Today on the blog, I want to share some of the BEST tips and tricks from industry professionals to help you look + feel amazing for engagement pictures! The following simple tips have been picked up from years of styling and shooting with amazing and beautifully diverse couples. For most couples, planning out the perfect engagement outfits may seem a little daunting, however, after following my fool-proof styling tips, you two will be more than camera ready! 

Jillian grace photography, real wedding moments, wedding ideas, wedding wire, wedding day, engagement, wedding details,

Be True.


  1. While Pinterest and Instagram are both amazing inspiration tools (as you will find out), please DO NOT substitute your personal style for someone else's. Think about your go-to date night outfits or colors and cuts which flatter your natural beauty! Sometimes the perfect engagement session outfit is already in your closet and will make the perfect ensemble when paired with elegant accessories! 


Create a Vision Board.


  1. After you have assessed your personal styles, create a vision board. Pinterest and Instagram can be your best friends when creating your engagement session vision. Spend a while scrolling through and saving outfits and inspirational color pallet images which you would like reflected in your own engagement portraits. And don't forget to “share” all the lovely inspiration with your photographer! 


Location + Timing.


  1. Keep in mind your shoot location + timing. When booking an engagement session with JGP, we will chat about locations which tell your love story and reflect your personal style. The possibilities are endless!! Meaningful locations will make your engagement session feel like a romantic date and help you two relax and truly enjoy!! I always encourage couples to think of the memories you will make, not just the portraits we will take. The best locations can be your favorite local coffee shop, winery, or even state park. Authenticity breaths beauty into your portraits and any location can be tailored to fit your vision. Lastly, ideally you want to plan your engagements around ideal light, some busier locations may be busy in the evenings - so take into consideration a sunrise or morning session to avoid shooting around others! 


Jillian grace photography, real wedding moments, wedding ideas, wedding wire, wedding day, engagement, wedding details,
Jillian grace photography, real wedding moments, wedding ideas, wedding wire, wedding day, engagement, wedding details,

My best styling tips to help you look + feel amazing.


  1. Cute + Comfy is KEY! While you may find loads of lovely dresses that flatter in the dressing room, consider whether or not you are comfortable wearing it outdoors or while moving around. If you find yourself constantly adjusting the straps or bust area of a dress or blouse, it may not be the “right fit” for carefree portraits. 
  2. Choose outfits which complement each other as you want the focus of your portraits to be you and your fiancé. Select neutral colors and consider adding a pop of color to your outfit with your accessories or shoes!
  3. Darker colors are more slimming on camera. However, for a lighter look consider outfits which have pleats or incorporate elements which flatter your body type.  
  4. Pay attention to the seasons. If your engagement session is in the winter/early spring months, layers will keep you both cozy and stylish! 
  5. Avoid stripes, as they do not photograph well and horizontal are known for making people look larger than they really are. 
  6. Avoid boxy clothes that fall away from your body and widen you visually, and pick a tailored outfit instead, Accentuate your waist with a belt or dress with a cinched waist. If you find THE perfect blouse or gown and are diapported with a poor fit, consider taking it to a tailor! 
  7. Avoid clothes with elaborate details around your “problem areas”. If you have a dress with elaborate details around the stomach area and that’s the part you want to hide, this will only emphasize the area further. In general, patterned clothes tend to make people look bigger than solid colors.
  8. Show off your personality! I can not stress this one enough! While considering the following styling tips, please do not forsake the beauty of being yourself! Your engagement portraits are the perfect opportunity to tell your love story and cherish the joys which make life ever so sweet. 




Jillian grace photography, real wedding moments, wedding ideas, wedding wire, wedding day, engagement, wedding details,
Jillian grace photography, real wedding moments, wedding ideas, wedding wire, wedding day, engagement, wedding details,