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Wedding Tips

How to Choose a Photo-Worthy Wedding Invitation Suite

What to Include in a Full Wedding Invitation Suite for a Luxury Wedding

As a luxury wedding photographer, I have photographed my fair share of beautifully crafted, artful wedding invitations and bridal details. However, as the wedding industry continues to embrace digital alternatives, I continue to be surprised by how overlooked a luxurious wedding invitation suite can be. It’s not a priority detail for every bride. But I still love the look, feel, and sentiment behind a printed product (that goes for printed photos, too!)

So if you’re like me, and don’t want to forego the beautiful printed invitation for your wedding day, here is a quick buyer’s/designer’s guide to choosing the most photo-worthy wedding invitation suite, fit for any classic wedding theme.

The Difference Between Invitations and Invitation Suites

A wedding invitation is a simple term that can cover a number of formats. They can range from an emailed invitation, e-vite, verbal invitation, handwritten, printed/designed, etc. Because a wedding invitation does not necessarily mean a piece of paper. It’s any way that an invitation for someone to attend your wedding is delivered.

An invitation suite, however, is a formal, most-often printed format for delivering wedding details and invitation to your guests. Invitation suites come in many shapes and sizes these days. But the elements that I find the most common and most photogenic can be found below.

Basics of What to Include in Your Wedding Invitation Suite

  • Main envelope (w/ to & from addresses and postage, envelope liner optional but highly encouraged)
  • Main invitation card (typically 5×7 card where the formal invitation is written)
  • Details card (where further details are shared, such as dress code, wedding website address, welcome party details and/or farewell brunch details, etc.)
  • RSVP card (where guests can report who/how many are attending, often also choose their meal options by checking a box, or indicating dietary restrictions if you’re accommodating those)
  • RSVP envelope (with postage & return address already attached)

All About Save the Dates

Save the Dates are a separate, pre-invitation notification sent to your intended wedding guests, particularly those who may need to make travel arrangements to attend. These should be simple, with a single card (often including a photo from your engagement session) and no other details than your wedding date and location (city, state at least; sometimes venue).

Many times couples will send Save the Dates only to close family, or only to long-distance guests. This is an option if you want to save on design, postage & printing costs.

Extra Details to Enhance Your Wedding Invitation

Wedding invitations can be as plain as a piece of single cardstock to an elaborate art piece. If you have a love for the luxurious details (like I do) there are lots of ways you can enhance the look and feel of your wedding invitation. These elements can also help communicate to your guests the level of formality to expect from your event (which can often help to encourage the proper dress code). Consider adding these delicate touches to your wedding invitation:

  • A personalized wax seal
  • Silk or chiffon ribbon
  • A vellum or laser-cut sleeve
  • Dried flowers
  • Custom postage (check with USPS to make sure you’re still covering the proper postage on your envelope)
  • Belly band
  • Custom painting/drawing of your venue (Etsy is a great resource for this!)
  • Accommodations card (detailing where guests can find lodging/activities pre-planned by the couple)

Where Can I Order A Custom Wedding Invitation Suite

With many sites like Minted, Zazzle, Shutterfly, and Zola offering quick and easy options for customizing your wedding invitations, it can be tempting to find a template that you like and order in bulk. I’m not knocking that option! Especially if you have a lot of guests and need to cut costs where per-head quantities are needed.

However, I have a strong affinity for the small business artists in this industry who pour so much love and personal touches into your invitation suite design. I recommend checking out your local designer, calligrapher, and/or stationer for a quote on your dream wedding invitation suite. To get you started, the artist who designed the stationery featured in this post is Designs by Allison Rene!

Bonus tip: For photos like these in your wedding gallery, be sure to order extra wedding invitation suites for your photographer to capture, preferably 2 copies so you can get a variety of flat-lays like above and below. Don’t forget to give me a copy of your Save the Date, too — so you can remember these details forever!

Did you find this journal entry helpful? There’s lots more to check out below:

Also, if you are looking for a wedding photographer, I would love to share some of my work! Inquire with me about your date today.

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Every couple has a unique story, and the best engagement photo ideas go far beyond posed smiles. Recently, I photographed “A” & “L’s” engagement session—an ENP couple who requested that I protect their privacy and not share identifiable images online. Their request wasn’t just respected; it opened the door for a deeply intentional session filled with quiet, meaningful moments that beautifully reflected their relationship.

As a photographer specializing in storytelling and editorial imagery, I want couples to know that your engagement session can and should feel personal. You don’t need to perform for the camera—you just need a photographer who knows how to turn your real-life love into visual poetry.

Why Engagement Photo Ideas Should Be Personal

Many couples think engagement photos are just about dressing up and smiling at the camera. While I definitely capture classic portraits, that’s only a fraction of the full story. The best engagement photo ideas come from understanding who you are as a couple—your rituals, your connection, your humor, and your journey.

For “A” & “L,” that meant starting their session in a quiet park, sitting side-by-side on a bench where they’ve spent countless hours reading their Bibles and journaling together. These aren’t just habits—they’re emotional anchors in their relationship. Photographing those rituals added a depth to their gallery that no traditional pose ever could.

And then there was the ring: “A” wears a gold band on his right hand as a symbol of engagement in his culture. On their wedding day, that ring will move to his left. It’s a tradition full of meaning—and one I made sure to feature with a detailed, editorial-style shot that tells that part of their story.

Editorial Engagement Photo Ideas for Storytelling

When we think of great engagement photo ideas, editorial photography might not be the first thing that comes to mind—but it should be. Editorial doesn’t mean impersonal or overly styled. It means refined, intentional, and expressive.

I guide my couples with subtle posing, always encouraging movement, touch, and interaction. In “A” & “L’s” gallery, I included:

  • Classic portraits (yes, the ones grandma wants for her mantel)
  • Thoughtful candids full of laughter and genuine connection
  • Detail shots of meaningful objects like their Bibles and both “L” and “A’s” engagement rings
  • Wide, environmental shots that add context and a sense of place
  • Quiet in-between moments that feel like stills from a film

These engagement photo ideas create a well-rounded gallery that feels less like a checklist and more like a visual love letter.

Tips to Plan Meaningful Engagement Photo Ideas

Want to make sure your session is just as unique and story-driven? Here are some ways you can help me create something truly special:

1. Share Your Love Story With Me

Before the session, I’ll send you a short questionnaire. This helps me understand your personalities, how you fell in love, what you value, and how you spend time together. The more I know, the more authentic your photos will be.

2. Bring Meaningful Props

If there’s a book you both love, a blanket from your first date, or items that symbolize your relationship (like “A’s” gold band), bring them! These kinds of details give your engagement photo ideas texture and significance.

3. Pick a Location That Matters to You

Sure, sunset fields and rooftops are gorgeous—but so is the cozy corner of your favorite café or the trail where you go on weekend walks. Let’s choose a spot that feels like you.

4. Let the Moments Unfold Naturally

My sessions are never rushed or overly choreographed. I’ll offer guidance, but the best photos happen when you’re genuinely present with each other. Laugh, talk, cuddle—just be yourselves.

How Your Love Story Inspires Timeless Engagement Photo Ideas

At the end of the day, engagement photo ideas should celebrate what’s true and beautiful about your relationship—not a one-size-fits-all concept. With “A” & “L,” we created something soft, editorial, and sacred without ever showing a full face. Their images still speak volumes, because they are layered with authenticity, intention, and emotional storytelling.

If you’re looking for an engagement session that feels deeply “you”—with all the variety, intimacy, and editorial beauty you’ve been dreaming of—I would be honored to create that with you.

Looking for an Atlanta-based wedding photographer? Let’s design your dream engagement session together. Click here to inquire and save your date.

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