Do you really need an engagement session? This is a question that I know brides struggle with. You already have a million things on your wedding to-do list, most photographers charge extra for an engagement shoot (luckily, I don’t!), and your groom might be dragging his feet over getting his pictures taken. So, no wonder you’re questioning whether or not engagement photos are even worth it.

Okay….I know I’m a wedding and engagement photographer so I might be a liiiitle bit biased on this topic. But, I think engagement photos are so worth it. As a former bride myself, one of my biggest regrets is not having my own engagement photographed. Matt hired a photographer to take photos of his proposal and I am sooo grateful that he did! After that, we got so wrapped up in planning our actual wedding day that our engagement got a little bit lost. I kept thinking that I would just take them myself with a tripod or I would just ask a non-photographer friend to take them with my camera, but we never actually got around to it. Please! I beg you! Learn from my mistakes and schedule an engagement session!

Aside from my own photographer bias and personal regrets, there are a lot of objective reasons why you should definitely do an engagement session.

 

#1 We’ll Get to Know Each Other Better

Most likely, you and your photographer won’t know each other personally. You might have been following them on Instagram for a while or they might have met you when they were photographing your friend’s wedding, but you don’t really know them too well. Having an engagement session allows you to get to know each other in a relaxed setting before the big day.

Getting to know each other is good for a lot of reasons. Your photographer plays a big, supportive role on your wedding day. Feeling comfortable with them is important for you feel supported and it’s important for your photographer to know you needs in advance. Also, When you’re comfortable with your photographer you have a lot more fun! This helps make your wedding photos look more genuine and at ease.

 

#2 It Allows the Groom to Meet the Photographer Too

In a perfect world, the bride and groom would put in equal effort and excitement into planning a wedding. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. If your groom is unable to join you on the photographer consultation, then engagement sessions are super important! In general, grooms tend to be even less comfortable having their photos taken than brides. To make sure your groom isn’t super stiff and awkward during your wedding photos, schedule an engagement session to help you both feel less camera shy.

 

#3 You Get to Be Yourselves

Not saying that you aren’t yourself on your wedding day, but it’s a bit different. On the big day, he’ll be wearing a suit/tuxedo, you’ll be wearing a white gown, everyone you love will be around you…and that’s magical. But, engagement photos are magical in the way that they showcase who you are in the every day. You can be silly and goof around a bit. You can bring your brand new puppy. You can wear the jerseys of your favorite team. The photos from an engagement session are much more casual and “real life” than wedding photos. So, why not have both!

 

#4 Save the Dates

Sending “Save the Date” cards are crucial for making sure your loved ones clear their calendars for your big day. However, finding a cute, high-quality picture for these cards can be difficult. Your engagement session creates the perfect photos for these cards and will guarantee a spot for your “Save the Date” on your mom’s friend’s fridge!

 

#5 You’ll Know What to Expect on the Big Day

As previously stated, engagement sessions are a great way to get comfortable with your photographer. They also help you know what to expect from my photography and organization style. This is especially good if you have a big family or wedding party. Things can get a little crazy when it comes to family/bridal party portraits. There are so many people, so many blinks, and sometimes, little kids. Having previously experienced an engagement session, you’ll already know how I give direction and how I handle sticky situations. BONUS: If it poured rain during your engagement session and you still have gorgeous photos, you can feel totally relaxed knowing I can handle whatever happens on your wedding day.

 

#6 Last But Not Least…

Your Instagram will be poppin’. Nuff said.

 

If you can’t tell by now, I really believe in the importance of engagement photos. That’s why I offer a complimentary engagement session included with each and every one of my wedding packages.

Don’t regret not having them like I do!

 

Liv