Save the Date

In a world where we rely on our calendars to remind us of any date with significance, and it seems like our entire friend group is getting married in the same time frame, “Save the Dates” have become a necessity!

Nowadays, we have seen a shift from the standard 4x6 “Save the Date” to more unique options. Some of our favorites include the customized cloth magnet with a picture from a fabulous engagement shoot, tickets for the “big day,” or a classic photo with your date written out on your shoes or a super cute Pinteresty sign! Be sure to ask your wedding photographer if they can create these types of cards, if not you will want to buy the images so that you can create “Save the Dates” yourself! 

Another adorable and affordable option is the “Save the Date” post card. Not only is it a great way to incorporate both a picture of the future Mr. and Mrs., but you are able to include a few lines on the back side of the card. This is a great place to tell your guest about the date, city/location, and that an invitation will follow! For couples who will be having a lot of out of town guests, it may be nice to include the accommodations information, a preferred hotel and let them know to mention it is for the wedding.

Just like any other wedding detail, be sure that the “Save the Date” encompasses the bride and groom’s personalities. If you are having a themed wedding, be sure to carry that over with your “Save the Dates.” It is also important that you keep in mind your designs and style for the formal invitations. You do not want your “Save the Dates” to be drastically different in style/color/theme than the formal invitation that will follow a few months later.

Photography by Rick Dean Photography LLC

All Things Engagement Photography

Now that you’ve got the ring and planning is in full swing, it is time for you to have a little fun! Some of you may want a perfect shot for a save-the-date or some beautiful pictures to display at your wedding reception, just remember that the most important thing is to have fun, relax, and be yourself. By doing these things, your pictures will be flawless and capture your personalities perfectly.

I am sure that all of you have probably looked through countless engagement pictures and have picked out your favorites where the couple looks blissful and absolutely flawless. All of these couples that have gorgeous engagement pictures very likely followed these few tips and tricks!

1)   Choose the best time!

When I say time I just don’t mean time of day. The season is also very important. For those couples who are football loving fans, perhaps you should plan to have your engagement pictures taken in the fall, wearing your team colors. For the beach lovers, try scheduling your engagement photo shoot on a warm summer evening when the tide and sunset is just right! Even the season can affect how transparent your personality is through your pictures. It is also important to note that if you are planning on having an outdoor shoot, the best time is about an hour and a half before sunset. This way, you can avoid those unwanted shadows caused by sunlight, but also catch the sunset as a backdrop for some of your photos.

2)   What to wear!

Now everyone needs a little Stacy and Clinton in their lives when they don’t know what to wear. These are a few tips we have learned. For engagement shoots, it is best to wear solid colors, particularly lighter ones. Solids provide a clean-cut look for photographs, and are always perfect no matter what the backdrop may be.  It is also important to remember that if you are choosing a walking shoot, you may want to give your favorite high heels a little test run. There is nothing more miserable than trying to look happy and in love when your feet are killing you! As for makeup and hair, remember that the wind is unpredictable so hairspray is a must and that when putting on your makeup, apply extra blush and lipstick to avoid looking washed out.

And last but not least…

3)   Have fun and be yourself!

Think of your engagement shoot as a time to celebrate the future that you will have with your fiancé. If your pictures are natural, your personalities will be conveyed along with the love that you share for each other! If your personalities are more funny and outgoing, feel free to crack jokes and take silly pictures. The more original, the better! The last thing you want to do is have hundreds of pictures that don’t capture your personalities and the reasons why you make a perfect match!

If you follow these tips and tricks you are sure to have fabulous pictures in the end!

Charleston Wedding Photography 

Photography by Rick Dean Photography LLC