Engagement
style guide
the
ANNA BRACE
Engagement sessions are a chance for us to capture the moments that tell your story and illustrate the love you share . They allow us to connect with you prior to your wedding, practice in front of the camera and to share the experience of being photographed together in advance of your wedding day. Engagement sessions help you feel more comfortable on your big day, making your wedding photographs even more successful.
Our sessions encompass up to two hours on location and start two to three hours before sunset, depending on the location. We love to meet with you fifteen minutes before we start to discuss your wardrobe and our plan for the shoot location(s).
Remember, these sessions are exploratory. Take a moment and ask yourselves what feels most authentic to you. Our only limitations are our own imaginations!
Be creative, explore and we’ll create something beautiful together.
Here's a guide to embracing the engagement session and this special time in your lives...
No 1.
LOCATION
Make it personal. Choose a location that is unique and special to you; somewhere that stirs fond memories or inspires wanderlust. No location is too far, no adventure too great. Think outside the box and challenge your imagination. I love fresh, new ideas and are happy to rendezvous somewhere off the beaten path in order to create beautiful memories for you. Charleston, California, Denver, Chicago, Des Moines, Omaha... these are just a few of the locations where we've photographed engagement sessions!
Consider...
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LOCATIONS THAT TELL A STORY OR HAVE SPECIAL MEANING
NATURAL BEAUTY AND THE TIMELESSNESS OF BREATHTAKING LANDSCAPES
EXOTIC OR DESTINATION LOCATIONS
LOCATIONS THAT TELL A STORY OR HAVE SPECIAL MEANING
NATURAL BEAUTY AND THE TIMELESSNESS OF BREATHTAKING LANDSCAPES
EXOTIC OR DESTINATION LOCATIONS
No 2.
OUTFIT STYLING
One of the most important elements in an engagement session is fashion. Expressing yourselves with an exquisite and coordinated wardrobe brings an editorial look to your images. We like to pair locations with outfits so please plan to bring two to three options. Your outfits are entirely your choice. Searching for inspiration or ideas? We're happy to help and can provide links to our favorite style Pinterest boards. You'll find inspiration on pairing outfits, color palettes and general styling.
Consider...
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TWO TO THREE COORDINATED LOOKS
REFINED CASUAL, CLASSIC CHIC, METROPOLITAN DRESSY, TIMELESS FORMAL
HAVE FUN WITH ACCESSORIES
TWO TO THREE COORDINATED LOOKS
REFINED CASUAL, CLASSIC CHIC, METROPOLITAN DRESSY, TIMELESS FORMAL
HAVE FUN WITH ACCESSORIES
No 3.
PROPS
Whether your passion is boating, traveling, or your pup, props can enhance the shoot and breath life into a photograph.
Consider...
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LOCATION-APPROPRIATE PROPS
BOATS, CARS, OR ANIMALS
CUSTOMIZED PROPS
LOCATION-APPROPRIATE PROPS
BOATS, CARS, OR ANIMALS
CUSTOMIZED PROPS
No 4.
HAIR & MAKEUP
Hair and makeup is just as important as your fashion choices. Your engagement session is a wonderful opportunity to schedule a trial session with a hair and makeup artist in advance of your wedding day.
Having your hair and makeup professionally done for your engagement session is a great way to see how you will photograph in professional images. Being photographed often softens your look, allowing you to wearing a little more makeup than usual. This experience will help you choose your wedding day look. During your engagement beauty session, my advice is stick to what you know.
Simply look like a more polished version of yourself.
Quick Tip
CONFIDENCE. IT'S ALWAYS THE
BEST ACCESSORY
No 5.
STYLING TIPS FOR HIM
There's a few simple things that can greatly elevate a man's wardrobe - a good pair of shoes, long pants, and a few accessories.
Consider...
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KAHKIS, NICE JEANS, AND DRESS PANTS NEVER GO OUT OF STYLE. A NICE PAIR OF DRESS SHOES GO A LONG WAY.
ADDING LAYERS - VESTS, BLAZERS, AND SWEATERS ELEVATE ANY LOOK
WEARING A BELT AND A WATCH ADD DIMENSION AND WILL OFTEN SHOW UP IN CLOSE-UP SHOTS
KAHKIS, NICE JEANS, AND DRESS PANTS NEVER GO OUT OF STYLE. A NICE PAIR OF DRESS SHOES GO A LONG WAY.
ADDING LAYERS - VESTS, BLAZERS, AND SWEATERS ELEVATE ANY LOOK
WEARING A BELT AND A WATCH ADD DIMENSION AND WILL OFTEN SHOW UP IN CLOSE-UP SHOTS
TURN AROUND TIME
Turn around time for engagement session is 4 weeks. Consistent
quality editing takes time and can't be rushed.
You'll receive your photos through a curated online gallery where you can download and share your photos.
You're also welcome to take advantage of the professional print store attached to your gallery for some high quality prints.
Ideas for image use...
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SOCIAL MEDIA
WEDDING WEBSITE
SAVE THE DATES
GUEST BOOK
One last thing:
I know I just gave you a lot to think about. I created this guide to help make your engagement session experience something you’ll look back fondly on for years and years to come.
At the end of the day, though, the location you choose and the outfits you select won’t matter nearly as much as the memories you make together. Your future memories are the most important thing to us, and I want your session to be a time for you to just be yourselves and enjoy it. Have fun together. Laugh a lot. And I’ll take care of the rest!
