Your guide to feeling confident, comfortable, and beautifully you.
Planning your engagement session is such an exciting part of your wedding journey for so many reasons. Choosing the right outfits can truly elevate your photos. As a wedding photographer that has helped style couples all over the states, and now in Nashville, I believe styling involves feeling authentic and intentional. This guide is here to take the stress out of choosing what to wear so you can show up feeling confident and connected.
The most important rule: wear something that feels natural and comfortable. If you're not a dress person, don't force it. If your partner lives in boots, let them wear the boots. Nashville has a warm, effortless vibe- so lean into that.
Ask yourself these questions:
*Can I move comfortably?
*Do I feel confident in this?
*Is this the version of me I want to remember years from now?
That's your outfit.
Choose neutral, earthy, or soft tones.
Nashville's natural backdrops consist of golden fields, warm sunsets, historic brick, parks, and riverfront areas. These scenic backdrops pair beautifully with neutrals and muted tones.
Best colors for Nashville sessions:
*Cream, ivory, tan
*Warm browns & beige
*Soft sage or olive
*Muted rust, terra cotta, burnt orange
*Champagne, gray, dusty rose
*Black for something sleek or moody
These colors photograph beautifully and keep the focus on your connection.
COORDINATE, DON'T MATCH
Gone are the days of everyone wearing the same white shirt and jeans. Instead, pick a color palette and mix textures, patterns, and tones that complement each other. Here are some examples:
- Partner 1: Cream sweater & black jeans
- Partner 2: warm rust dress or tan button- down with dark denim
This creates visual interest without looking too coordinated.
Lean into Nashville vibes (Soft, Romantic, Modern)
If you want your photos to feel connected to the city, choose pieces that feel like Nashville:
For her:
*Flowy dresses
*Midi or maxi dresses with movement
*Knit sweaters
*Boots or ankle booties
*Soft romantic fabrics (chiffon, linen, knit, lace)
For him:
*Simple button-downs
*Dark denim
*Layers (jacket or flannel)
Bring two outfits to add variety.
A simple outfit swap helps create two different moods in one session. Switching outfits lets you get creative with different locations around Nashville. For example, downtown rooftops, riverfront areas, or open fields.
Add texture + Layers for Depth
Layers always photograph beautifully because they add softness and movement.
Try:
A denim or leather jacket
Oversized cardigan
Shawl, scarf, or wrap
Hat (if it fits your vibe)
Textures like linen, burlap, knit, wool, chiffon, lace, and suede all add dimension on camera- especially during golden hour.
What to avoid
To keep the focus on the two of you:
NO bright neon
NO large logos
NO bold stripes or loud patterns
These can pull attention away from your connection and often clash with the natural & neutral tones that Nashville has to offer. Small floral prints, subtle patterns, and soft textures are totally okay.
Choose outfits that flatter your setting.
Thinking about your location helps tremendously when deciding what to wear.
If you're choosing:
Golden fields: earthy neutrals, warm tones, and flowy dresses
Downtown Nashville: black, leather, chic modern outfits
Parks or gardens: soft pastels, linen, light neutrals
Parking garage or rooftops: edgy outfits, blacks & denim
Historic brick/ walls: muted earth tones, mid-tone colors
Your clothing should complement the location, not compete with it.
Bring Accessories that tell your story:
Hats, jewelry, a blanket for cozy photos, your dog's bandana if bringing pets, a bouquet or simple floral stem, etc
Intentional details elevate your photos in a natural way.
Most Important: Be Yourself and Have Fun
No outfit will matter if you don't feel like YOU in it. Your engagement session is about connection, movement, laughter, and storytelling- your outfits should support that, not overshadow it.
At the end of the day, your photos should feel like an honest reflection of your love story, your personality, and your season the season of life that you're in.
Want help choosing outfits?
When you book with Woven Light Co., I'm happy to help you coordinate outfits, send examples, or create a custom style board based on your exact locations in Nashville or Clarksville.
Just let me know- I am always here to make your experience seamless and intentional.