HE ASKED, YOU SAID YES... NOW WHAT DO WE WEAR?!
WELCOME TO YOUR COMPREHENSIVE ENGAGEMENT STYLING GUIDE.
CURATING A LOOK THAT FEELS LIKE YOU.
When it comes to your engagement session, the possibilities are truly endless. The goal of this guide isn’t to give you "homework," but to provide a calm, intentional roadmap for curating your wardrobe. When you feel confident, comfortable, and authentic, it radiates through the lens. By following these principles of texture, palette, and coordination, we will create a gallery of timeless heirlooms that feel uniquely like you.
*** Style Inspiration: Images below are sourced via Pinterest to illustrate wardrobe concepts and are not the work of Lisa Leo Photography. ***
WHERE SHOULD WE TELL YOUR STORY?
Choosing a location is about more than just a pretty backdrop; it’s about the feeling you want your gallery to evoke. Decide if you want your engagement photos to match your wedding vibe or be a total departure—like a chic city wedding paired with a cozy country session. Here is a breakdown of the four most popular settings to help you decide.
THE FIELD OR PARK: WARM & ORGANIC
Think tall golden grass, mossy trees, and a soft, earthy palette. Locations like Stanley Park or local hidden fields in Vancouver provide a lush, organic frame for your photos.
The Perks: A variety of textures and "pockets" of light. It feels grounded, cozy, and classic.
Best For: A "Fall/Winter" transition vibe, cozy knitwear, and couples who want a natural, relaxed outdoor setting.
Style Note: Lean into the Cozy Country aesthetic—earthy tones, fields, and even a pair of cowboy boots for a touch of personality.
THE BEACH: WILD & ROMANTIC
There is something incredibly cinematic about the Pacific Northwest coastline. Whether it’s the rugged stones of Spanish Banks or the driftwood at Iona, the beach offers a sense of movement and scale.
The Perks: Dreamy "Golden Hour" light, wind-swept hair, and a playful, unscripted vibe.
Best For: Couples who don't mind getting their toes sandy or their hems a little wet in exchange for epic, wide-angle storytelling.
Style Note: Embrace The Great Outdoors with nature trails or barefoot beach moments. Flowing fabrics that catch the wind are a must.
THE CITY: CHIC & ICONIC
For the couple that loves the energy of Vancouver’s architecture, high-fashion cityscapes, rooftop patios with city views, and the glow of the streets. This is about capturing the essence of a sophisticated date night.
The Perks: Versatile backdrops from hotel lobbies and cocktail bars to grand stone architecture. It feels expensive, intentional, and timeless.
Best For: Chic City & Editorial vibes. If you want to look like you’re on a luxury date or appearing in a fashion spread, this is your setting.
Style Note: Go all out with High Fashion & Glam—think silk, lace, tulle dresses, sharp blazers, and structured trousers.
THE STUDIO: MINIMALIST & INTENTIONAL
If you love a clean, editorial, and timeless look, the studio is for you. It offers a "blank canvas" where the focus remains entirely on your silhouette and your connection.
The Perks: Total privacy, climate control (no wind or rain!), and consistent, soft light.
Best For: High-fashion looks and those who want a stress-free environment regardless of the Vancouver weather.
Note: Studio rentals are subject to availability and an additional fee.
PERSONALIZE YOUR SESSION: SEASON & SENTIMENT
Once you’ve chosen your backdrop, we layer in the elements that make the session uniquely yours. Whether it’s leaning into the current season or nodding to your favorite weekend hobby, these details transform a "location" into your story.
Embrace the Season
Don't fight the weather—lean into it. Every season in Vancouver offers a distinct wardrobe opportunity and a different emotional "weight" to your photos.
Spring: Think renewal and soft, romantic palettes. This is the season of Cherry Blossoms lining the city streets, Tulip Festivals in the valley, and everything coming back into bloom. It’s the perfect time for pastels, light trench coats, and floral prints.
Summer: The quintessential Vancouver experience. Think long, hazy "Golden Hour" sessions, beach days, and vibrant city energy. Dress in light linens, sundresses, and "something blue" to capture that effortless, sun-drenched vibe.
Fall: Think "Main Character" energy. Heavy wool trench coats, cozy oversized sweaters, and the rich, warm transition of the city parks.
Winter: Sharp, minimalist, and cozy. Crisp snow, chic turtlenecks, tailored coats, and holding a warm drink.
Sentimental & Lifestyle
The most iconic photos often happen when you’re doing what you actually love to do together. Incorporating your lifestyle gives the gallery a curated, high-end editorial feel that feels effortless.
The Hobby Session: Do you spend your weekends on a sailboat? Are you competitive on the tennis court or the golf course? Bringing these elements in adds a sophisticated, personal touch.
Meaningful Spots: Where did the story begin? Whether it’s the Starbucks where you first met, a favorite local bookstore, or the café where you spent your first date, these spots add a layer of history to your gallery.
The "Warm-Up" for Your Big Day
Think of your engagement session as the ultimate rehearsal. This is about more than just photos; it’s about getting comfortable in front of the camera and learning how you move together.
Authentically You: Whether you want to be barefoot on the beach or in a black-tie editorial look, the goal is to feel like the best version of yourselves.
Low Fuss, High Impact: Unless we are going for a strictly high-fashion editorial look, choose outfits that allow you to be free to move. It’s hard to capture playful, candid moments if you’re constantly adjusting a strap or tugging at a hem.
Relaxed & Candid: When you are comfortable and authentic to yourselves, the photos become more relaxed, candid, and timeless.
The "Date Night" Rule: When in doubt, dress like you’re heading to a high-end Sunday brunch or a romantic dinner. If you look like you’re on a date, you’ll act like you’re on a date—leading to relaxed, genuine photos.
WHAT TO WEAR: THE BRIDE
Engagement photos can be as dressy or as casual as you’d like. Whether you’re leaning into high-fashion editorial or a relaxed date night vibe, the goal is to look like an elevated version of yourself.
The Power of White & Timeless Neutrals
Even if you’re wearing white for every other bridal event, don't skip it here. There is something about wearing white that truly feels "bridal" and sets the tone for your engagement.
Neutral is Timeless: Neutral doesn't mean boring. I am a firm believer that neutrals keep the focus on your emotion and connection. We add interest through shape and texture rather than loud colors.
Not Feeling White? If white isn't your vibe, opt for your "something blue" or a romantic, subtle floral print. These choices still feel soft, classic, and celebratory.
The Tried & True Classics
If you aren't sure where to start, you can never go wrong with these staples. These are the pieces that look good in every setting and never go out of style:
The Slip Dress: Silk or satin in champagne, ivory, or black. It’s the ultimate "cool girl" bridal staple.
Denim & A White Button-Down: A high-quality pair of jeans and a crisp, oversized white shirt is the gold standard for a relaxed, authentic look.
The Trench Coat: Perfect for Vancouver weather, a classic tan or stone trench adds movement and sophistication to any outdoor session.
Invest in Re-wearability
This is the perfect excuse to buy that "forever" piece you’ve been eyeing. Think of it as an investment for your wardrobe that starts with your engagement session.
The Luxury Knit: A high-end cashmere or wool sweater for those cozy park sessions.
The Killer Jeans: A pair that fits you perfectly and makes you feel confident.
The Statement Coat: A wool coat or leather trench that you’ll continue to wear for the next 30 years.
A Note on Bridal Nails
Don't overlook your hands—they will be featured prominently in those ring close-ups! I always suggest keeping it clean and intentional.
The Timeless Look: Many of my brides swap out their bold winter reds for a "clean girl" aesthetic. Think Bubble Bath, a classic French tip, a soft Ombre, or a sheer nude. These tones ensure your ring remains the star of the show and won't clash with any of your outfit changes.
The Bold Choice: If a neutral mani isn't you, go for something that is authentically your style. If you always wear a specific bold color or art, stick to it. The most important thing is that you feel like yourself.
Embracing the Feminine: Flowy Silhouettes
There is something inherently romantic about movement. If you want to feel effortlessly pretty, a dress or skirt with volume is the way to go.
The Milkmaid & Sun Dress: For a soft, "Cottagecore" or romantic garden vibe, you can’t beat a milkmaid-style dress with puffed sleeves or a classic sun dress. These silhouettes are incredibly flattering and feel timelessly feminine.
The Flow Factor: Whether it’s a tiered maxi or a silk midi, a flowy dress or skirt adds a sense of "motion" to your photos. It allows me to capture the way the wind catches the fabric, making the images feel more unscripted and alive.
The Seasonal Pivot: If you love a feminine look but the weather is cool, pair a satin slip skirt with a chunky knit sweater. It’s the perfect balance of "chic editorial" and "cozy comfort"—giving you that soft, romantic feel while staying warm in a Vancouver breeze.
STYLING YOUR PARTNEr
He shouldn’t just "match" you; he should complement the aesthetic. Think of him as the supporting lead—his outfit should provide the perfect frame for your connection without competing for attention.
Dress Up, Not Down
I always suggest leaning a tad more dressy than casual. While your everyday life might be t-shirts and hoodies, your engagement gallery is an occasion.
The "Tucked-In" Rule: I recommend starting with tucked-in shirts and a high-quality belt. This creates a polished, intentional silhouette immediately. We can always untuck the shirt later in the session for a more relaxed, "date night" feel.
Avoid the Casual Traps: Steer clear of wrinkled tees, scuffed sneakers, or shirts with visible logos and pilling. While I can fix some things in post, retouching wrinkles or logos on 60+ images is an intensive process that results in additional charges.
Crisp & Pressed: If he is wearing a white tee or button-down, ensure it is crisp, freshly pressed, and free of any wear and tear.
The Power of Layers & Texture
Layering is the easiest way to incorporate his personal style while keeping the look high-end.
Outerwear: Incorporate shackets, well-fitted jean jackets, or a structured leather jacket.
The "Supporting" Palette: If you are wearing a warm ivory, he should stay in that same "temperature" with creams, beiges, or grey-whites. Never pair him in a stark, cool blue-white if you are in a warm ivory—it will make one of you look "off" in camera.
Iconic Coordination
The Contrast Rule: For a truly striking, formal look, put him in all black while you are in all white. It is a timeless, high-contrast choice that looks incredible in both city and studio settings.
The Investment: This is the perfect excuse for him to invest in a "forever" piece—a luxury wool sweater, a tailored blazer, or those killer leather boots he’ll wear for the next decade.
Don't Mix Whites
DON'T MIX WHITES: This is the golden rule. Do not pair cool (stark/blue/grey) whites with warm (ivory/creme) whites—even between you and your partner. One will always end up looking "dirty."
TEXTURE, TONES
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A GOOD PHOTO AND A LUXURY EDITORIAL PHOTO IS IN THE DETAILS OF THE FABRIC.
Luxurious Ivory: Warmer whites always look more expensive and photograph better than stark, cool whites.
Incorporate Texture: Add depth with lace, satin, white denim, white leather, or heavy wool.
BE ICONIC: ACCESSORIES & PROPS
ICONIC BRIDAL MOMENTS HAPPEN WHEN YOU MAKE BOLD CHOICES.
Curating epic photos takes a little brainstorming. - Don't be afraid to be "extra" You don't need to follow trends, but you should bring your personality to the frame.
Bold Accessories
Think satin gloves, lace socks, cool hats, or white cowboy boots. Bold choices can be made on any budget.
Pop the Bubbles
I love champagne in photos! Whether it’s a chic city vibe or a blanket at the beach, having a glass in your hand makes posing easier for those who don't know what to do with their hands.
The Announcement
Creative "Save the Date" ideas: write it on a coffee cup, a newspaper, or the bottom of your boots.
Pinterest: Inspiration vs. Reality
I love seeing what inspires you! Sharing your Pinterest boards or saved images is a fantastic way for me to understand the "vibe," lighting, and aesthetic you’re drawn to for your maternity session. However, it’s important to remember that Pinterest is for inspiration, not a shot list.
The photos you see and love online often happened organically in a split second of magic—a catch of the wind in a dress, a sudden laugh, or a specific glow of the Vancouver sunset. Every pregnancy and every body is unique; trying to force a rigid "recreation" can often feel stiff and take away from the genuine connection you have with your partner or your bump.
Instead, let’s use those images to set the tone and flow of our session. By staying present in the moment rather than worrying about a checklist, we allow for authentic magic to happen. I promise that the unscripted, raw moments we capture of your love story will be far more precious than a copy of someone else's.
Beauty: Hair & Makeup
Whether you are doing your own glam or hiring a pro, the goal is to enhance your natural features.
Hair: Focus on a smooth finish. Taming flyaways is the best way to ensure your hair looks intentional and polished in outdoor wind.
Makeup: Camera sensors tend to "flatten" features, so don't be afraid to wear more blush and bronzer than you usually would. A very "natural" look in person can sometimes translate to looking washed out on screen.
If you aren't comfortable doing your own hair and makeup, I have a trusted team of specialists I work with often. Let me know if you’d like to secure a booking with them for your session!
STILL FEELING LOST?
Don't worry—I’m here to help you cross the finish line. I work closely with a few incredible stylists and have some highly recommended professionals who specialize in both in-person and virtual styling for your family. They can help you curate every detail from head to toe, ensuring your vision comes to life effortlessly.
Let me know if you’d like their help, and I will happily pass along their contact information!
