Camera shy

I also found it a little weird/awkward at first too to take engagement photos, but closer to the end, I got more relaxed. Maybe even just try taking more pictures with FH before the big day - that can probably help you guys get more used to it and relaxed. Depending on your budget and what you want to do, maybe you can even try an additional set of engagement photos with your photographer - perhaps even in a different season if you wish to get more variety.

It was awkward for us to be in front of the cameras as well. We did an engagement photo shoot, and an engagement video. The best advice is to get photographers or videographers you are comfortable with. Ones that know how to ask for what they want, that are clear on your vision, and can help achieve that vision through the giggle fits.

I feel you! We are not relaxed in front of the camera typically. I also get self conscious because I'm larger than my FH. I'm not really over weight (just a little), but I just have more mass than my skinny nerd FH. I always look big next to him IMO.

Here's one where the giggling worked out!

Thanks guys!

I don't think we could've found better photographers - the could tell our comfort level so didn't push us to do too much and by the end of the shoot they felt like old friends rather than strangers, so that was nice! They're very personable and kind, and good at what they do!

It's just...we're awkward, shy people, I guess! Both of us are quiet and don't like to draw attention to ourselves, and get uncomfortable when the attention is on us. I expect the wedding day to be full of giggling and bad jokes. Maybe by the time pictures roll around we'll be over all of that and it will feel less weird for us!

That pic is adorable, by the way!

We're shy and awkward to. Use it to your advantage! Be adorkible!

@Alison, my guy is also skinny compared to me! I keep trying to fatten him up... he even eats more than me but still stays skinny!

@Munkos, I was thinking that I'd end up cracking bad jokes during the ceremony because I'm a comedian and I'd probably be really nervous ! :-)

We felt super awkward in front of the camera, too. We didn't really have any pictures of ourselves before our engagement shoot (we had like 4) because we are so private and are rarely in front of cameras together, add on the fact that I hate my natural smile so I'm always thinking of what my mouth is doing and that equals a really awkward time. However, by the end of our shoot we started teasing each other equally (in the beginning he was bugging me to try to get me to laugh) and I love our pictures. Now I trust that no matter what happens, we'll get great shots on our wedding day so I can relax a lot more. Just be yourself and know that your photographer is taking a lot of pictures so you'll get to see the best and not the ones where you're not making very flattering faces.

Instead of looking at the camera, think about/look at the friendly person behind the camera. Smile at the photographer, not at the camera. Works for me and I'm in thousands of wedding photos!

Have a cocktail or two, just enough to loosen you guys up.

It'll be easier on wedding day than your engagement session, trust me. There's nothing else happening at your engagement session, so it's easy to get self conscious and nervous. But on wedding day, you'll be thinking about so many other things, and you'll be on cloud nine because this is YOUR day, so it'll be easier. Plus there's a lot happening around you to take your attention off the photographs, and let your photographers capture some more candid photos.

Make an effort to smile when you are getting dressed, too, by the way. I see so many brides that are so focused that I have to remind them to smile at that point.

You may want to consider a first look - it can help couples that are really nervous. Here's an article to check out: http://www.maweddingguide.com/wedding-trends/ceremony/first-look-wedding.htm

It's great that you are comfortable with your photographers - that will help a lot! Try not to look at the camera if you're nervous. Look at each other. Look at your bridesmaids. If your smiles are feeling forced, tell each other jokes or secrets... It'll lighten the mood. Think back to when you first met or something funny that happened recently.

If your hands felt awkward during the e-session, mention this to your photographer, so they know to give you more directions. Also, remember you'll have a bouquet to help with this on wedding day.

A cocktail is a good idea too - just not too much and make sure you chase it with plenty of water!

Lol I'm interested in how out engagement shoot will go... The only time fh takes pictures is usually when he's drunk and talking selfies with people lol in the 13 years we've been together we've never had pro pic taken

I am nervous about the kissing picture. All I see online is how a lot of photographers miss the shot because the couple kisses too quick and then they have to recreate it later. I HATE kissing in front of people and FH is a foot taller than me so I can't even reach to kiss him until he bends down. #awkward

FMW^, I tell my couples to hold the kiss for 5 seconds so the photog can get the pic. And there's nothing wrong with doing a second kiss immediately after the first (instead of recreating it later). In fact, it usually gets some giggles from the guests when the couple goes in for kiss #2!

Is recommend a shot or two (depending on tolerance). My FH isn't one to smile on command without making it look awkward and our pictures were taken in the winter with snow on the ground so we had a bottle of fireball to "assist" with warming up and relaxing. Worked like a charm.

Thanks Kristin!

The hands were pretty awkward but they noticed we weren't too sure what to do, so they did give us some direction of where to put them or what to do with them.

I'm not having flowers, so no bouquet to hide the awkward hands haha. But I feel confident they'll make sure they're where the look most natural.

You're probably right that it will be a lot different the day of! I thought about a first look but we really want to do the traditional entrance if we can! (Might be hard due to venue, but I'm sure we'll make it work!).