What to Wear to Your Engagement Shoot

I have previously written 3 Ways to ROCK Your Engagement Shoot! here on the blog. Check it out for further tips to prepare you and your fiancé for your engagement shoot.
A common question to ask yourself before an engagement session is: "What should I wear?" To answer that I have written out a outline of things that your clothes should fit to make it a little easier to choose!
My MW couples can expect an average engagement session to last 1 to 1.5 hrs on average.  In that time plan on having two outfits. A clothing change eats into your overall shoot time, which in turn eats into valuable sunlight hours; changing into a different outfit takes up to 15- 20 minutes on average. Limiting the amount of changes gets you more time in your session, which gives you more photos!

Dress in something that makes you comfortable and confident!  You can visually see when someone is wearing something that it comfortable and likewise see when it's uncomfortable. The goal of your engagement session is to enjoy time with your love not be worrying about what you're wearing. Make sure that shirt you have kept a hold on to that hugs you in the wrong way stays at home.

When picking out your outfits keep your shoot location in mind. Dressing according to your location will help to choose clothes that carries on the photo story of  the day.  An example of this would be both of you wear cowboy attire in the middle of the city. Those two ideas clash and distracts.  You want to stand out from your background but not so much so that it takes away from your love story.  Keep the colors and patterns your style but subtle.  You want your love to pop in the photos not being drowned out by overly bright colors and patterns. Thinking of you location will also help which shoes to take. Nothing is more trying than walking through grass in your gorgeous stiletto heels! If you want to shoot in fields, grassy areas, or hike over rocks bring an extra pair of shoes to get to point A and B then change when you get there. This way you can still have picture perfect shoes in your photos.   

Hair and makeup tip: Try out your hair and makeup for your wedding at your engagement session.  This extra step will enable you to see the makeup and hair stylist skill at achieving your vision as well as seeing how well it photographs!

Who pays for what? Reaction from Ask Amy

I was reading a Ask Amy (a guilty pleasure of mine) post the other week with a disgruntled bridesmaid asking for advice on whether or not to purchase a gift for the bride. Being out of state for the wedding she encountered lots of expenses that coming with being a bridesmaid: the travel, the dress, makeup, and even the rehearsal dinner. 

Writing my own response to this bridesmaid. I totally understand where she is coming from; she spent a lot of time and money to be a part of her friends special day. As a previous bride and out of state bridesmaid myself, it's hard to look at that finally price that is left with you after a wedding trip.  But coming from a bride , I would advise to also get a gift for them. You have been friends for a long time, and I think even the smallest token and a card would be very appreciated.  With how crazy weddings are for a couple, it's nice to know through all the craziness your friends still show you a little loving. 

Some small gift suggestions : a memory from the wedding day, a small price of Wifey jewelry, or some cuse bridal underwear. The smallest of gestures can really go a long way by sharing the love. 

Here is the link to the post. 

Steps for Successful Family Formals

Family Formals are one of the many joys of your wedding day. Through weddings I have shot, I wanted to share ways that I have found to be a good recipe for successful family formals.

Prepare your family. Make sure everyone has access to the schedule and the time in which family photos will take place.

Bring your shot list. Having a list of groups with names for your photographer will make all the difference. It allows us to move everything along without leaving anyone out. Try giving it to a second shooter or a personal attendant who can call out all the names.

Leaving Family Formals for Immediate Family. Family is family, but you don't want to be waiting on your cousin that was twice removed that you only see at Christmas to finish the photos. Keep your your list to immediate family (grandparents, parents, siblings, etc.) and you will be looking at a quick time with family photos. The quicker the family formals are completed the more satisfied your family will leave. If other family members feel left out tell them to plan on fun shots at the reception.

These are a few things from my experience that I hope you will be able to help your day go smoothly!