How a 70s-Themed Engagement Shoot Came to Life and the Power of Outfits in Transforming Your Session
ESTIMATED READ TIME: 7 MINUTES
Engagement photos are such a personal way to tell the story of your love, and when you get to go all in on a theme, the result is even more magical. The outfits you choose for your session can make a huge impact on the final photos, transforming the vibe and feel of the entire shoot.
For Matt & Dani, a 70s-inspired engagement shoot came to life through curated outfits, a location that felt straight out of the era, and a color grading style that paid homage to the past while keeping things modern. Here’s how it all came together—and how your outfits can change the direction of your Utah engagement photos.
Bringing the 70s Vibe to Life
This couple’s vision for their engagement session was clear—they wanted something that felt nostalgic yet fresh. They took the reins on curating their look, finding pieces that spoke to them and fit the vibe they wanted. They even hunted down some thrifted gems to capture the essence of the 70s.
To make sure we were all on the same page, we created a Pinterest board that showcased the vibe they were hoping for. This collaboration helped set the tone for the shoot and gave us a clear visual direction.
The perfect backdrop came courtesy of their friend’s house, which had been built during the 70s. The space was a treasure trove of retro details—wood paneling on the walls, mid-century furniture, and a hidden basement bar—all typical of the era. The house had the charm of a true 70s home (minus the shag carpet!), creating a setting that was both authentic and intimate, quickly becoming one of my favorite engagement sessions ever.
Engagement Session
Starting at $225
- Session typically lasts 60 minutes
- 70+ professionally edited images
- $100 non-refundable deposit to book
- Remainder due the day before the session
- Discounted rate available if adding on to wedding package
The Five Looks That Defined the Session
The couple brought five unique outfits to the shoot, each one representing a different facet of the 70s, and each one added its own special flavor to the photos.
Denim:
Matt sported jeans with a white tank and an unbuttoned denim shirt, while Dani styled her jeans with a white top and an open vest. This relaxed ensemble captured the cool, casual essence of the 70s while maintaining a timeless appeal.
Boho-Chic:
Matt sported high-rise jeans paired with a floral button-down, while Dani opted for high-waisted trousers, a crisp white long-sleeve shirt, and a sleeveless vest. The ensemble had soft, earthy tones coming together to create a classic, effortless style.
Floral Fun:
Next, Matt added a suit jacket to his fun, colorful floral button-up shirt, while Dani wore an ankle-length, white sleeveless dress covered in colorful flowers. Her dress featured bows tied at the top of her shoulders, adding a playful, romantic touch.
Retro Romance in the Kitchen:
One of the standout moments of the shoot featured Matt in an unbuttoned black and white dress shirt over a white tank, exuding effortless charm. Dani wore an off-the-shoulder pink dress adorned with strawberries, adding a playful yet romantic touch. Shot in the kitchen with a retro vibe, the scene felt nostalgic and intimate.
Disco Chic in the Basement:
Lastly, we took it up a notch with a disco-inspired look in the basement bar. Matt wore a white tank paired with a suit jacket, while Dani dazzled in a sparkly green jumpsuit. The hidden basement bar, complete with retro lighting and decor, brought it all together.
How to Use Style to Elevate Your Utah Engagement Pictures
Your outfit choices play a huge role in shaping the tone of your engagement photos. They help tell your story and bring out your unique personalities as a couple. In this shoot, this couple was able to add extra character to their photos and highlight different aspects of their relationship by leaning into their theme.
When planning your engagement session with me, think about how your clothing reflects who you are as a couple. Don’t be afraid to mix it up! Whether you stick with one signature look or bring multiple options, your wardrobe choices will influence the mood, style, and energy of your shoot. I’m here to guide you through the process and help you choose outfits that not only look great but also make your photos feel authentic to your story.
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Book Me as Your Utah Engagement And Wedding Photographer!
I love creating one-of-a-kind engagement shoots that capture the essence of each couple as you head towards your wedding day. Whether you’re inspired by a specific era, nature, or something unique, I’m here to help make your Utah engagement photos as special and unforgettable as your love. Let’s chat about your ideas, and I’ll work with you to turn your vision into timeless images!
Frequently Asked Questions I Get As A Utah Engagement Photographer
Can we have a themed engagement shoot like this?
Absolutely! A themed shoot can make your photos even more meaningful and fun. If you have a theme in mind, let’s talk about it! I’m happy to collaborate with you on bringing your vision to life and finding the perfect location and outfits to capture all of the best moments.
How many outfits should we plan for our Utah engagement shoot?
While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, having 2-3 looks is a great way to add variety to your shoot. Whether you go for something casual or more formal, it will give you different vibes to work with!
Struggling with what to wear for your next photo session? I’ve got you covered! Click here to read my recent blogs on what to wear for your engagement photos in each season—winter, spring, summer, and fall!
How do we choose the right outfits for our engagement photos?
The most important thing is to wear what feels authentic to you! Think about your personality and the mood you want to set—whether that’s a laid-back vibe, a bit of glam, or something thematic like this 70s shoot.
Also, consider your location—whether you’re at the Salt Flats, up in a mountain range, or down in Southern Utah, your look should be compliment the setting.
