STYLE GUIDE
welcome!
We're so glad you're here and officially part of the VS family!
One of the things we most enjoy about photographing weddings are the moments we'll create together leading up to it. We want to get to know who you are as people and as a couple, so we like utilizing the time at your engagement session to get to know you. We love getting to hear about your goals, aspirations, hobbies and passions. They are what make you, you! It also makes for great story telling. As your photographers, we don't want to just take pretty photos and call it a day. What we strive to do is to capture intention, connection and depth in every photo we take and tell a story through that photograph all while taking lighting and the scenery into consideration. At the end of the day, this is about celebrating your relationship together and we're so happy to be a part of it! Soak it all in, it's going to be a thrilling ride.
there isn't a stronger connection between people than
storytelling
FEATURES & AWARDS
DATE, DATE, DATE.
One of the things we learned early on from our own engagement is to never stop dating each other. It's the best piece of advice we were given and now we're relaying it onto you. At your session, we'll highlight your unique interests because what you have is special and we want to capture it all. Think of your engagement session as an opportunity to go on a "date" with each other. Long after the wedding is over, you'll want to take that time to continue to go out on dates together; it will help keep the friendship in your marriage healthy.
BEST TIME FOR PHOTOS
spring/summer
6am-8am or 6pm-8pm
fall/winter
8am-10am or 3pm-5pm
SPARK YOUR SENSE OF
It's time to awaken your soul. What are some places you've always dreamed about going to? Choosing a location for your engagement session that speaks to you will make for meaningful photographs and even more meaningful memories. Where will love take you?
We have our passports ready.
*Travel fees if outside of Bakersfield area: $1.00 per mile traveled one-way
Out-of-State Sessions: Airfare and lodging fees calculated at time of booking
wander
OUTFITS
So the real question, how many outfits should you bring to your session? We always suggest bringing in 2 outfits, but bring a 3rd outfit as a backup. You are welcome to bring more outfits or as much as time allows! The first outfit should be business-casual, and the second outfit should be more formal. You also don't have to spend all of your hard earned money on brand new outfits for your session unless of course you want to! But it is not necessary. Even just coordinating outfits you already own with some new accessories will make a nice impact. After your photos, we suggest you two going out on a date! You are already dressed up, might as well make an evening out of it ;-)
OUTFIT #1
OUTFIT #2
business-CASUAL
FORMAL
Ladies, think light and flowy summer dresses or denim. Guys, think a dinner jacket or a collared shirt.
Something you'd wear to a black-tie affair. Think bold, long gowns, bowties, accessories, jewelry, etc. There is no such thing as "too formal."
COLOR THEORY
IDEAL COLOR PAIRINGS
NEUTRAL/EARTHY
Ideal for: Anywhere, Year-Round
Ideal for: Beach Sessions, Summer
Ideal for: Forest & Park Sessions
Ideal for: Spring, Bright & Airy Sessions
Ideal for: Cityscapes, Urban
WARM
COOL
PASTEL
BOLD
Neutral tones with splashes of color, tiles and textures will work very well together. Of course, there are also many factors that will come into play when choosing colors and we're here to show you how to pair those colors together.
You should coordinate your outfits with your family or sweetie, but try not to slip into looking too matchy, matchy. Avoid wearing the same colors and instead, wear colors that work well together. For example, if the girls are wearing teal, consider having the boys wear something more neutral, like gray or ivory. Or if the boys are wearing navy, the girls can wear white, etc. If your session doesn't require coordinating an outfit with someone (e.e.:a headshot or high school/graduate session), we can help you choose colors within your outfit that you can pair with other solid colors, patterns, or textiles.
business-CASUAL WARDROBE INSPIRATION
FORMAL WEAR WARDROBE INSPIRATION
RENT THE RUNWAY
If you don't want to add a permanent outfit to your wardrobe but have a little wiggle room in your budget, consider renting an outfit! Rent the Runway is a great option to look into for this. They rent out beautiful designer gowns, dresses and accessories without costing you a fortune. Rent, wear and return. It's seriously that simple.
GET $30 OFF YOUR FIRST ORDER WHEN YOU USE OUR LINK TO SHOP:
https://rtr.app.link/e/ZWkoNH77vX
ladies
CHOOSE:
Accessories like jewelry, scarves, necklaces, watches, flower crowns, etc.
Natural colored makeup
Textures and Tiles
Earthy Tones
Fresh Manicure
Flowy Dresses (more movement)
AVOID:
Wrinkled Blouses
Crazy Patterns
Shirts with Logos
Chipped Nail Polish
Stiff Dresses
MAKEUP, HAIR & NAILS, OH MY!
Looking and feeling beautiful is part of the fun, ladies! In this section, we’re going to walk you through the steps of each glam process so that you can feel amazing and look your absolute best for your photos!
MAKEUP
You don’t need makeup to cover up your face, rather makeup should enhance the beautiful features that you already have. Hiring a beauty professional will not only save you time, stress (and money in the long run!), you will also look and feel your best. A natural and “glowing” look will enhance and bring out your amazing features for photographs that will be for a lifetime.
TIP FOR THE BRIDE-TO-BE:
Use your wedding day makeup “trial” for your engagement session. Often times, your makeup artist offers this option for brides that are booking their wedding with them. Savings your way!
HAIR
Styling your hair for a photos can be tricky if you aren’t a hair professional, but it doesn’t have to be. That’s why we always recommend getting your hair appointments in no later than one week before your session. Your hair will look at it’s best if grown out a little and simply curled or straightened out on the date of your session depending on what feels most natural to you. Having said that, working with a hair professional can easily be the most overlooked but is also the easiest to manage.
NAILS
Your hands will be photographed more than you realize. Some poses often call the use of hands a lot especially since you are engaged! We’ll want to see that bling on your hand! So, take the time to get pampered a little. You’ll be surprised at how good you’ll feel after a fresh mani/pedi.
You deserve it! #TreatYoself
GENTLEMEN
CHOOSE:
Accessories like watches, ties, bowties, etc.
Textures and Tiles
Earthy Tones
Suit & Tie
AVOID:
Wrinkled Shirts
Crazy Patterns
Shirts with Logos
Fresh Haircuts (Schedule haircut one week before your session if possible)
Sunglasses
FINO'S MENSWEAR
Gentlemen, if you don't want to add a permanent outfit to your wardrobe but have a little wiggle room in your budget, consider renting a suit! Our good friend, Jerry from Fino's Menswear in Bakersfield rents out suits and will get you properly fitted and looking #FinoFresh. Just reach out to him, and rest assured he will take care of you! Just let him know we sent ya!
Fino's Menswear
PHOTO SESSION TIMELINE
1-2 Days after session
1-2 WEEKS after session
WITHIN 24 HOURS FOLLOWING BLOG POST
social media sneak peek
BLOG POST
(OPTIONAL)
PHOTO DELIVERY DAY
CHECKLIST
Book your makeup, hair and nail appointments if necessary
Warm Weather: Bring Water Bottles
Cool Weather: Bring blankets and cover-ups
Extra pair of walking shoes for hiking and walking (outdoor sessions)
Make-Up tote bag for touch ups
Extra outfit(s) if necessary
ANY Props if you’re choosing to include them
