So you’re engaged (or you’re about to be)! An engagement is a thrilling event and the catalyst to a whirlwind of activity. As soon as that engagement ring is on your finger, you’re calling friends and family, getting insurance for your new jewellery, posting on social media, and even considering wedding dates. You may even be planning your engagement party. Perhaps the most exciting event to plan at this stage, however, is the engagement photo session.

First Comes Love, Then Comes Engagement

As we’ve all been quarantined for (at least) four months, there’s no guarantee that your proposal came with an engagement ring. Not to worry. The perfect engagement ring doesn’t need to be purchased in person. It’s a new world! These days, beautiful diamond engagement rings can be found online. Whether you’re looking for white gold, solitaire, or gemstone engagement rings, the perfect ring is only a few search words away. Consider finding a lab-created engagement ring. These diamond engagement rings are completely conflict-free, flawless, and indistinguishable from natural diamonds. You may also want to consider searching for wedding rings while you’re researching engagement rings. Many online companies offer the best price for wedding rings that are purchased in tandem with engagement rings.

Once you find your engagement ring, consider what colours and backgrounds might suit the style of your ring, as it probably will be the focal point of many photos. If you opt for a diamond with a white gold band, you should find a photographer that excels in more cool-toned photos, which will accent the ring’s look. If your band is gold, perhaps a warmer toned photo will look best.

Finding Your Perfect Wedding Photographer

Think of your engagement photos as the dress rehearsal for your wedding photos. With that in mind, it’s clear that whoever shoots your wedding should also shoot your engagement so that every photo is cohesive. The first step to finding your wedding photographer is to set your date and your venue. You want to be absolutely sure that your photographer is available to travel to your wedding location and is available on the date you’ve chosen. This will be the first criteria your perfect photographer will have to meet. Next, you’ll want to make sure that your photographer’s style matches your style as a couple. Browse your potential photographers’ websites and Instagram to get a feel for their style.

Once you’ve established contact, ask to see full wedding galleries. Seeing a wedding’s photos from beginning to end will give you a good idea of how your potential photographer works. If you like what you see, it’s a safe bet that your styles will mesh. After that, read their reviews. Most photographers will have a customer feedback on sites such as The Knot and Wedding Wire. Take these reviews seriously. People rarely review vendors unless they’re very passionate about them, one way or the other. Lastly, make sure that your photographer matches your budget. Most couples spend between $1,500 and $3000 on their photographer. It’s important to be upfront with your photographer about what you’re looking for and what you’re willing to spend.

Wardrobe is Everything

When planning your engagement photos, carefully selecting your wardrobe is key. The clothes that you wear as individuals will help to convey your identity as a couple. If you’re wearing a white floral dress, make sure he wears something equally romantic. Perhaps a chambray button-down shirt to match the casual-boho vibe of your dress. If you’re more of a glam couple, a popular choice is sequins for her and velvet for him. Whatever your vibe is, make sure that your outfits are in conversation with each other. Shop classic pieces at stores like White House Black market because then you can re-wear and treasure the clothes you wore in your wedding photos for years to come.

Take it Outside

Any photographer worth their salt will tell you that the best lighting is outside. Natural light simply can’t be recreated in a studio. If you’re hoping for a romantic feel, take your engagement photos outside during golden hour. The lighting is soft and warm and so flattering for everyone. If you’re hoping for crisp, colorful photos, morning shoots are the answer.

Be True to Yourselves

Every couple is completely unique. Your photos should emulate your individual spark. Make sure that you select a location that’s important to the two of you, dress in a way that reflects who you truly are, and take photos that are a fair representation of your relationship. With these things in mind, you’ll have an amazing experience and your photos will reflect that. Taking photos can be uncomfortable and awkward. However, if you stay true to yourselves, you’ll find that your hour-long session will fly by in minutes.