Why should we do an engagement session?

It may seem like an engagement session is a simple task to just skip in the grand scheme of planning your wedding, but there are some great reasons to make sure to include it. Most of all, it’s one more way that you can ensure your big day goes as smoothly as possible.

Get to know your photographer

This person is going to be next to you like white on rice for the entire day of your wedding. It’s great to get to know them before the wedding, so you don’t feel like strangers all day. This way, when they walk in while you’re mid-makeup or still in boxers (looking at you grooms who think timelines are just a suggestion), you already have a rapport and can say a quick hi then get back to the tasks of the day. Like finding your suit pants. 

Know what it feels like to be photographed + what the results are

Every photographer works differently. Some create stunning, vogue worthy images of perfectly posed couples, others are silly and help you loosen up with games and conversation, others make you hike up that hill over there because they promise the shot will be fully EPIC! You’ll know loosely what type of photographer you hired just from their website and your phone call before booking. But that doesn’t mean you have a sense of what it’s like to actually be in front of the camera. Sometimes the games I play with couples leave them feeling silly or ridiculous, but I’m capturing gold! By doing an engagement session you can see the results, and see how that uncomfortable pose, ridiculous game, or hike up to a cliff totally pays off. It adds to the comfort and trust factors on the most important day. 

Extra photos together

I’ll keep this short. Who couldn’t use more photos of the two of you looking completely in love? Print em, hang em on the wall, use it to remember why you love them when they leave their dirty clothes on the sofa…again!

Include a pet

It’s sometimes not possible or adds too many logistics to include a beloved pet on your wedding day. But it’s totally easy and fun to include them in your engagement photos! You can use them as Christmas card photos for your little family and display them around the house to remind your pet you love them. 

Pro tip: bring treats for your photographer to hold next to the camera to keep the dog’s attention (or cat or parakeet or turtle or hamster). I’m open to anyone you want to include.

Make it a date night to take a breather from wedding planning

Wedding planning can take over your life. While you are spending a ton of time together, it’s mostly planning logistics. Make your engagement session a date night. Pop some champagne or a nice beer and loosen up before the session (but not too much). Plan a nice dinner or go out for dessert after so you can ride the wave of romance that we create during your session. Even better, agree not to discuss the wedding, except during the session since I may ask a few planning questions. 😛 

All of my weddings come with an engagement session included for all of the reasons above. Click below to get in touch and learn more about working with me for your wedding!