What to Wear to Your Engagement Session
“What the heck are we supposed to wear?” I mean, I’ve even asked photographers before my husband and I step in front of the lens. I get it. You want to look goooood while you’re frolicking with me on the beach right? Don’t worry boo, I’ve gotchu! Are you ready for my top 5 tips for choosing the perfect outfit? Ok, then let’s dive right!
Before they even start asking questions about locations or what to expect from me during our engagement session together, couples have one burning question. “What the heck are we supposed to wear?” I mean, I’ve even asked photographers before my husband and I step in front of the lens. I get it. You want to look goooood while you’re frolicking with me on the beach right? Don’t worry boo, I’ve gotchu! Are you ready for my top 5 tips for choosing the perfect outfit? Ok, then let’s dive right!
Choose Two Outfits
I know what you’re thinking “it’s hard enough to choose one, but TWO OUTFITS? Really Chelsi?” But hold on a sec because we’re going to make choosing outfits so easy even my 9-year-old could do it! Let’s give you some variety by choosing two different looks okay? You’re going to want to pull out one dressy outfit and a more laid back option.
BONUS TIP: We’re probably going to be shooting outdoors far away from the convenience of a restroom, so you may have to change in your car or behind a tree, so I recommend outfits that are easy to get in and out of.
Dress Appropriately for the Location
When choosing outfits, think about what would look good in the location we are shooting in. If we’re going to the beach, you’re going to want to put your toes in the sand, so boots and a parka are out! Considering an urban location? Try wearing something modern or edgy. A leather jacket with a pair of jeans and stilettos perhaps?
You’ve got to Move it
In the infamous words of King Julian from Madagascar, “you’ve got to move it, move it”.
Seriously though, you’ll look your best while wearing something that you are able to move in. If you’re stuck in the same position because you can’t lift your arms or your dress feels too short and you’re afraid your exposing too much leg, you won’t feel comfortable to use some fun prompts ! And you will feel self conscious the whole time which will ultimately lead to those awkward photos that you are terrified of. This also means that you should wear clothing that fits you perfectly. Nothing too loose or tight.
Choose Neutral Tones
When in doubt choose neutrals, but don’t don’t try to be twinsies with your colors. While I love color, in most cases, there’s nothing quite like soft and light neutrals in a photograph.
Consider light colors such as whites, creams or pastels.
Mix in other neutrals like denim or leather. I love a leather jacket thrown over a lace dress it's timeless yet edgy at the same time. perfect.
Coordinate your outfits using colors and textures but please don't be too matchy-matchy. There is nothing more awkward than two people wearing the same exact shirt, unless of course, you’re a cute elderly couple.
Things That Just Don’t Photograph Well
T-shirts that have any logos of insignia, no matter how small. Just say no!
Sweat Suits, tops or bottoms. This includes sweatshirts and sweatpants. This is a total party foul.
Unless we’re going for a dip in the ocean, no board shorts.
Flip Flops. I mean, I love ‘em but not at a photo session.
Accessories that you should avoid like the plague:
Chains. Anywhere: Belts, Wallets, even around your neck. Nope.
pocket knives or your phone if we can see it sticking out. You aren’t going to call your buddies during a makeout session and you won’t need your knife either. Leave them in the car!
Absolutely no baseball caps. Hats are okay, but this isn’t a sporting event, so please keep it classy!
You’re not Kanye, leave your sunglasses at home.
One Final Thought
The clothes you wear to your engagement session should be a reflection of your love story. Please don't overthink your outfit. Just wear what you feel good in. If you would never wear a long flowy dress then don't. The last thing I want is to be photographing the version of you that you think fits perfectly in a box that anyone would put you in. Be true to you and I'll be authentically me, and there will be magically made. Pinky promise!
CHELSI IS A DESTINATION WEDDING AND PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHER BASED IN FORT BRAGG, CALIFORNIA. HER BAGS ARE ALWAYS PACKED AND SHE’S READY TO GO ON AN ADVENTURE TO CAPTURE YOUR LOVE STORY! SHE LIVES FOR EXPERIENCING THE BEAUTY ALL AROUND US, CAPTURING UNTAMED LOVE, AND MAKING PEOPLE LAUGH. HER STYLE IS AUTHENTIC, REAL, AND EMOTIONAL. SHE BELIEVES IN LAUGHING TOO MUCH, SINGING TOO LOUD, AND MOST IMPORTANTLY LIVING LIFE TO THE FULLEST. CHELSI PREFERS CAPTURING AUTHENTIC MOMENTS THAT EVOKE EMOTION OVER PERFECTLY POSED PHOTOS.
The Last Wedding Day Makeup Tips You Will Ever Need
Hey girl! You’re engaged, planning your wedding, and feeling great! That’s aaaaammmmmaaazzing. You probably stumbled upon this little corner of the internet expecting to see a make up artist gushing over their favorite shade of lipstick and best skincare routine. Alas, you’ve stumbled upon MY corner of the internet and I’m the photographer. Let me tell ya a secret. I am not a girly girl. I rarely wear make up and in fact, I had to have someone give me a rundown on how to apply it just a few weeks ago.
So instead of hearing me gush over how complicated it all is, I asked my good friend Rachel Cail of Prati Beauti to give us her top makeup tips for your wedding day.
Rachel Cail of Prati Beauti
Ya game? Okay, let’s see what she has to say!
You NEED a Skincare Routine
I always recommend an excellent skincare routine (if you don’t already have one) beginning as soon as you can. Also you want to see an esthetician for a skin evaluation so that you know you’re using the right products for your skin type/conditions. Healthy skin makes for the best makeup application - of course just about anything can be covered, so don’t worry if you have redness or sun damage, that’s what I’m here for!
2. Don’t Forget Your Favorite Lipstick
Bring your favorite shade of lipstick with you to the trial run and also the day of wedding! Lipstick often needs touched up in between getting ready for the ceremony and photos, etc. Eating and drinking after your makeup application is often needed, yet makes the lipstick wear off! I use a product that helps the lipstick last longer, and offer straws to all my clients to help as well - but it’s always nice to have your exact shade tucked away just in case.
3. Extend Your Lashes
If you have sensitive eyes or you tear up at weddings, or feel you might at tear up at your own, get lash extensions at least one month before wedding. This way you have time to get a fill before the wedding date! Lash extensions are fabulous, they look wonderful, last weeks, and in my opinion remove the need for mascara!
4. Choose Your Look Ahead of Time
Choose your makeup look ahead of time! Match it with your theme! Is it whispy and natural, or glam like the roaring 20’s? Either way if you know what you’re looking for in advance it helps to practice the look before you see your makeup artist! Take some selfies of the makeup you like on yourself!
BONUS TIP:
If you don’t regularly wear makeup, maybe get it done at a couple different makeup counters at department stores! It’s often complementary and you can experiment with color!
Looking for more Wedding Planning Tips?
Check out these amazing ideas:
3 Reasons To Consider An Elopement
Chelsi is a destination wedding and portrait photographer based in Fort Bragg, California. She loves to travel and will go anywhere to capture your life's sweet moments. She lives for seeing the world, capturing authentic love, and making people feel fabulous. Her style is authentic, real, and emotional. She believes in laughing too much, singing too loud, and most importantly living life to the fullest and prefers capturing every single authentic beautiful moment that evoke emotion over perfectly posed photos. 
Best Wedding Venues In Mendocino, California| Mendocino Wedding Photographer
Hey friends! I am often asked for my favorite wedding venues on the Mendocino Coast. Honestly, that’s a loaded question because I love them all, but like anyone, I definitely have my favorites. I decided to give you a little glimpse into a few of my favorites. So here they are in no particular order:
The Inn at Newport Ranch
Driving up to this property, you will instantly feel like you have stepped onto a movie set. You may be greeted by a cow in the driveway, but most definitely by your hosts who will likely offer you a water or glass of wine. With breathtaking ocean views, gorgeous architecture, stunning interior design, and love in every corner, this is the perfect location for an intimate wedding. As if that wasn’t enough, let’s not forget the redwood lined ridge-top and coastal views. We can explore the redwoods together for your bridal session and then you can be married overlooking the breathtaking pacific ocean. This is also a perfect place for a Mendocino Honeymoon or even a quick lovers getaway. We’ve had our own staycation there and can not say better things about it!
photo courtesy of theinnatnewportranch.com
Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens
Although it has been an incredibly long time since I have photographed a wedding there, I spend a lot of time with my family and friends at Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. I had the honor of photographing a proposal there over the summer (oops a little behind on blogging, coming soon!) and wowza, look at those colors! This place is a treasure trove of color, texture, and most importantly will save you a boat load in decorating costs. Home to the Dahlia Garden and best known for their Rhododendrons, the garden is beautifully fragrant and will entertain all the senses. Oh and did I mention the ocean views? Yes, this is your all inclusive choice on the coast. Mendocino Coast Botanical has it all!
Switzer Farm
Located 20 miles north of Fort Bragg, California, this venue boasts breathtaking ocean views, a beautifully manicured garden, and a centuries old victorian farmhouse. The farmhouse home can accommodates 20 plus guests, and for those not staying with you, there are several Bead and Breakfast’s to choose from just up the road in Westport. This is the perfect place for the couple who wants to bring their family along for their big day!
Ellie’s Farmhouse
A country home is nestled among 40 acres with meadows & majestic redwoods, Ellie’s Farmhouse is a perfect place for your intimate wedding or gathering. The most unique and possibly my favorite feature of this property is the old fashioned Fire Engine from Mendocino Fire District that sits on the lawn. It’s a perfect prop for photos. The house can accommodate up to 7 overnight guests, and there is a bonus Glamping Tent that could serve as your place to snuggle up after your wedding day! There is a beautiful kitchen that is perfect for your caterer or family to prepare a meal. Every nook and cranny is full of perfect details for your wedding day!
A Few additional Venues on the coast for your consideration:
(click the words below to be taken to the venue website!)
Macculum House (I am excited to be working with Elope Mendocino on a wedding here this summer)
Mendocino Headlands State Park
Philo Apple Farm (discounts apply for anyone booking a wedding with me here)
Yokayo Ranch (I am excited to be working with his venue this summer, keep a lookout for a blog post sometime in June)
Some of my favorite Wedding Planners:
Elope Mendocino (Elopements are my jam, and I love working with Vanna, let’s make magic together!)
No matter where you decided to exchange nuptials on The Mendocino Coast, you are sure to have beautiful views and unforgettable memories!
Brides, what do you look for when you are considering from a venue? Tell us in the comments below! and for all my Wedding Professional Friends out there, What are your favorite venues here on the coast? Drop a comment and give us your best tips!
Chelsi is a destination wedding and portrait photographer based in Fort Bragg, California. She loves to travel and will go anywhere to capture your life's sweet moments. She lives for seeing the world, capturing authentic love, and making people feel fabulous. Her style is authentic, real, and emotional. She believes in laughing too much, singing too loud, and most importantly living life to the fullest and prefers capturing every single authentic beautiful moment that evoke emotion over perfectly posed photos.
What should I do when I receive photos from my photographer? A Photographer's Advice For Clients
If you’re like me, you want to share the photos taken by your photographer immediately after receiving them. Like on all the platforms. Am I right?!?
I’m a photographer so of course there are a few things I would LOVE for you to do immediately after receiving your gallery from me. I desire for each and every client to have the most incredible experience possible. Once I deliver the photos though, it’s in their hands. That’s why I wanted to give you some helpful hints on what to do with your photos once you receive them from your photographer. Once they are delivered to you, it’s on you to preserve them and it’s my job to ensure you have the best experience possible.
Are you ready? Let’s go!
Back ‘em Up (and then back them up again)
I’m going to go out on a limb and assume that you dropped a decent amount of money on your photo session. It’s even likely that on top of the session fee, you also paid for the digital files or prints. So, let’s face it, the last thing anyone wants is for those precious (and expensive) memories to be lost forever. To my clients, not to worry, I keep your session or wedding on my gallery deliver site for a year before archiving it. However, after that it’s up to them to safely store and protect them. I can’t stress this enough, please back up your photos on your hard drive and then back them up on an external drive after that and then store it in a cool dry place. I have had a few scares over the years with technology and trust me, these photos are too precious to leave in technology’s fickle hands.
You’ve got to print it, print it!
Look I get it. We live in a digital age. It’s so easy to let our precious memories live on our digital devices. But one of the best things about photography is that it is meant to be printed, displayed and shared for years to come. Printing your photos is probably the easiest ways to preserve them. Some of my fondest memories are those spent sitting in my living room sifting through old photographs of myself and loved ones from decades past. I promise you will not be sorry if you get your photos printed! And here’s a bonus tip, if you are looking for a great place to have them printed, Artifact Uprising is my fave and also the company I used to print the photos you see pictured below!
Reach out to your photographer
When you receive your gallery from your photographer take a few minutes to send them an email or text message letting them know what you think! Ok, I get it, often when you receive your photos, you’re so excited and busy sharing them with your family and friends that it just slips your mind! But friends, us photographers get anxious when we send out galleries. We put our everything into creating our art specifically for you and we want you to love your photos as much, if not, more than we do! When you don’t respond, we think you don’t like our work even if you do! Sending an email letting them know how much you love your photos makes every photographer’s day, believe me.
Write a Review
Ok, ok, you don’t HAVE to, but boy would we love if you did! We would really love it if you asked us which platform we would most love to see a review on. In addition to boosting our SEO, reviews help to validate and grow our business. Receiving feedback from my clients is my favorite, and I don’t mean in the “I love the photos” comments kind of way, I mean in the nitty gritty way. Hearing about their overall experience from how they found me, to the emails that we exchanged, to the photo session, and communication after their gallery was delivered, and how they felt through the whole process makes my heart burst with gratitude. I want to give each of my clients the best experience possible and when you leave a detailed review it helps me know what I did well and how I can improve in the future. So friends, please review your photographers, they will be so thankful to you if you do!
BONUS POINTS: If you leave your photographer a review anywhere online, let them know!
We would love to be able to respond to your review with a thank you! Plus, there’s nothing more frustrating than finding out several months after the fact that someone had a great enough experience to tell the world about!
Okay friend, that’s all I have for you today. I hope that you have found this information useful! And just to review, download, back up, back up your back up and print your photos to insure you keep those precious memories safe and sacred for a lifetime!