Maine & NH Wedding Photographer //What to Wear for Your Engagement Photos (Without Looking Like Awkward Twins from a Catalog)

Let’s get real—planning your engagement session outfit shouldn’t feel like preparing for fashion week or an awkward family portrait from 1994. You wanna look good, feel good, and not be stressing about your shirt tag or whether you two accidentally match like a Benaton ad campaign.

So here’s my no-fluff, real-talk guide on what to wear for your engagement shoot—because yes, your outfit matters... but it doesn’t have to be a whole dramatic event.

Step 1: One Person Picks First (The Other Follows Like a Fashionable Backup Dancer)

Trying to pick both outfits at once is a one-way ticket to chaos. Trust me.

One of you should pick your outfit first.
Whoever’s the most excited about clothes (or who just already knows they wanna wear that dress or those boots)—you go first. Then the other builds off that outfit, like a cool supporting act that still slays.

This keeps things looking coordinated without looking like you’re going to prom in matching lavender.

Step 2: Pick Three Colors That Play Nice

You don’t need to be a color theory genius—just go back to elementary school art class.
Think complementary, not clashing. Aim for three colors that vibe well together, not a head-to-toe single color situation (unless you’re dressing as a Crayola crayon, which… bold choice).

• Earth tones? Hell yes.

• Neutrals with a pop of color? Chef’s kiss.

• All white outfits on a cloudy beach day? Meh, let's chat.

And please, I beg you—no neon, unless we’re doing a throwback 80s shoot for irony. Trust me, it photographs horribly.

Step 3: Logos + Words = Hard Pass

Look, I don’t care how much you love that band or how proud you are of your “Dogs, Tacos, Naps” t-shirt. Leave anything with logos or writing at home.

They’re distracting in photos, and unless we’re documenting your favorite concert tee from your first date, it’s not adding to the storytelling—it’s pulling focus.

Step 4: Patterns? Yup, I’m Cool With It

I know some photographers get twitchy over patterns, but honestly? I kinda love them.

Stripes, florals, subtle plaid, funky textures—gimme all of it.
The key is balance. If one of you is going pattern-heavy, the other can chill it out with a solid or something simple. You want to complement, not compete. Like a great couple, y’know?

Step 5: Texture is the Secret Weapon

If you want your photos to pop without looking like you're trying too hard, lean into texture:

• Chunky knits

• Flowy ruffles

• Denim jackets

• Suede boots

• Soft scarves

These add visual interest, movement, and a little something-something that feels real and cozy, especially with my moody vibes and love of that dramatic light.

Step 6: Confidence Is the Whole Outfit

This is the most important thing I can tell you:
If you don’t feel good in it, don’t wear it.

You could be in the trendiest, most Instagram-approved outfit on the planet—but if you’re tugging at it every five minutes or feel like a potato in boots, it’s gonna show.

Pick clothes that make you feel like the hottest, most confident version of you. That’s what’s gonna make these photos feel real.

So remember:

• One person picks their outfit first

• Choose 3 colors that vibe together

• Ditch logos and words

• Patterns are totally fair game

• Textures = yes, always

• Confidence is non-negotiable

We’re not trying to shoot a fashion campaign—we’re telling your story. You don’t need to look like anyone else. You just need to show up, be yourself, and maybe bring a backup outfit in case you wanna mix it up halfway through.

Now go pick out something that makes you feel fire and let’s make some damn good photos.