[ Table of Contents ]
Choose a Location That Tells Your Story
What to Wear for Your Engagement Photos
What to Avoid (So You Stay the Focus)
Meet Marissa – Your Michigan Engagement Photographer (and Personal Hype Girl)
Planning your engagement session? Cue the butterflies—this is the first time your love story gets to be center stage in front of the camera. If you’re feeling excited, nervous, or not quite sure what to wear for your engagement photos, you’re not alone! This guide has you covered (and then some).
This isn’t just about outfit tips. It’s packed with everything you need to feel confident and prepared. From choosing the right location and color palette to adding movement, personality, and meaning to your session. I’m here to help you feel relaxed, supported, and totally yourselves so that your photos don’t just look beautiful, they feel like you, too.
Step One: Choose a Location That Tells Your Story
It all starts with intention—your photos should reflect your connection, your energy, and the kind of love you share. Here’s how to pick a place that feels true to you:
1.) Somewhere That Means Something
Picking a sentimental location for your engagement photos makes the whole experience that much more you. Whether it’s the spot where you first met, your favorite place to grab coffee, or somewhere that just feels like home. It adds a layer of meaning that can’t be faked. You’ll feel more relaxed, more connected, and honestly? It’ll show in every photo. These are the places that hold pieces of your story, and that’s what makes them so special!
Potential special places for your Michigan engagement photos:
- The coffee shop where you had your first date
- Your favorite local park or trail where you always walk together
- The college campus where you met or graduated from
- The backyard of your first home
- The lake where you spend every summer weekend
- Your go-to record store, bookstore, or brewery
- A quiet beach you both love escaping to
- The city block where your relationship began
- The greenhouse or flower farm where you always visit
- Your grandma’s farm or family cabin, or anywhere that holds generational meaning
Choosing a place with personal meaning brings depth and emotion into your photos.
2.) Scenic & Dreamy Spots
Looking for that golden-hour glow and a backdrop that feels like pure Michigan magic? A scenic spot is always a win. From sandy dunes and sparkling lakes to quiet fields and forest trails, Michigan has so many dreamy locations that let you be fully in the moment. These kinds of spots give you space to move, laugh, and just be yourselves. Plus the natural beauty? It’s next level. You’ll end up with photos that are effortless, romantic, and you.
Nature lovers: sand dunes, wooded trails, lakeshore views, wildflower fields
City dreamers: rooftops, downtown corners, historic architecture, colorful murals
Seasonal vibes: spring blossoms, golden fall leaves, snowy winter scenes, summer sunsets over the water
3.) Mix It Up
Can’t decide on just one vibe? Let’s do both. Michigan makes it easy to mix natural views with downtown charm or cozy moments at home. We’ll create a session that feels like a mini adventure. Moving from one setting to the next so your gallery has tons of variety (and allll the personality).
Not sure what to wear for your engagement photos when you’re planning for different locations or vibes? Don’t stress, I’ve got tips to help you feel confident and comfortable no matter where we go.
Start slow and sweet with a cozy in-home hangout. Then head to the woods for a golden-hour stroll. Finish it off downtown with city lights and dressed-up vibes. You don’t have to choose just one look—your engagement photos can tell the full story of you two.
Some combo ideas to consider:
- Field + downtown
- In-home + nature trail
- Beach + rooftop
- Coffee shop + mural wall
- Woodsy park + dressed-up city chic
Tip: Bring props! A picnic blanket, a bottle of bubbly, your pup (check out my ‘Engagement Photos With Dogs: The Benefits & Tips‘ blog for all the ideas!), or a bouquet from the farmers market? Yes, please.
Step Two: Add Movement with Activities
The best engagement photos happen when you’re not overthinking it—just being you and having fun together. That’s why incorporating activities you genuinely love can make such a difference. It gives your session a natural rhythm, brings out real emotion, and helps everything feel way less posed (because who wants that?).
Movement adds so much personality, playfulness, and feeling to your photos. Those quiet in-between moments, the laughs, the wind in your hair. It’s what makes your gallery feel cinematic and full of life!
Here are a few ideas to get you thinking:
- Love hiking? Let’s hit the trail!
- Into baking or coffee dates? Bring those cozy vibes to your shoot.
- Always dancing in the kitchen? Let’s take that energy outside.
- Big picnic people? Let’s pack snacks and sprawl out in the sunshine.
- Love flying kites together? Let’s do it!
- Obsessed with your Saturday farmers market runs? Let’s recreate it!
- Love taking walks with your pup? That’s a must.
- Into rollerblading, biking, or longboarding? Count me in.
- Want to pop champagne in the middle of a field? Say no more.
The best part? These little moments help you feel way more like yourselves, and that’s exactly the energy we’re going for.
Step Three: What to Wear for Your Engagement Photos
This is the big one, but don’t stress. I’ve got you! After all, the goal is to find outfits that feel like you, photograph beautifully, and let you focus on what really matters: having fun and being in the moment together. So, let’s break it down:
1.) Be Comfortable (Like, Actually)
If you feel good, you’ll look good—simple as that. Choose clothes that fit well, don’t need constant adjusting, and let you move freely. Whether that means jeans and boots or a flowy dress that catches the breeze, go with something you feel confident in.
2.) Coordinate, Don’t Match
Matching outfits can feel a little too “family photo circa 2004.” Instead, think about outfits that complement each other. Mixing colors, textures, and styles while staying in the same general vibe. Soft, earthy tones usually play really well together and on camera.
3.) Choose Color Palettes That Pop on Camera
Colors can totally set the tone. Here are a few that always photograph beautifully:
- Go-to tones: rust, cream, sage, navy, camel
- For a soft, romantic look: blush, light blue, mauve, oatmeal
- Want to stand out? Add one bold accent (like red heels or a statement coat)
4.) Dress for Your Location & Vibe
Your outfits should match the feel of where we’re shooting:
- Nature: flowy dresses, cozy sweaters, boots or sandals, natural textures
- City: polished layers, heels or boots, sleek silhouettes, chic accessories, jumpsuits
- At home: casual + cozy—jeans, barefoot moments, or your favorite matching set
5.) Be Ready for Michigan Weather
This state keeps us on our toes, so plan for the unexpected. Bring layers you can throw on or take off as needed—jackets, sweaters, scarves, or a hat can add both style and comfort. Plus, they give us more variety without a full outfit change.
6.) Don’t Skip the Small Stuff
The little details really do make a difference.
- Steam or iron your clothes ahead of time
- Empty your pockets (no phone bulges, please!)
- Clean your nails and shoes—yes, it shows!
- Pro hair & makeup? It’s never required, but if it makes you feel confident, go for it! Need local HAMU recommendations? Let me know!
Most importantly? Choose outfits that make you feel like yourself. When you feel good, that energy shows up in every photo, and that’s the real magic.
Step Four: Color Pairing Tips for What to Wear for Your Engagement Photos
Want your outfits to pop without clashing? Here’s a quick crash course in color theory (don’t worry, it’s not as complicated as it sounds).
Analogous Colors (Aka Color BFFs)
These are neighbors on the color wheel (like terracotta + rust, or sage + dusty blue). Together, they create a soft, cohesive look.
Complementary Colors (For Contrast + Pop)
These opposites attract (like navy + mustard, or forest green + burgundy). Perfect for standing out from the background.
Some Quick Examples:
- Photos in a green field? Burgundy or warm neutrals pop beautifully.
- City rooftop at sunset? Try muted earth tones or cool tones like slate or lavender.
Tip: Dress With (or Against) Your Setting: Your location plays a huge role in how your outfit photographs. Want to blend in with golden hour light? Try warm earth tones. Want to pop against fall leaves or deep greens? Go for something cool-toned or high contrast. It all depends on the vibe you’re going for. I’m always happy to help talk through options if you’re unsure!
Step Five: Avoid These Mistakes When Choosing What to Wear for Your Engagement Photos
Let’s keep the focus on you two—your connection, your laughter, your real moments. What you wear should highlight that, not compete with it. Here are a few common outfit mistakes to skip when planning your engagement session:
Things to Skip When Choosing What to Wear for Your Engagement Photos
❌ Logos or graphic tees – They pull attention away from the moment and can date your photos quickly.
❌ Loud, clashing patterns – Bold patterns can be super distracting on camera. If you want a little texture, stick to one subtle pattern and keep everything else neutral.
❌ Matching too literally – No need to be identical! Coordinating colors and styles will always look more natural and modern than perfectly matched outfits.
❌ Wearing something you don’t feel great in – If you’re uncomfortable, it’ll show. Confidence is key, so wear something that makes you feel like your best se
Tip: When in doubt, less is more. Clean lines, solid colors, and natural textures always photograph beautifully. Your engagement photos are all about your story. Your outfits should simply support the vibe, not steal the spotlight.
Step Six: Don’t Overthink What to Wear for Your Engagement Photos
At the end of the day, your engagement session is about you two—your story, your connection, your love. It’s not about being perfect. Don’t stress over every detail or feel like you have to perform. Come as you are. Wear what makes you feel confident. Choose spots that matter to you. Do what feels natural. I’ll guide you through the whole process so you can relax, be yourselves, and have fun along the way. That’s when the magic happens!
Looking for a Michigan engagement photographer who’s all about capturing your relationship in a real, relaxed, and fun way? You can learn more about me just by scrolling a little further.
Meet Marissa – Your Michigan Engagement Photographer (and Personal Hype Girl)
If you’ve made it this far, I already know you care about making your engagement session mean something. And I’m so here for that. I’m a Michigan-based wedding and engagement photographer who’s been capturing love stories for couples all across the mitten and beyond.
I believe your photos should feel like you. Not stiff, not overly posed, just real moments, real laughs, and real connection. My approach is all about keeping things fun, relaxed, and personal so you feel confident, comfortable, and fully present the entire time. I’ll guide you every step of the way, cheer you on, fix your hair, pick the perfect light, and probably have a playlist ready to set the vibe (yes, 2000s pop punk is always in the rotation).
When I’m not behind the camera, I’m probably sipping an iced coffee, hanging with my nieces, traveling with my boyfriend, or editing with my cat Gibson curled up nearby. I love concerts, cozy bookstores, and a good road trip—basically anything that feels full of life.
If you’re looking for a Michigan engagement photographer who’s all about making you feel seen, celebrated, and so hyped for what’s next, then I think we just might get along well. If you think we’d vibe, you can inquire with me! Want more photo inspo, behind-the-scenes, or just to say hey? Come hang out on Instagram, I’d love to see you there!
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