Engagement Pictures | Celebration Advisor - Wedding and Party Network Blog

May 13, 2013 by Celebration Advisor

You're Engaged! Now It's Time for Photos

So, what are you going to wear?

Engagement photos are taken to announce the engagement of two people. Photos should show your two different personalities, but should also capture the personality of you together as a couple. So, the outfit you wear will really make an impact on the way your photos shows off your personality.

Rule number one: Don't be too matchy-matchy. Remember those days long ago when your mother would force you to match your brothers and sisters (and mother and father) in denim shirts and khaki pants for the annual family photo? Well, those days are long gone and we mean very, very long gone. Instead, pick colors that coordinate.

Rule number two: We said coordination. Your first thought was probably red and green. Never wear Christmas colors for engagement photos. If you do, you will look like you are supposed to be on the back of a greeting card that says "Tis the Season" – no matter what season it is.

Instead, choose colors that compliment your personality. If you are fun and outgoing, don't be afraid to show that with your clothes. Go for bright orange, sunshine yellow, or even hot pink. Your fiancée can wear a bright color as well; just make sure the colors are opposite each other on the color wheel. For example, blue and orange go great together, as well as pink and green.

Maybe you're not such a bold person. If not, go for pastels. Make sure the variations are opposite each other on the trusty color wheel.

Don't forget, you can also do a print and a solid. If you wear a printed shirt or dress, make sure your guy picks a color from your shirt or dress, and sticks with a solid. For example, a red and black print on a neutral colored shirt will look great with a neutral colored button down.

Rule number three: Have fun! Don't be afraid to wear loud jewelry, colorful shoes, and pretty hair accessories. Keep in mind, the more YOU your photos are, the more you will love them for years to come.

Your engagement photos should allow you to look back on the time when your photos were taken. You'll be able to remember how much fun you were having, and you won't have to remember any stressing about picking an outfit – because with these simple rules, you're good to go!

April 4, 2012 by Kelly Curtis

Tips For Your Engagement Pictures

One of the first steps you take when planning your wedding is taking engagement pictures. These are used for so many different things throughout the wedding process. They are fun to take and a great starting off point for the wedding. When planning your engagement pictures, you want them to show off your personality and style, especially since they are used for save the dates, bridal showers and displayed throughout your wedding reception. So, Wedding and Party Network are bringing you some themes and tips for your engagement pictures.

Choosing The Right Wedding Photographer

Stunning Engagement Portrait

Every wedding or engagement photographer has their own signature style. Not everyone takes pictures the exact same way, so it's important to take a look at their previous clients to see if that's what you are wanting for your photos. You also want to be comfortable with your engagement photographer since you are going to be working with them closely for a few hours and even your wedding. Someone who will listen, gives good directions and will offer great ideas and tips. Research is key when searching for an engagement photographer.

Pick Out A Few Photo Themes

Once you have chosen your engagement photographer, decide where, when and themes that you want for your photos. Either choose outdoor, indoor locations or a special place this is meaningful to you. There are so many unique places to choose from, so find out that fits you. Also, choose a season. Fall, winter, spring or summer offer different pros and cons. Pick the season that is best suited for your time frame and style. Also, find fun themes that incorporate your love of something into your photos. This definitely shows off your fun personality. Here are some examples:

Movie Inspired
Classic/Vintage
Adventure Inspired
Super Heroes

What To Wear

Here comes to important part for the bride. What do you wear? You don't want to regret your outfit later. Make sure and pick outfits that you won't regret wearing later on. Keep it classic, yet to your style. Also, keep in mind neutral colors. You should do an engagement portrait that is fun and also do one that is classic that will never go out of style.

How To Pose

Along with any type of picture are poses. Not everyone is a natural at posing or knows how to do so. The best way to figure out what you want to do is to research and trust in your engagement photographer.

Unique Engagement Shot

Search different wedding blogs or check out your friend's engagement pictures to see what you like and what you don't like. Also, rely on your photographer for great suggestions. They know what angles look good.

Don't Forget The Props

Engagement photos are all about bringing out your personality. So, make sure you bring props with you to achieve that. If you're going with a themed engagement shoot, don't forget the props that go with it.

A vintage inspired engagement shoot isn't complete without vintage inspired luggage or a lace umbrella and a movie inspired photo shoot isn't complete without popcorn.

Engagement portraits are the time to show off your personality and have fun. You'll use these for for everything and cherish them for a lifetime.

This post is brought to you by Austin Engagement Photographers.
Not in Austin, TX? No worries, use Wedding and Party Network's handy wedding planning directory to help you find an engagement photographer near you!

August 22, 2011 by Kelly Curtis

Getting Dressed For Your Engagement Photos

You're engaged, now start planning your to-do list. So, what's first? One of the first things you may start thinking about is your engagement photos. Start researching online and gather references from friends, coworkers and family members on an engagement photographer you can use for your pictures. Once you found the photographer that you think will capture your personality, and takes the type of styled pictures you like, call and make an appointment. Now, comes the hard part. What do you want to wear for your engagement pictures? These pictures will stay with you, and you don't want any regrets on what you wear. So, Wedding and Party Network is here to give you a few tips on getting dressed for your engagement pictures.

Beautiful Engagement Photos

Research – Once you've researched a photographer, start researching engagement pictures. There are blogs and websites out there that feature engagement pictures of couples. Gather ideas on what other couples wore, locations they used and poses. Take notes and discuss these ideas with your photographer.

Don't Be Afraid Of Color – A lot of engagement photos are taken outside, which means the weather may not corporate and you can have neutral backgrounds. So, add a pop of color with your wardrobe.

The pop of color could be a dress, skirt, or top, which can then be toned down with neutral shoes or take a neutral top and pair it with a brightly colored shirt. Also, the groom can add a pop of color with his tie, striped shirt or a polo. The nice pop of color will make a great statement against a neutral background.

New Outfits – Invest in new outfits for an updated look. Go shopping for that pop of color. However, when buying new clothes, focus on the fit. Make sure the guys clothes are more fitted than baggy. Baggy clothes tend to make people look heavier.

Also, focus on your accessories. Belts for women cinch the waist in, cardigans hide bra straps and arms, while a-line skirts or dresses are a flattering fit to almost every body type.

Be Fabulous – These are your engagement photos! You can still show off your personality, however, take it up a notch. Add a colorful, bolder necklace, higher heels or brighter colors than you would normally go with a skirt. For the guys, let them add a fedora, bow tie, suspenders or fun socks are great accessories, depending on their style.

Fun Engagement Portrait

Fun Twist – Get fun with your engagement pictures. This is the time to do so. So, incorporate a time era into your engagement pictures. You can go vintage.

Choose a time era, like the 30's, 40's or 50's. These are truly timeless. Take a picture in an old-fashioned malt shop or set up a picnic. These are just a fun twist to add during your engagement pictures.

Pack Extra – It's always safe to have too much than too little. Your photographer can help narrow down your options and know what will work best for your location.

You will absolutely have fantastic engagement pictures and stand out in them. Remember to research, ask for help and ask for suggestions from your photographer. Your engagement pictures will stand out!

This post is brought to you by New York Photographers.
Not in New York, NY? No worries, use Wedding and Party Network's handy wedding planning directory to help you find wedding dresses near you!

January 10, 2011 by Kelly Curtis

Say Cheese, For Our Engagement Pictures!

One of the first things after I got engaged, I started researching photographers. To me, that's one of my top priorities for our wedding. Pictures are very important to me since they capture your whole day and you'll always have them to look to for a reminder. I LOVE pictures and don't mind being in them.

Bart on the other hand, is not a big fan. Whenever we go somewhere, I always have pictures of me with my friends, but none of me and him together. What a picture downer. Anyways, I wanted to share our story of how I researched photographers. Plus, all the details on our engagement session.

Engagement Photos

Again, pictures are very important to me. I researched, researched and researched to find the one. Thankfully, I've had a lot of friends recently get married or get engaged so I've gotten to to look at their pictures to see what I like. I figured out what type of photography style I liked and found the perfect engagement photographer, Megan Burges Photography.

I emailed Megan, telling her how much I loved her work and asked if we could schedule a date. I didn't ask for references, samples or anything like that. I just knew, same with my wedding photographer. Falling in love with their work and imagining you in their photos is a must. So I scheduled a date and now it was time to start picking out outfits. Bart was thrilled!

Another thing I love, besides photography and Bart are clothes. I have a ton of clothes and probably buy something new once a week, if not more. Something I need to control, but only in Bart's opinion. Of course, he's total opposite and only gets new clothes whenever I buy him something. With that being said, I knew he would NEVER in a million years want to change clothes for these pictures. I'm lucky I even got some sort of smirk out of him.

Anyways, that's a whole story on it's own. I love dresses, fur vest and boots. So why not include them in our picture? I also am big on off the shoulder tops, I think I'll include that too! I went to my favorite store and had them help me find something. A good reason to go shopping. For Bart, I chose a button up shirt with jeans. He looks good in blue and always has a pretty casual look. I was satisfied and he didn't know what he was wearing until the day of. Typical boys. I think we looked cute.

Me, Bart & Bella

We went for an urban sort of feel in the downtown area and then took it outside to the park. I let the photographer take over. She knew exactly what she wanted and what poses looked good. So I went with it, I was up for anything and knew she would get amazing shots. She did.

We narrowed down our favorite pictures, including the one with our favorite dog, and ordered our pictures. However, it did take us a few weeks to select the ones we wanted, we loved them all. All my expectations were beyond exceeded!

So when searching for an engagement photographer or wedding photographer, research. Find someone who represents your style. Someone that you're truly in love with. That's how you find the photographer for your engagement and wedding.

This post is brought to you by Austin Wedding Photographers
Not in Austin, TX? No worries, use Wedding and Party Network's handy wedding planning directory to help you find wedding photographers near you!

Photos taken by Megan Burges Photography.

October 18, 2010 by Kelly Curtis

Happiness Shines Through with Austin Photo Art

A piece of art is something everyone needs in their home. At some point your life, you need to be the work of art. Austin Photo Art thrives off creating a beautiful picture just for you. They can capture a subject like no other

Beautiful Wedding Photos and Engagement Portrait

and you will truly stand out. Creating art from engagement portraits, bridal portraits, wedding photos, families, babies, maternity shoots and nature and landscaping photos are captured in a form that no one else can see, but you will understand when you see their creative designs for yourself.

True Love Shines Through

The wedding process is a true piece of art, capturing an array of raw emotions and true love is an emotional art that should be photographed. Truly wanting someone to capture your exact emotions, so you can look back on your wedding photos and remember how you felt is a must. Austin Photo Art captures you and your fiances playful characteristics and showing your exact true love.

Bridal portraits are all about capturing your one-of-a-kind beauty. Remembering exactly how you looked that day will remind you of your fairy tale moment. Let them capture you on your big day at a gorgeous wedding venue. They can capture your beautiful smile in a way that will show your beauty and absolute happiness. True love at it's finest.

A Work Of Art Through Nature

Austin, TX Sunset

You are the art and what drives their passion, but Austin Photo Art likes to capture the beauty of nature too. They've captured a beautiful photo through you now let them capture a priceless image for your new home with nature photography. They specialize in all things nature. A gorgeous body of water photograph will be perfect for your new bathroom. A gorgeous sunset over Austin, Texas will be perfect over your fireplace. Amazing art for your new home is an absolute must.

Let Austin Photo Art capture you from the beginning of your new life. Engagement portraits to your wedding day photos and even their landscape photos will go perfect with the start of your new life with your amazing husband.

October 13, 2010 by Kelly Curtis

Unforgettable Photos Each and Every Time from Michael Anderson Photography

A professional photographer at your service is Michael Anderson Photography. They create amazing photographs ranging from bridal portraits, senior portraits, family portraits, engagement and wedding photos. Each and everyone is created with true passion that will say something special about you. Choose a photographer who captures that special something and portrays it in way that everyone is in awe over.

Unforgettable Wedding Portraits

Unforgettable Wedding Photography

Wedding photographers should possess technical quality, true patience, a photographer's intuition and a unique sense of artistic ability; and Michael Anderson Photography does. Imagine yourself in your one-of-a-kind, ivory wedding dress with your soul mate dipping you in front of the setting sun. It is the perfect wedding photo for you to remember how you felt on your special day.

They truly capture how you felt and anyone can tell that you are so in love just from the photo. From engagement portraits, bridal portraits and wedding photos; they will be there to provide excellent assistance in anything and everything that you need.

From beginning to end, Anderson helps determine the best location in Saint Paul, Minnesota, what type of clothing is best and products that will show off your photos from their home to yours.

Just Not Weddings…

A wedding is a truly special event, but so is capturing special moments for your family and children too. Michael Anderson Photography creates special family portraits, children portraits and senior portraits behind their creative lens. Priceless images is what you'll receive from them, their portraits are captured with passion and drive like no other.

Timeless Photographs Present in Fashion

Family Portrait on the Beach

Michael Anderson Photography has captured your special moment, now show it off in true, classic style. You can show it off in their great frames, scrapbooks, wedding signature books, save the dates and lets not forget their reflections media package.

A unique and special package includes a digital slide show featuring your one-of-a-kind photos and a meaningful song. This would be perfect for weddings, birthdays or anniversaries. Imagine showing your guests your cute baby pictures all the way up to their engagement pictures accompanied by home video footage and your special song. It will truly be amazing and special.

Whether it's from serving the Twin Cities or traveling gorgeous destinations; Michael Anderson Photography provide meaningful photos just for you and goes over the top each and every time.

June 19, 2010 by Mandy Maxwell

Creative Ideas for Stylish Engagement Portraits

Engagement portraits should be more than just photos, and the key to great photos is preparation! Think of everything you and your partner love to do. Maybe you have a certain style, or shared hobby you can play off of. These are just a few suggestions from our great writers at Wedding and Party Network:

PROPS – Use props to create unique engagement photos. Balloons, an umbrella, even an old, colorful couch in the middle of nowhere — all can add interest and character to your photos.

ACTION SHOTS – Instead of your everyday poses, try out some action shots! Do you and your partner love to dance? Why not have your photographer snap some shots as you boogie down!

PETS – Obsessed with pets? Include your kitty or pooch in your engagement photos!

SILHOUETTES – Find a great hill to get silhouette engagement photos against the setting sun. Your shadows in loving embrace against the oranges and pinks of the sunset will create a beautiful and unique photo.

PICTURES OF PICTURES -Take some pics of yourself on your phones or with Polaroids, then take photos of them pushed together. Two kissy-faces photos next to each other make an adorable, yet somewhat geeky engagement photo. (I love it!)

UNDERWATER – Got a destination wedding on your hands? Get underwater photos made! Some of the cutest beach wedding photos I've ever seen show the bride and groom with snorkels, underwater surrounded by colorful fish! Another trending underwater wedding photography technique is using a swimming pool for your backdrop. Use an underwater camera to get amazing, angelic shots.

SHADOWS – Think of cute poses you and your man can do for great shadow photos. These lovely silhouettes come out great when taken against interesting backgrounds. Try a brick wall or wooden fence. Country girls should think of those giant rolled hay bales.

REFLECTION – Are you taking your engagement photos near a lake? Why not peer down into the water and have your photographer take photos of your reflections. This can be especially beautiful in the fall when the leaves are brilliant shades of yellows and reds.

ANGLES – Instead of just holding hands and standing in front of a tree, have your photographer climb into the tree and shoot straight down angle. Using a wide angle will give some wild effects.

Don't forget to combine two or three of these ideas into one great photo! Maybe a photo of you and your partner on an old couch with your pet. There are so many options for great engagement photographs.

April 11, 2007 by Celebration Advisor

Picture Perfect Proposal

Submitted by Jordon from Jonesboro Arkansas
Matt and I were on our way to Hot Springs for a day of relaxation. He had planned the day and it was all a surprise to me as to what we would be doing. When we arrived, there was a bit of a mix up on what time our "surprise" started, so we had to piddle around in the shops for a couple of hours before we got to actually go do what he had planned. When 5pm rolled around, we were Continue reading "Picture Perfect Proposal" »

You're Engaged! Now It's Time for Photos