Category Archives: Couples photography

collage of engagement shoot photos

What to Wear for your Engagement Shoot

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One of the most frequent questions I get asked as a photographer is “What should we wear to our engagement shoot?” I want to walk you through some ideas, break them down a little bit, and take the headache out of this question.

Let these images reflect who you are

I always tell my clients first and foremost to let the engagement photos represent who they are day-to-day in an elevated way. If you’re not a suit and tie person, don’t wear a suit and tie. If you LOVE getting glam, then get glam. Make sure you authentically represent yourself. This honest representation of who you are will be such a nice compliment to your wedding collection when you are dressed to perfection.

Tips

1) Don’t match outfits, coordinate them. Find a color scheme, or a couple of colors that complement each other well, and run with it. Try not to wear the exact same color tops or bottoms as that could become distracting in the photos.

2) Use layers to change up an outfit. I’ve seen some cool vintage fur-collared coats worn over dresses and then the coat can be removed for some shots. Cardigans and suit jackets can be used in the same way.

2) Watch for bra straps. If you have a strappy dress and the bra will barely fit under it, wear a strapless bra.

3) Does your outfit make sense for where we’re shooting? A suit and tie and a pantsuit will look stunning with a city backdrop, but might not make as much sense in a park or garden setting.

4) Avoid fine patterns. These can cause what’s called the MoirĂ© effect and can ruin photos pretty easily. The camera has trouble reading intricate patterns and can end up blurring them together.

5) Avoid logos. Solid pieces work well. Add in an accessory or one article of clothing for a pop of color. I’m a huge fan of bright and bold, so don’t feel limited to neutrals.

6) The camera makes makeup less apparent, so add a little more than you normally would. I promise you you’ll still look like yourself in the photos!

Outfit Inspiration

high-end downtown

dressy engagement outfit

1. Women’s Sleeveless Dress
2. Pearl Hoop Earrings
3. Women’s Low Heel Sandals
4. Men’s Wool Coat
5. Men’s Straight Pant
6. Men’s Oxford Shoes
7. Cotton Skinny Tie

sun-kissed garden

what to wear garden engagement shoot

1. Off The Shoulder Dress
2. Bee Dangle Earrings
3. Bumblebee Bracelet
4. Bow Knot Sandals
5. Men’s Linen Jacket
6. Floral Tie
7. Men’s Skinny Pants
8. Men’s Canvas Shoes

cozy fall

fall engagement shoot outfit

1. Women’s Satin Skirt
2. Women’s V-Neck Shirt
3. Floral Dangle Earrings
4. Stack Bead Bracelets
5. Women’s Ankle Boots
6. Men’s Flannel Shirt
7. Men’s Denim

casual everyday

casual engagement shoot outfit

1. Women’s Off The Shoulder Top
2. Women’s Ankle Boot
3. Gold Geometric Earrings
4. Skinny Denim Pants
5. Men’s Button Up Shirt
6. Men’s Khaki Pants
7. Men’s Addidas Shoes

For same-sex couples or people who want even more inspiration, please visit my Amazon Storefront for more coordinating outfit ideas:)

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Columbus Ohio Surprise Proposal

There is no better day than Valentine’s Day to post about this absolutely incredible Columbus Ohio Surprise Proposal from last year.

Emily wrote me and told me she wanted to propose to her girlfriend Sherry. Little did I know I was going to walk into a work of art. Vessel Floral and Events knocked it absolutely out of the park with their rose and candle installation in Due Amici’s event room.

I always get a little nervous for surprise proposals. It feels like I’m waiting for a Jack-In-The-Box to spring out at me. It has to be perfect. And I’d say this ended up being as close to perfect as you can get.

Emily and Sherry were eating lunch right on the other side of the door. Near the end of lunch, Sherry was guided to that very special room and her reaction was just PRICELESS and gave me all the feels. Emily led her to the front of the room where she dropped to one knee and asked Sherry to spend the rest of her life with her. She couldn’t stop laughing and crying and I think the surprise rocked her to her core in the best possible way. There was so much happiness right there at that moment. It was so much fun to watch and document. I couldn’t be more excited for these two and I hope on this special day you’re feelin’ the love, too!

Engagement at Schiller Park

I’m so excited to share this engagement at Schiller Park today on the blog! Sat and Megan are so much fun to be around, but little Darwin might have stolen the show. Look at that cute little face! The weather was so beautiful and golden glowy last year when we met up in German Village. We laughed so much and had such a good time, that later these two hired me to do their Indian wedding that was here in Columbus earlier this year. I absolutely loved every minute with these two and am so lucky they came into my life! XO Jess

Schiller Park Engagement Engagement at Schiller Park

whetstone park of roses

Whetstone Engagement

These two get married in 10 days so there’s no better time to blog about their dreamy Whetstone engagement shoot than now! Abby and Brent had a picture-perfect day last year just as all the roses were freshly in bloom at the park of roses. Purples, pinks, and whites were covering the landscape like earth-grown fireworks. As if it couldn’t get any prettier, the fountain just made it over-the-top gorgeous.

Look at how in love these two are! It’s so much fun to hang out with Abby and Brent. They are down-to-earth, funny, and grounded. From the day I met her, Abby’s eyes enchanted me. They have this captivating quality that just draws you in. Somewhat of an old-Hollywood glam vibe, and so fun to photograph.

I am so ready to celebrate with these two! And they have a lot to celebrate, too! Congratulations to DR. Brent who just graduated from medical school this year. The final countdown for their Zoo wedding is on so keep an eye out for their sneak peek that will be on my Instagram stories @Jmillerphotos.

whetstone park of roses

Engagement Photos in German Village

I have been waiting a whole year to share these engagement photos in German Village. Brianna and Theo are just like rays of sunshine to be around. They are so warm and funny and completely in love!

We did this engagement shoot early last year when all the COVID stuff was just ramping up. It was my second pandemic shoot and I remember it felt so good to be back at it because for a little over a month we weren’t even allowed to photograph anyone.

The colors were just BURSTING from every german village stoop. It was incredibly spectacular to see.  Bri and Theo’s wedding colors were white and green, and so it was just lucky that everything was so lush and lent itself well to their palette.

Brianna and Theo decided to elope late last year in THE MOST STUNNING wedding. I can’t wait to share it soon on the blog! Until then, please enjoy some of my favorite engagement photos from last year:) XO J

Engagement Photos in German Village

Franklin Park Engagement

Franklin Park Community Garden Engagement

In honor of their micro wedding last week, I am so excited to share Kaitlin and Andrew’s Franklin Park Community Garden Engagement today on the blog. Kaitlin and Andrew are two people that I could easily spend every day around. They are kind, laid back, and pretty much amazing in every way. Together, they are so cute and loving. Truly- these two fill my heart.

We started our shoot on a bright and sunny day down at the Scioto Mile. How cute is it that they both wear glasses? There were many snuggles and smiles under the warm sun that day.

From the city backdrop, we ventured over to the Franklin Park Community Garden to continue the shoot. Like always, the gardens were immaculate and pristine. I am an amateur gardener and it is my goal to have a garden even a fraction as beautiful as this someday. Some of my favorite photos from the day were taken under the ivy-covered arbor. In the next couple of months, I will be sharing Kaitlin and Andrew’s micro wedding that happened a couple of weeks ago. The day was absolutely perfect and I can’t wait to show them off some more!

 

Franklin Park Community Garden Engagement

ali and trevor german village engagement

Engagement in German Village

I’m so excited to share Alli and Trevor’s engagement in German Village today! This was actually the last shoot I did before COIVD-19 shut the world down. None of us knew that everything was about to change so dramatically. On this day, it was just laughter and smiles as we strolled around the village.

We did this session in early spring, right as the weather turned to get warmer. It’s my favorite time of year. There is nothing other than a warm beam of sunshine on your face after a long winter. It’s so calming for me and I am all about everything spring. Ali and Trevor brought their fur baby Artie to join in the fun. He was so cute and soaked up every snuggle he could get.

I think some of my favorite photos from the shoot were the ones we took outside the Old Mohawk. I love it when people incorporate special places in their shoots.

Ali and Trevor had to postpone their NYE 2020 celebration to 2021 but they still celebrated last year by eloping and ringing in the new year as husband and wife. I was lucky enough to join them for this insanely special and fun backyard event so keep your eye out for a blog about that! I can’t wait to celebrate again with these two later this year. XO Jess

Engagement in German Village

 

Valarie and Nathan hug in a field of tall grasses

Engagement in Downtown Columbus

I am at the edge of my seat in excitement to post this engagement in downtown Columbus. And we really did go all over Columbus for this one! Valarie and Nathan are such a fun couple to be around. First of all, I have a hair crush on Valarie. Look at her gorgeous locks of perfect hair cascading down her back. Then let’s acknowledge Nate’s masterpiece mustache! And then there’s the way they both melt into each other’s arms. Guys, this session wasn’t that hard to photograph well. Just look at how cute they are together!

Our session started at one of my favorite Columbus spots, the Grange Insurance Audubon Center. We took a short hike, which also happens to be one of my favorite ways of shooting. The light was incredible even though it started as pretty direct. Beams of the warm sun would fall in at just the right moments to highlight Valarie’s hair or Nathan’s smile.

From the Audubon, we ventured around downtown and finally ended the shoot walking around Franklinton. The rustic streets and murals were the perfect companion photos to the nature shots we got earlier.

Keep an eye out for these two in the near future as I will be blogging about their incredible wedding.

Engagement in Downtown Columbus

Ohio State Engagement

Ohio State Engagement

I just love Allison and Charles and this Ohio State Engagement! It was an absolutely perfect pre-covid fall day where we were able to walk and laugh and enjoy everything about life mask-free. We had so much fun strolling the grounds of the Ohio State Campus. After that, we made our way to the downtown Pins Mechanical for some really cool and laid-back photos. It was also the first place Charles told Allison he loved her! I think it’s extra special when people can incorporate meaningful places into their shoots.

Even with all the uncertainty that last year brought, these two still safely tied the knot! I can’t wait to share with you how spectacular their wedding was.

Ohio State Engagement

Short North Engagement

Short North Engagement Shoot

Jenna, Jonathan, and I met up for this Short North engagement shoot last year in mid-February, right before the pandemic hit. I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t waited all last year just so I could post this post on Valentine’s Day weekend! I am so excited to share all of these photos, but especially the roses and wine photos at the end of our shoot!

We started the shoot inside, because yes, it was cold outside. At the Hilton Downtown, they had a fire burning in the second-floor lobby and it made everything feel so cozy and warm. I love this hotel so, so much. It has the coolest architectural details that you can incorporate into romantic imagery. The Hilton Downtown Columbus just broke ground on their newest building that’s going in across the street. I can’t wait to see their sister building in the next couple of years.

From the Hilton, we went one block away and took some photos at Goodale Park. The tall grasses and Pine trees provide a stunning landscape year-round. Pine trees are my favorite so you might notice them used in my photos a lot.

And my favorite part of the shoot- we strolled up and down High Street in the Short North and ended up at Wine on High. The store was decorated for Valentine’s Day from top-to-bottom. Jenna and Jonathan toasted to their future as we laughed and literally smelled the beautiful roses that were on the table.

In the coming year, these two have rescheduled their wedding three times. It has been a total rollercoaster, but I’m so excited to say that I’ll be joining them in Niagra Falls later this year as they say their I do’s in a small intimate celebration. I couldn’t be happier for them and I know it’s felt like a long and winding road. Cheers to Jenna and Jonathan and cheers to all Valentines this weekend!

Short North Engagement Shoot