I still remember the first time I saw a bride-to-be wearing a Gal Meets Glam Collection dress in her engagement photos. I felt so much pride at that moment, knowing how much thought must have gone into her decision, and how special those photographs will always be to her and her family. To this day, I’m still touched every time I see someone choose a GMG dress for an especially significant moment in her life! Being able to design pieces that make women feel beautiful, confident, and feminine has truly become one of the greatest passions of my life, and I hope every bride feels that way as she approaches her wedding day.

If you’re engaged and planning your own engagement photos, first of all, I’d love to offer my congratulations! Second, I wanted to use this post to answer the slew of engagement photo-related questions I receive around this time each and every year. The most important thing to consider when planning your engagement photos, and what you’ll wear in them, is to stay true to yourselves–your personal styles, your relationship, and your story together. I’m glad overly posed and prop-filled engagement sessions are becoming a thing of the past; photos that truly reflect who you are as a couple are so much more meaningful and timeless. To decide where to take your photos, think back on your memories together. What do you love to do together? Where did you meet, or do you have a go-to spot that’s “yours?” These sources of inspiration will undoubtedly lead to a photo location or style that rings true to the two of you–and that is the most important thing.

From a practical standpoint, be sure to also consider the style of your wedding, especially if you plan on using an engagement photo in your save-the-date. Your wedding paper goods offer the first taste of the celebration-to-come to your guests, so whether you’re planning a romantic garden party wedding or a chic, modern reception at an art museum, your engagement photos should at least hint to that aesthetic. If you plan to display any of your engagement photos in your home, the style and color palette of your home may play a role in the setting you choose as well.

To make sure this post can serve as your ultimate guide to choosing a classic, feminine look for your engagement photos, I’ve outlined eight simple, beautiful, and meaningful potential settings, and a few tips for choosing the perfect dresses for each, below.

In a beautiful, natural setting

I love the clean, simple backdrop that nature can provide, drawing all attention to the two of you and the sweet moments you share during your shoot. Flowy maxi or midi dresses that will catch the wind are my dress of choice for scenic settings–nothing looks more romantic than a dress fluttering in the breeze!

On city streets

If the beautiful city where you live (or love to vacation!) is the backdrop for your best memories together, it may also make a fitting backdrop for photos capturing this season of your relationship. A mini or knee-length dress with a little bit of structure looks chic and elegant in photos, while a simple color palette doesn’t clash with the many colors that may surround you downtown.

On the water

Whether you opt to head to the ocean or a nearby lake or river, the water adds instant romance and the prettiest shades of blue to your photos. I love playing up these factors with a slightly retro-inspired silhouette and blue fabric (Rachel McAdams’ blue dress in The Notebook is the perfect source of inspiration).

Amongst the flowers

It probably comes as no surprise that some of my favorite settings for blog photos are places where beautiful things grow–lavender fields, citrus groves, flower farms, expansive English gardens…the list goes on! If you have something gorgeous growing near you, opt for one of our solid-colored dresses in a feminine silhouette and head out for dreamy photos amongst the flowers.

On the go

I love photos filled with natural movement–they’re often so much more engaging than still, posed portraits. For an adventurous couple always on the go, consider taking engagement photos while biking through your neighborhood, on a joy ride in a classic car, or hopping on and off a city trolley. One of our colorful, whimsical dresses will help communicate the delight of these fun moments in your images.

At one of your favorite cafes, coffee shops, or restaurants

Cozying up at “your” table at your favorite local spot makes for photos that are both romantic and intimate, as well as meaningful to the two of you. Choose your outfit based on the formality of your location (for example, a neighborhood coffee shop compared to a fancy French bistro). The neutral pieces below are all lovely options that will pair beautifully with your surroundings.

In a dressed-up setting

Dreaming of dressing to the nines for your engagement session? Chic hotel lobbies, historic theaters, upscale cocktail bars, and even grand libraries (if you have one in your city) can all make fabulous settings for photos in more formal attire. I rounded up some of our most elegant dresses below, all of which would look right at home next to your suited-up fiancé.

At home

Sometimes, the most fitting place for your engagement session is the place where most of your life happens–in your own home. Opt for a pretty, daytime dress…or, create some contrast by wearing a dress that makes a statement. In the comfort of your home, anything you can dream of works!