Hi there, soon-to-be-newlyweds! Jessica Nicole here, your friendly neighborhood wedding photographer. If you're reading this, it means you're considering having your engagement photos taken in the beautiful town of Laramie, Wyoming. What an excellent choice! As a Laramie local, I'm here to give you all the insider tips for planning the perfect engagement session in my charming little corner of the Cowboy State.
Choosing Your Season
One of the first decisions you'll need to make is what time of year you'd like to have your photos taken. Laramie's weather can be wildly unpredictable, so being strategic about the season is key. Here's a quick rundown of what you can expect:
Seasons
Spring (March-May)
The Best Time of Day
Speaking of preparation, let's talk about timing. The absolute best light for engagement photos happens in those "golden hours" around sunrise and sunset. Not only is the light beautifully soft and flattering, but there's something so romantic about snuggling up with your honey during those magical times of day.
If you're willing to be morning people, sunrise is tough to beat. There's something so peaceful and serene about having our little slice of Laramie all to ourselves in the early morning calm. An afternoon session can work too, but you'll likely be contending with more crowds and potential thunderstorms in the summer months.
Okay, so you've nailed down the season and time of day - phew! Now it's time to decide where exactly you'd like to have your session. As a longtime Laramie local, I've got so many amazing spots to recommend:
Location, Location, Location
With its rustic brick buildings and vintage lampposts, downtown Laramie screams "old west charm." We can incorporate murals, alleyways, and iconic spots like the Lincoln Center and the Coal Exchange for variety.
If you're up for a bit of light hiking, the Lake Marie trail and Vedauwoo area are ideal for breathtaking mountain scenery. Bonus points if you bring along your furry friends for some puppy cameos!
With its striking architecture and tree-lined walkways, the UW campus gives off major college town vibes. From the iconic Buchanan Windmill to the modern beauty of the Gateway Center, there are so many great backdrops here.
Wide Open Spaces
Sometimes we just need to escape town for those vast Wyoming prairie vibes. A quintessential rolling hills and rustic fence session is a classic choice.
Of course, part of my job is locating those secret, off-the-beaten-path spots too! I've got plenty of unique, tucked-away Laramie hideaways up my sleeve.
Creating Your Vision Through Styling
Now for the fun part - planning how you'll look! When it comes to styling your engagement session, my number one tip is this: be yourselves. You'll both look best when you feel confident, comfortable, and 100% like your authentic selves.
That said, here are a few guidelines to keep in mind:
Prioritize Layers & Movement
Clothes that incorporate elements of movement and layers tend to photograph beautifully. Think flowy dresses, linen tops, vests, jackets, scarves...the more visual interest and texture, the better!
Complement, Don't Match
You want your outfits to complement each other's colors and styles without being too "matchy-matchy." Pulling inspiration from the same color palette or having one of you in a pattern and the other in a solid can look striking.
Fancy to Casual
Most sessions will incorporate two or three different outfits, so bring a range! Start with something a little dressier, then transition to more casual, comfy looks.
Don't Forget the Little Things
Small accessories like belts, hats, jewelry, suspenders, fun socks, and cute shoes can really elevate your looks and let your personalities shine through.
Prepping for Your Close-Up
Last but not least, a few tips for prepping for picture-perfect engagement photos:
Get Your Beauty Rest
There's no denying it - sleep is the ultimate beauty treatment. Make sure you get plenty of rest in the nights leading up to your session so you look and feel your glowing best.
Keep Your Grooming Game On-Point
Ladies, get your nails done a day or two beforehand (we want to see those ring shots!). Gents, keep those beards neatly groomed. And both of you should plan your hair to be freshly cut or styled. Small details make a big difference.
Stay Hydrated
Don't underestimate the importance of drinking lots of water in the days leading up to your photos. Being hydrated does wonders for your complexion and energy levels.
Most of all, remember to soak up every second of this amazing season of your lives! Your engagement is fleeting but your photos will last forever. I'm so honored to help document this chapter, and cannot wait to celebrate and capture your love in the gorgeous backdrop of this mountain town I call home.
Happy (almost) wedding-ing, lovebirds! Let's plan your engagement session today!
PRICING PACKAGES
Thank you for your interest in our portrait photography services at Bridal Boutique. We offer a range of pricing packages to cater to your specific needs and preferences.
- 2-hour portrait session at one or multiple locations
- Professional editing and retouching of select images
- Digital delivery of high-resolution, print-ready images
- Online gallery for easy sharing and ordering of prints.
