why Engagement sessions are important

I am often asked by clients if engagement sessions are worth the time and investment - “Is an engagement session that important to prioritize in our already busy schedule?” “Is it really worth the extra cost?” My answer is always a resounding YES! While it may seem like an unnecessary expense or an added task on an already long wedding to-do list, I can confidently say that an engagement session is an invaluable investment for so many reasons! An engagement shoot is not only a great opportunity to capture beautiful and meaningful photos of you and your significant other, but it also provides benefits that can enhance your wedding day (and wedding preparation!) experience. In this blog post I’ll share 5 reasons to book an engagement session, and why I highly recommend them to all of my clients!

5 Reasons to Book an Engagement Session

GETTING USED TO THE CAMERA

One of the biggest reasons why I highly recommend engagement sessions is that they help you get comfortable in front of the camera. Many couples have never had professional photos taken until their engagement session, and it can be a little intimidating (or downright nerve-wracking) to have a camera pointed at you for the first time! An engagement session is a great way to get yourself used to being in front of the camera before your wedding day.

During my engagement sessions, I love to keep things light and playful and fun! If you have a vision for your engagement photos I am 1000% here for it - and if you need a little extra art direction I’m so ready for that as well! I love collaborating with my clients towards photos that feel natural and authentic for them. I’m always willing to offer suggestions for locations, time of day, and ways to pose/interact that will capture your love in a beautiful and effortless way. When your wedding day rolls around, you'll feel even more at ease and relaxed in front of the camera, which will result in even better photos!

CELEBRATE YOUR LOVE

Another reason I think engagement sessions are a great idea is that they provide a wonderful opportunity for you as a couple to celebrate your love! Engagement sessions are all about capturing the unique and beautiful connection you share with your significant other and creating memories of this special season in your lives that will last a lifetime. During an engagement session, I love to encourage my clients to truly be themselves — be silly, be serious, be playful, and just have so much fun. I love creating a space where my couples feel comfortable expressing their love for each other and to show their unique personalities. Whether that means dancing, laughing, or snuggling up close, engagement sessions are a chance to let your love shine through!

One way to personalize your engagement session and celebrate your unique love story is to choose a location that is special to you and your partner. This could be where you first met, where you got engaged, or any other place that holds a significant meaning to you. These photos will not only capture the love between you and your partner but also the memories and emotions associated with that place. I also love to encourage my clients to incorporate activities that they love doing together into their engagement shoot. This could be anything from rollerblading, cooking, or even playing video games! Not only will this create a fun and relaxed atmosphere, but it will also highlight your personalities and relationship dynamics in such a genuine and beautiful way.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER

Every photographer has a different shooting style and a different personality of course! Booking an engagement session is the best way to get to know your photographer in person and to learn what their particular shooting style is like before your wedding day. Your photographer will play such a big role in capturing one of the most important days of your life. Creating space with an engagement shoot to build connection and share your wedding-day vision with your photographer is such a win win!

During my engagement sessions, I absolutely love getting to know my clients better as a couple. It is so much fun to learn about their unique personalities, their dynamic, and the things that make their relationship special in person. This connection really helps me to capture images that truly reflect their unique love story both during the engagement shoot and on their wedding day. I always find that showing up on the morning of a wedding with an engagement photoshoot already behind us helps make the wedding-day photos feel so much more effortless!

PHOTOS TO USE FOR SAVE-THE-DATES AND WEDDING DECOR

In addition to the reasons already listed, an engagement photography session provides you with stunning images of you and your partner in a more relaxed and intimate setting for your save-the-dates and wedding-day decor! I love when my clients use their engagement session photos for this kind of content (and it always makes my day when couples send me a copy of their save the dates in the mail!). I’ve had so many couples tell me how happy they were to be able to use these high-quality images for their wedding announcement, and even to sometimes include them in their invitations!

Many couples will also use their engagement photos as decoration at their wedding. On the bar, with your guest book, on the gift table, or on the reception tables — there are a ton of places to put photos on your wedding day! These photos will help personalize the space and create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. These photos not only add a personal touch to your wedding but also allow you to showcase your love and the memories you've created leading up to your big day.

BECAUSE IT’S FUN!

And finally, the very best reason to book an engagement photoshoot is simply because it’s a fun excuse for a date night and to hang out with your best friend! Wedding planning can be stressful, but an engagement session is an opportunity to take a break from the to-do lists and enjoy each other's company. During your engagement session, you'll have the chance to connect and create new memories together. It's a time to reflect on your love story and the journey that brought you to this moment. I love encouraging my couples to just laugh, play, and be themselves, while I work behind the lens to capture these beautiful moments that celebrate their unique bond. Whatever location you choose or activity you might include in your engagement photoshoot, the focus is on having fun and enjoying each other's company — a golden opportunity for a romantic date with the person you love!

When do you get engagement photos?

One last note! If you schedule a session with me, my turnaround time for engagement photos is 3-4 weeks. Because of this, I recommend booking your engagement session at least 5 weeks before you want to send out save the dates. If you are having a long engagement, you can have more flexibility to choose what season you would most want your photos taken in and schedule accordingly!

Engagement photoshoots are so much fun and so special. I love spending time with my clients in these sessions and capturing these intimate and meaningful moments! If you’re hoping to book an engagement session or have any questions regarding my booking process, please don’t hesitate to reach out — I would love to connect with you!

Start Planning!

Are you looking to plan your very own engagement session? I’d love to be your photographer! Get in touch now to check availability and for more information.

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