5 Ways to Pamper Yourself for Your Engagement Photos

In a world of intense wedding planning, your engagement session is the perfect time to do a little bit of self-care. Below are a few of my favorite suggestions for brides who want to pamper themselves before their engagement session.

1. Have your nails done

Show off your new ring with confidence – typically, during engagement photos, I like to photograph the ring up close on the bride’s hand. Having well groomed nails can make a big difference in those close up ring shots! 

2. Have makeup done

Not many brides consider having their makeup done for their engagement session, but doing so is a great way to pamper yourself! If you are planning on having your makeup done for your wedding, ask your artist if you can schedule your wedding day makeup trial for the day of your engagement session. Typically, a pre-trial is included in your wedding makeup package, so most of the time it won’t even cost you an extra penny!

3. Treat yourself to buying (or renting) a new dress or outfit

This might be my favorite tip of them all! The right outfit makes a HUGE difference in the outcome of the photos. A fun way to treat yourself for your engagement photos could be by buying a new outfit, or by renting one. I recently learned about Rent the Runway and I’m OBSESSED! Rent the Runway has a huge variety of expensive clothing, allowing you to rent for a small fraction of the original price. Lyndsay, my soon-to-be-bride in the photo below, opted for a gorgeous floor length red dress that made her session come together perfectly. And the best part was, she didn’t have to pay hundreds of dollars to look fabulous!

4. Plan to go out to dinner together afterwards

One of my favorite things my husband and I did after our engagement session was to plan to grab a bite to eat after our session ended. Planning to go out to dinner gives you and your soon-to-be-husband something else to look forward to afterwards, and makes the whole evening feel like a date!

By using one (or all) of these tips, you’re sure to have a relaxing, pampered engagement experience!

Lyndsay + Justin: McConnell's Mill Engagement Photography

There are so many things to love about Lyndsay and Justin! Their relaxed personalities and undeniable love for each other made them an absolute joy to photograph. Lyndsay had a clear vision for her engagement session - a winter wonderland, and a bright, red dress. Thanks to Rent the Runway, Lyndsay was able to rent a killer dress to perfectly accent the session (side note: brides, this is a great way to dress up your engagement photos without having to commit to buying a dress!). These two put up with freezing cold temps and an icy hill that almost stopped us from reaching our last location - but they pushed through like champs, bringing her gorgeous vision to life! Without further ado - check out one of my personal favorite winter sessions ever. We are so excited for your fall wedding, Lyndsay and Justin!

Vendors:

Makeup by Joy Lager at Beauty by Joy

Hair by Mallory Puniak at Copacetic Salon

Tess + Phil: Seneca Hills Bible Camp Engagement Photographer

One of my favorite parts about being a wedding photographer is hearing about the history behind the relationship. In this case, I didn't just get to hear about it - I got to see it, too! Tess & Phil met a few years back when they were both camp counselors at Seneca Hills Bible Camp in Polk, PA. So, of course, when Tess and I were brainstorming ideas for possible locations, the camp came up as a contender (and won)! At Seneca Hills, we visited so many spots important to their dating history, including the cafeteria where they used to sneak each other notes during dinner (under the dinner plate) and the tree that Phil had carved their names into. I love these two, their energy, and the commitment they're making to each other this summer. Not to mention the friendships that have resulted as a part of knowing this sweet couple! Congratulations, Tess & Phil - we can't wait for the wedding!!

Jenna Hidinger Photography is a wedding photographer located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania who has a passion for authentically capturing love stories.

Becca + Frank: Cathedral of Learning Engagement Session

There's something about freezing winter temperatures that make a shoot feel all the cozier! Becca and Frank's Pittsburgh engagement session started off inside the Cathedral of Learning, then gradually moved outside to the Mellon Institute (where they dealt with the cold like champs!). These two were so natural in front of the camera - I could've photographed them all day! They talked, laughed, and just enjoyed each other (plus, Frank is awesome at what I like to call the "tackle hug," which you will see below :) ). I loved working with these two and couldn't be more excited to photograph their wedding in 2017!

2016 Best of Engagements: Pittsburgh Wedding Photographers

Engagement sessions are my favorite way to get to know my couples. This year, so many of my couples had such unique ideas for incorporating their personalities into their sessions! Check out some of my favorite engagement photos from this year below:

Janelle + Josh: Historic Harmony Engagement Photographer

There are few places near the Cranberry Township area more beautiful than Historic Harmony close to Christmas! It was a treat to take Janelle and Josh's engagement photos in this quaint little town. We started off their Historic Harmony engagement photo session at Wunderbar Coffee Shop, and gradually worked our way outside (it was freezing, but they braved the Pittsburgh cold like champs! Would it be a Pittsburgh engagement session without a little cold/rain/snow/clouds?!). We even caught a little bit of snow just as we were wrapping up (literally 20 seconds worth!). We love these two and cannot wait for their wedding!

Jenna Hidinger Photography is a Pittsburgh Wedding Photographer located north of Pittsburgh, and serving surrounding areas who has a passion for marriage and for using photography as a method to encourage those around her.

Ashley + Rob: Mellon Park Engagement Photographer

Mellon Park in the fall is one my absolute favorites! The mix of architecture and fall color make for the perfect photo-worthy combination. For Ashley and Rob's engagement session, we started at Mellon Park with their pup, Hans, and finished up at the Mellon Institute right before sunset. Congratulations, Ashley and Rob! We are so excited to be a part of your wedding day!

Kathryn + Chase: Strip District Engagement Photos

It's hard to believe, but Kathryn and Chase's engagement session was my first photo session in the Strip District - ever! Kathryn and Chase even brought their pup, Cola, in his adorable sweater for a couple of photos. We had so much fun hanging out with these two and can't wait for their wedding next year! Congrats Kathryn and Chase!

Rachel + Brian: Soergel's Orchard Engagement Photographer

Fall is my FAVORITE season by far. The chill in the air, bonfires, colors, and scarves are like coffee for my soul! (Does that make any sense?!) One of my favorite places to go in the fall is Soergel Orchards in Wexford, PA. They have fall festivals featuring pumpkin patches, apple orchards, Arsenal Cider, and so much more! So when Rachel asked me if I knew of any good places to take photos in the fall, I jumped on the chance to recommend Soergel's! We were able to visit early in the morning before one of their famous fall festivals, which involved a pretty early morning (on a Saturday) - but Rachel and Brian were more than willing to oblige, and it was totally and completely worth it for the epic light and beautiful sites we were able to capture! Plus, Rachel and Brian made it SO easy for us, just by being themselves and having a good time (they even bought us apple cider - so sweet!!). We also found out during the session that Rachel interned at Disney! (Super off topic, but if you know anything about Nick and I, you know we LOVE Disney!). Also - they're getting married at the White Barn in Prospect next year, which is where Nick and I tied the knot last August! 

So without further ado, here are some of my favorite photos from Rachel and Brian's engagement session! Congratulations you two, we are so excited for your wedding!

Laura + Jake: McConnell's Mill Engagement Photographer

I loved spending the evening with these two a few weeks ago at McConnell's Mill and Grove City College (definitely a popular place for photos this fall, and I love it)! They were so natural in front of the camera. Check out a few of my favorite photos from their session below! Congratulations again on your engagement, Laura and Jake!