5 Reasons Why You Should Have an Engagement Session

Elopement Planning, Wedding Planning

Today, I’m breaking down my top 5 reasons why you should have an engagement session. And I’ll admit, I’m not engaged (never have been) so I can’t speak from experience but as a wedding photographer, I whole heartedly believe every couple should have photos done before the big day.

Now, you may be thinking, “Well of course you’re telling us why we should have an engagement session, you’re a photographer. That’s how you make money.” To which I say yes, but no. I would have told you the same thing years ago, before I started doing this for a living.

Photographs, unlike material objects, only grow in value over time. Personally, the printed photos of my family, me, my friends and travels are some of my most valued possessions. Maybe I’m just a sentimental person but I believe in celebrating the small things, let alone life’s big milestones. Documenting and being able to share those stories in life is amazing. All that aside, the photographer in me knows that you should have an engagement session simply because it makes for a better wedding day photography experience for everyone involved.

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So here goes – my top 5 reasons why you definitely should have an engagement session:

𝟏. You’re engaged!

Hello! You just got engaged and you found your person – someone to share life’s craziest adventures with. There are over 7.5 billion people in the world and you found your person. That’s amazing and if we’re not enjoying and celebrating the moments and people that matter to us most, then what the hell is any of it for? Life is short and you just got engaged. That alone is worth documenting. ⁣Not to mention that you’ll be married for the rest of your life but you’re only engaged for a short period of time! And lastly, for many couples, their engagement session is one of the first times they’ll take professional photos together. Obviously, your wedding photos will become a cherished possession for you both, but you’ll also find it really nice to have photos of the two of you not in wedding attire as well.

𝟐. We’ll all feel more comfortable.

We’ll get to know one another before and during your engagement session. I’ll be able to see how you two interact when it’s just the two of you (no audience, no fancy dress or tux and so on) and you’ll get a better idea of what I’m like behind the camera. Then, when I show up on the wedding day, it’ll be like another bestie walking in the door. ⁣I invite every couple I work with to meet up for a drink before the session, especially if we haven’t met in person yet, so we can get to know each other. Anndddd the drink(s) helps with any nerves you may have about being in front of the camera. Just saying.

𝟑. Practice being in front of the camera.

For many, the engagement session (other than maybe senior photos way back when) is the first time you’ll be in front of a professional camera. It’s also likely the first time the two of you will do a photo session together. So think of it like a practice run for your wedding day. Your engagement session is a chance to get used to following prompts and poses, letting go and letting loose. This way, you’ll be 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 comfortable in front of the camera, giving you one less thing to be worried or stressed about when the big day arrives.

𝟒. You’ll have great photos to use before your wedding day.

Like I said above, since the engagement session is likely the first time the two of you have had professional photos taken together, this will give you a collection of great photos to use before the wedding day! You can use the photos to announce your engagement, to send save the dates, to decorate your walls, to add to your wedding website or even print an album or guest sign-in book with them. The list goes on. ⁣And on top of that, it’ll be nice to have photos of you that reflect your relationship, personalities and everyday style that were taken in a location that is significant to you two.

𝟓. It’s fun!

We forget this as adults sometimes, but fun is good and adults should play too! The wedding day is fun too (obviously) but with way less planning, no pressure and no guests to worry about, at your engagement session, you can truly be yourself, let your weird show if you want and be creative with your photos. Better yet, make a day-long date out of it and the whole thing will be an amazing memory and therefore even more worth documenting and remembering! At the very least, it’s 1.5 to 2 hours of uninterrupted time for you and your boo to just have fun, laugh, play, and love on one another.

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So what do you think? Are you ready to start planning your engagement session? For more advice on planning your engagement session, what to wear, and more, be sure to download my free wedding guide.