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A relaxed, helpful guide from your San Francisco Bay Area wedding photographer

Engagement sessions are one of the most fun and low-pressure parts of wedding planning. It’s a chance to document this sweet season, get comfortable in front of the camera, and create some truly beautiful images together. One of the biggest questions I get from couples before their shoot? “What should we wear?”

As a San Francisco-based wedding photographer, I’ve photographed couples in everything from barefoot-on-the-beach looks to city-chic outfits with dramatic flair. While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, I do have a few tried-and-true tips to help you feel confident, comfortable, and completely like yourselves.

1. Wear What Feels Like You

First things first—don’t force yourself into an outfit that feels stiff or unfamiliar just because you saw it on Pinterest. If you’re not a dress person, don’t wear one. If you live in boots and a leather jacket, rock them. The goal is to feel amazing and authentic—because when you feel good, it shows.

2. Stick to Neutral or Earthy Tones

Creams, soft blues, dusty pinks, terracotta, deep greens—these tones photograph beautifully in almost any setting. Bright neon colors or super bold patterns can distract from the emotion of the photo and pull focus away from the connection between you two. When in doubt, muted is magic.

As a Bay Area wedding photographer, I also recommend dressing with the location in mind. For example, golden tones look stunning against the warm light in Marin, while cool blues and grays complement foggy coastal backdrops in places like Sutro Baths or the Presidio.

3. Coordinate, Don’t Match

You don’t have to wear matching outfits to look cohesive. Choose colors that complement each other and styles that feel balanced. If one of you is wearing something dressier, the other might want to elevate their outfit a bit too. The goal is to feel like you belong together—but not like you’re in a matching set.

4. Think About Movement

Flowy fabrics add gorgeous movement to your photos and can really bring the images to life—especially if we’re shooting somewhere windy like the beach or the hills. Long dresses, scarves, or a linen shirt catching the breeze? Yes please.

Also, avoid clothing that needs constant adjusting—straps that fall, shirts that wrinkle easily, or anything that’s too tight or restrictive.

5. Avoid Logos, Busy Prints, and Distracting Details

Tiny prints can create odd patterns in camera, and logos or heavy graphics can pull attention away from your faces. Stick with solid colors or simple textures like linen, knits, or corduroy to add visual interest without overwhelming the image.

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Bonus Tip: Bring Options!
If you’re torn between two looks, bring both! I usually recommend one casual outfit and one that’s a little more elevated. We can mix it up depending on the location and lighting—and it gives your gallery more variety.

As your Bay Area engagement photographer, I’ll also send you my Engagement Session Style Guide when you book—packed with visuals and tips to help you prep for the shoot with ease.

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Let’s Make Some Magic Together
Engagement sessions are all about connection, laughter, and feeling like yourselves. If you’re looking for a San Francisco Bay Area wedding photographer who’ll guide you through every step while capturing images that feel like you, I’d love to chat. Get in touch here and let’s plan something beautiful together.