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Putting together the perfect outfits for your destination engagement, anniversary, or honeymoon couples session in Europe
Choosing what to wear for your destination love story session will have a massive impact on the overall result of your images. The colors, textures, and style of your outfits will determine the look and feel of the shoot, and choosing the right outfits will ensure you’ll be in love with your photos for years to come.
So to help you, I’ve gathered my top tips for choosing what to wear for your destination love story session.
Planning a getaway to Europe and looking for a fine art destination love story photographer? Get in touch today to reserve your date!
01. Consider your city backdrop, but avoid stereotypes
My first tip for you is to consider the aesthetic of the European city where you’ll be having your session and use it for inspiration! Consider the colors, textures, and traditions that the city is known for. But avoid any stereotypes that may come off a bit tacky or touristy.
For example, if you’re having a session in Paris, a classic trench coat over an all-black ensemble is a chic nod to French style. But a Breton striped top with a beret may be a bit much!
So for Paris, think chic and elegant. For Tuscany, go with neutral colors and natural textures. For the South of France, think pastels and flowy dresses and skirts. And for London, think classic and refined.
Included in my Destination Love Story Experience is a complimentary planning consultation where we’ll brainstorm outfit ideas based on the city of your session. It’s one of my favorite parts of the planning process, because it’s so fun to take inspiration from a location and come up with outfits perfect for the session.
02. Keep it classic
Engagements, anniversary trips, and honeymoons are often once-in-a-lifetime opportunities—especially when you’re doing them in Europe! You’ll also be framing these photos, hanging them in your home, and enjoying them for years to come.
So I recommend sticking to pieces that are more timeless. Classic outfits will also pair beautifully with the chic and elegant European architecture and charm. And, as a plus, your photos will age more gracefully and your grandchildren will have less to tease you about in the future!
03. Choose outfits that complement each other, but avoid being too matchy
My next tip for you is to make sure you consider how your outfits will work together. They should complement each other, but not be too matchy-matchy.
Keep colors within the same family. Neutral colors always go well together, as do pastels and softer colors. Also, make sure both looks are equally casual or formal. If one of you is dressing up, the other needs to as well.
Overall, your outfits should create a cohesive look, while still looking natural and not too matchy.
04. Remember to take care of any wrinkles
Don’t spend hours planning and shopping for an outfit only to show up to the shoot a wrinkly mess! If the outfit is prone to wrinkles, plan ahead and consider bringing a travel steamer or inquiring about an iron at your hotel or Airbnb.
Another helpful hack: bring wrinkle release spray (my mom swears by this!) or hang your outfit in the bathroom while you shower so the steam can go to work on it.
Taking care of the wrinkles is a minor thing that will have a huge impact on your overall look. So make sure to take care of them before the session.
05. Choose outfits that feel like “you”
Above all else, you should feel confident and beautiful in whatever you choose to wear. You should feel special when you get dressed and ready for the shoot, and you’ll feel all the more comfortable in front of the camera. And that confidence will really show in the final photos—you’ll be glowing!
