The main drawback of mirrorless camera is the viewfinder compared with DSLR.
If that feature is improved, I believe the DSLR will fade soon.

try to use the flash to reduce the harsh contrast.

My plan is to find a shady area to eliminate harsh lighting conditions, but I really need help with posing itself, as I would like to do as good a job as possible. Does anyone know of any good resource material or internet sites that can help me? I would be very grateful.[/quote]

Well that's what we are here for: taking some memorable creative pictures. I am also a still-life photographer, but I shoot people by request all the time. I believe the principle is shooting the couple do things together at their normal way, but with good camera angle, some assistance on the pose & natural expression; those wedding stuff will be too attitudinize. There are many sites that you can look into, but why not shoot from your heart. attach two photos that touched me. wish you luck.