy heels! And just like the wedding day, please bring a pair of flats to get around comfortably.

“Jason and I have a longer engagement, so spending time and effort on the engagement portraits really allowed me to enjoy this step in our journey. By planning beforehand, we were able to have a good time during the shoot and be in the moment. Our engagement session made us even more excited for the big day!” -Alexis

Alexis found this gorgeous flowy white dress from Express and these INCREDIBLE heels by Jessica Simpson.

You need to have your hair and makeup professionally done for your engagement shoot. It’s the perfect time for your trial! Brides, the last thing you want is to have skipped out on your trial and have no idea what your hair and makeup will look like on wedding day. (Yikes!) Beyond the photo aspect, when brides have their hair and makeup professionally done for the engagement shoot, their confidence skyrockets!

“Having my hair and makeup professionally done allowed me to relax and focus more on Jason.  Because I was relaxed, Heather was able to capture and convey the love we have for each other which is priceless. I was able to have more confidence in front of the camera. For those of us that aren’t used to having professional pictures taken, it can be intimidating and nerve-racking (which can come across in the pictures), but having my hair and makeup done gave me 2 less things to worry about!” 

Consider having a bouquet made by your florist for your engagement shoot. The added touch goes a long way.

Have your engagement ring cleaned before the shoot! And don’t forget your nails! 😉

Above all, the most important reason for having engagement portraits taken is to freeze this moment in time, as you prepare for the most exciting day of your lives together. Your engagements are only part of the journey that leads you to becoming Mr. & Mrs. These tips will undoubtedly provide you peace of mind that will allow you to relax and relish in these sweet moments with your other half.

Alexis, thank you for trusting me. You are incredibly gorgeous and I feel super grateful that our paths crossed the special way that they did. You are going to be a stunning bride and I can’t wait to photograph every step of your wedding day next May! Cheers!

Be sure to share this post with someone who recently got engaged. Looking for an engagement or wedding photographer? Contact me! I’d love to hear from you.

Hair and Makeup by Hillary Lynn Beauty

Flowers by Le Jardin Francais