Your engagement photos are a visual love letter—a snapshot of who you are as a couple, your shared passions, and the unique magic you bring to your relationship. Want to take your engagement session to the next level? Styling your shoot around a cohesive theme will make the experience more personal and fun, elevating the final results. Want to learn how to style your engagement photos? Read on!

Take Holly and Marty, for example. For their retro Hollywood-inspired shoot, we leaned into their love of all things nostalgic. With bold flash photography, quirky angles, and just the right touch of motion blur, their session felt like stepping into a vintage movie reel. We kicked things off at their favorite local dive bar, capturing cozy moments in dim, moody lighting. Then, we wandered over to The Government Center, an iconic record store on Pittsburgh’s historic North Side. From the carefully curated outfits to the playful energy in their poses, every detail reflected who they are as a couple—and it showed.

Now, it’s your turn! Keep reading for tips on how to style your engagement photos like a pro and create a session that feels authentically you.

How to Style Your Engagement Photos

1. Choose a Theme That Tells Your Story

A great shoot starts with a great idea. Think about your relationship, shared hobbies, or favorite era. Do you bond over late-night board games and retro diners? Maybe a ‘50s-inspired shoot is your vibe. Obsessed with nature and weekend hikes? Go for a woodsy, boho feel. Or perhaps you’re city-dwelling sophisticates with a penchant for urban grit—think neon lights, graffiti walls, and modern, edgy fashion.

Your theme doesn’t have to be complicated or overly detailed. It’s about capturing the essence of you. Holly and Marty loved the glamour of old-school Hollywood with a modern twist, so we leaned into that. Ask yourself: What makes your relationship unique? What’s the story you want these photos to tell?

2. Scout Locations That Set the Scene

Your locations should complement your theme and feel natural to you as a couple. Think of it like setting the stage for your story. Do you have a favorite little bookstore, park, or rooftop spot with sentimental meaning? Lean into that!

Holly and Marty’s dive bar and record store choices were perfect for their nostalgic, retro vibe. The moody lighting of the bar gave their photos a sultry, cinematic feel, while the record store brought in quirky pops of color and textures. The best part? These locations were special to them, making the photos even more meaningful.

When you’re choosing your spots, think about texture, light, and mood. Big windows can give you dreamy natural light, while industrial backdrops or vintage furniture can create visual interest. And don’t be afraid to include unconventional locations—the more specific to your story, the better.

3. Incorporate Props to Bring Your Theme to Life

Props can help tell your story and give you something to do with your hands (because, let’s be real, we all feel a little awkward at first). For Holly and Marty, this was all about the details: a retro bar scene, old records, and some fun swapping inside jokes on a couch (my fave!).

Think about what props would naturally fit into your theme. Bring a few books, a checkered blanket, and a basket of goodies if you’re planning a romantic picnic. If you’re going for a boho feel, think flower crowns, candles, or vintage rugs. Just keep it relatively simple—props should enhance the photos, not overwhelm them. The goal is to convey a shared experience.

4. Get Creative and Playful

When it comes to styling your shoot, creativity is key! Think outside the box and embrace the unexpected. Experiment with fun wardrobe choices, unique lighting, or quirky accessories that reflect your personality.

For Holly and Marty, we used bold flash photography to give their photos a dramatic, paparazzi-esque edge. We also played with motion blur, which added a nostalgic, dreamy quality. These creative touches gave their photos a one-of-a-kind feel that perfectly matched their retro theme.

Talk to your photographer about your vision, and don’t be afraid to ask for their creative input. The right photographer will help brainstorm ideas, suggest cool techniques, and bring your dream shoot to life.

5. Dress Like a Model (But Make It You)

Your wardrobe should complement your theme and make you feel fabulous. And while Pinterest is a goldmine of inspiration, don’t feel pressured to copy trends—this is your story, after all!

If you’re going for a retro vibe like Holly and Marty, think bold prints, vintage silhouettes, or even a pop of red lipstick. A boho shoot might call for flowy fabrics, earthy tones, and cozy layers.

When styling your wardrobe, keep these tips in mind:

• Plan for movement. Flowy dresses, suits with sharp lines, or accessories that catch the wind (like a wide-brimmed hat or a scarf) add drama and dimension to your photos.
• Coordinate, but don’t match. Choose colors that complement each other rather than matching exactly. For example, a navy dress pairs beautifully with a cream sweater and dark-wash jeans.
• Think about your backdrop. If your location is colorful or busy, opt for neutral tones to avoid clashing. Conversely, if your setting is minimal, don’t be afraid to go bold!

Of course, don’t forget the details: Statement jewelry, a vintage purse, or even a bouquet of wildflowers can elevate your look.

6. Pose Like a Model (Even If You’re Not One)

Honestly, posing can feel awkward, especially if you’re not used to being in front of a camera. The key? Relax, have fun, and trust your photographer to guide you.

Instead of stiff, posed shots, go for movement and connection. Dance together, whisper something funny in each other’s ears, or steal an exaggerated Hollywood kiss. We’ll capture those natural, unscripted moments that show off your love in its truest form.

If you’re nervous about how to pose, let your theme inspire you. Channel movie star energy with playful smirks and dramatic gazes for a vintage vibe. For something more casual, lean into candid laughter and sweet forehead kisses. The goal is to look like yourselves, just dialed up a notch.

Let’s Make Art Together!

As your engagement photographer, I’m not just here to snap pictures—I’m here to bring your vision to life. If you want to style your engagement photos a certain way, let me know! Whether you’re dreaming of a windswept adventure session or a bold, urban photoshoot, I’m here to guide you every step of the way. From brainstorming creative themes to scouting the perfect locations and making sure you feel like absolute rockstars in front of the camera. Engagement photos should feel like *you*: fun and heartfelt with a splash of creativity. So, let’s collaborate, get playful, and turn your vision into timeless memories. 

Ready to start planning? Let’s chat—because your love deserves to be celebrated in style.