Not so much for the picture taking...

Usually, photos of me look like this:

Well, if I'm lucky...  The alternative is a silly face of some sort:

Obviously, this is something the FI agrees with...  We never take photos too seriously because neither of us ever really likes the way we look in them.  So, when the engagement shoot loomed, we were both a little anxious.  

We both got a bit of professional grooming.  Him a haircut at a salon (instead of the clippers, at home).  I got my eyebrows done and a french manicure.

Then, we shopped.  For hours.  I don't even know how long we were at the mall.

I had been hoping to find a "dressy" look and a "casual" look for the photos.  It was a bit much to hope for in one day of shopping.  I did find a couple skirts and a nice sweater.  But, the second costume had to wait till a couple hours before the appointment.  A quick trip to Target (for an umbrella I wanted as a prop and didn't even end up using, and a pair of tights for the skirt) led me to some cute casual tops and jewelry.

Hours later, after much primping and adjusting of final details, we headed to the Strip District to meet our photographers.  I'll explain a bit more of where we were when the pics are available.  For now, I'll tell you my overall impressions of our engagement photo shoot.

First off, it was weird.  I haven't had pictures taken by a professional since my last family portrait, years ago.  And, that whole experience probably lasted twenty or so minutes.  This was two full hours of posing, etc.

Second, I'm not sure why I felt it necessary to have a "dressy" outfit.  We are generally casual people and the skirt look probably didn't reflect our life...  Plus, I felt much more comfortable/myself once I changed into jeans.  I may love some of those first pics, but only time will tell if it was worth it.

Third, and lastly, it did get slightly less weird as time went by.  This gives me a bit of hope that we will feel much better in front of the lens by the wedding day.  It also gives me some hope that the last pics will show us the way we usually are together.

Now, the waiting...  We should have the pics within a month or so.  (And, then, I can get started on the Save the Dates.)