OMGosh….. just looking at these photos makes me feel so happy and kind of emotional! We had the best time taking these. It was an experience that brought Brenton & I even closer together (sounds cheesy but it’s true!), and I’m so grateful that we will have these pictures from this exciting time in our lives.

On the first part of this WEDDING SERIES (!!!!!), I’m going to be talking all about engagement photos- how to pick your photographer, engagement photo location, and what to wear!

How to pick your engagement/wedding photographer:

I already knew I would hire Allison Kuhn before Brenton and I ever got engaged. I wouldn’t even pick a wedding date until I knew that Allison was available! If you aren’t like me, and have no idea who to hire as your wedding photographer, here are some tips. Hire a photographer that you both feel super comfortable with. We had so much fun shooting engagement pictures, partly because Brenton and I are both very comfortable with Allison. Brenton had such a good attitude during the shoot, and he kept Allison and I laughing with how engaged and into it he was (or was pretending to be for my sake ;). When I look back on the pictures, I think of how much fun we were having and how much love I felt at that exact moment. Research different styles on Pinterest and social media. I love the style of Allison’s work. It is so fresh, bright, and speaks for itself. I also love that she works with film (that is rare!). You have to decide what style you love, and then search for a photographer who fits that style. Look for a photographer who captures the important moments. Allison has a way of capturing those special moments that no one else seems to notice. Each wedding is different, and the focus should be on finding the special moments between the bride & groom, family, & friends.

How to pick your engagement photo location:

Pick somewhere that is special to you AND your fiancé. I knew I wanted our engagement pictures to be taken in Isle of Palms, so Allison and I we were able to plan for that in advance. Be sure to let your photographer know if you want to take engagement photos out of town so that you have time to plan for it! I will write a blog post at some point on why this place is so significant to us. Search Pinterest for inspiration. If you can’t think of a place, or you can’t decide on which one, search Pinterest! I drew a ton of inspiration from Pinterest and it made me super excited to take engagement pics of our own. Ask your photographer for recommendations. They should have experience shooting at different locations, and can help you make a decision based on your personalities and inspiration photos!

How to pick your outfits:

Pick something that you are comfortable in. You don’t want to be constantly adjusting or tugging at your clothes. Picking an outfit that fits and is comfortable is key! Don’t feel pressure to break the bank- buy something that you would normally buy. I searched, and searched, and SEARCHED for a fabulous dress for these pictures. I was going to splurge and get something amazing. This approach just made it harder because that is so not ME. I love to find a deal, and I feel comfortable when I’m wearing something more casual. I ended up with this lavender maxi dress from Forever 21 (I bought it in white too!), and this classic white mini dress. (Brenton was another story; he splurged at Taylor Richards & Conger on some great pieces that he can wear again.) Don’t stress about it too much! All that matters is your love for each other. We were traveling a lot leading up to our engagement photos, and I felt like I was super unorganized when it came to picking my outfits. I finally realized that the outfits really aren’t the most important thing (shocking, I know!!). While taking the photos, just think about how in love you are and how excited you are to marry your fiancé! And remember to have FUN with it and let your personalities show. I guarantee that if you do this, you will love your photos. When my mom first saw the photos, she said that Allison did a great job capturing our relationship and dynamic. That is how these pictures should be- true to your love and relationship!

I am so happy to share some of these photos with you all, and to continue this wedding series on the blog!!! I am so lucky and blessed to be engaged to my best friend, and I can’t wait to share all of the fun (and sometimes stressful!) parts of the wedding planning process! Let me know in the comments if you have any requests for future wedding posts!! Xoxo, Olivia