Hi! I'm Natasha! Your intimate wedding and elopement photographer, dog petter and donut eater. While photography is my first love, connecting with people is my love language. You'll find me lovin' on the big moments, the quiet moments, the silly moments – but especially the in between moments. The moments that are unadulterated and unfiltered. The ones where you are the real you. Here on the blog you'll find all of my favorite tips, tricks and resources for planning a wedding that's all about those moments.
NATASHA CARDINAL
INTIMATE WEDDING +
ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER
engagement session planning
Well, you totally deserve to celebrate the big news, that’s for sure. I mean, what an amazing feeling to know that you’ve found your person and you’re on your way to tying the knot! Celebrating that with an engagement session is such a beautiful way to document this gorgeous time in your life. But choosing your engagement session outfits can definitely be a little daunting.
Here are my 7 favorite tips to help you choose!
tip one
The first step to looking good is always feeling good, right? One of the most important parts of choosing your engagement session outfits is finding something that will make you feel your absolute best and not necessarily something that you think will make you look like a movie star.
The key to getting authentic, raw, real feeling photos is wearing something that you feel like your real authentic yourself in.
So maybe that's your favorite super soft t-shirt that you've broken in over the last 10 years that is always your go-to. Maybe it's that pair of pants that you wore on the coolest roadtrip of your life and every time you wear them it makes you smile. Or maybe it's something you've never worn before but you feel unbelievably sexy wearing it! Whatever it is, make it the real you.
TIP TWO
MOVEMENT
Keeping you guys moving is one of the easiest ways to keep your mind off the camera and involved in making a fun memory instead. So wearing something that you feel free to move around comfortably is a surefire way to let you fall into the fun-making instead of any nervousness you may be feeling beforehand. We all know how uncomfortable it is when we realize too late that your shoes are too tight or your shirt is too itchy, so wearing something that you're familiar with will keep you looking and feeling relaxed.
NEUTRALS
I know what you're thinking. Neutral means boring. But incorporating neutral colors into your engagement session outfits is a great way to help you stand out. Instead of letting bright color dictate the look and feel of the photo, it compliments the natural landscape around you. Wearing lighter, earth tones will keep the focus on you and amplify your personality shining through.
TIP FOUR
nix the patterns
This is all about keeping the focus on you. Patterns can quickly distract the eye away from the emotion in the photos and direct it straight to whatever you're wearing. Big florals, loud stripes, or intense plaids aren't recommended. But texture on the other hand, is always recommended!
Instead of something stripy, maybe opt for a knit sweater. Instead of big floral patterns, go with a teeny floral accent instead.
Once you really start brainstorming, the possibilities are endless!
TIP FIVE
Chances are you have some ideas you want to test out for your hair and makeup for wedding day. Your engagement session is a great way to trial run those ideas! Scheduling your hair and make up trial with your artist (or yourself if you the DIY low fuss type of person) for your photo session day easily feeds two birds with one scone and you'll be feeling fresh.
tip six
dress for the weather
Bringing a change of clothes and definitely some extra socks is definitely a good idea no matter what the season. And I always recommend including a rain jacket in your engagement session outfit bag even if there's a very slim chance of rain. Better safe than sorry, right?
If the weather is chilly, this is also a great time to layer with some fun textures, sweaters, a cool coat you've been into, so don't be afraid to get creative!
TIP SEVEN
If you're feeling unsure, you can always bring all of the options you have in mind and switch it up during your session. Shoot me a text with your ideas any time and I'm more than happy to give feedback about what I think might work best with your landscape too.
Feeling like you want to toss in more of your personal style? We can always dress things up with some accessories like jewelry, hats, bandanas, a funky jacket, even a cool pair of socks! Your photos should reflect who you are as people, and your engagement session outfits are a great way to incorporate your personality in a unique way, so if your ideas don't fall in like with any of these guidelines, go with your gut!
This is about celebrating your love and these are just guidelines.
