The question of having engagement photos taken versus skipping is one question I get all the time from prospective brides. So today, I decided to tackle the question! Should your wedding photographer not only offer an engagement session, but go as far as to REQUIRE it? This is definitely a topic I’m passionate about! I’m really not that pushy with many things, but I am definitely pushy about an engagement session. To make it as enticing as possible, I actually include a complimentary engagement session in EVERY SINGLE one of my collections. I refuse to remove it because in order to create the best experience possible for our couples, I believe so strongly that an engagement session is necessary.
Here are the Top 5 Reasons you NEED to have an Engagement session with your wedding photographer!
I hope this helps you understand how beneficial an engagement session really is.
1. We get to meet in person!
Often times my brides and I only meet virtually before they book me. If we don’t carve out time prior to your wedding day to get together, you could have a total stranger showing up to photograph your wedding! What better way to carve out time to hang out than to take some fun photos?? Which takes me to my next point…
2. You get professional photos together
… (in normal clothes!) There is only a short amount of time that you get to call each other your “fiance” and it is a time worth celebrating! For the majority of your lives, you’ll be husband and wife (which is AWESOME), but the short time you’re engaged is such a fun time to be documented. Many of our couples don’t have THAT many photos together. Of the ones they do have together, none are really the type that they want up on their walls. Instead of only having professional photos of you in that stunning white dress, you have beautiful engagement photos that document your love as you feel it every day :)
3. We calm those nerves.
Even if you’re the most relaxed person in the world, chances are you are a little anxious about SOMETHING on your wedding day. Photography isn’t one of those things that you need to be worried about and the EASIEST way to calm those nerves is if you already know exactly what to expect. Cue the engagement session! :P
4. You are more comfortable getting your picture taken!
Let’s be honest, there aren’t many people that feel at “home” in front of the camera. By spending 1 hour with the photographer that will be with you on your wedding day, you’re going to be much more comfortable with them AND with being in front of the camera :) Another plus is that we’ll be in the exact roles we’ll be in on your wedding day. By the time the big day rolls around, you’re going to be a total pro! You be saying “Oh! This was the fun part from the engagement session!” your entire wedding day :).
Last but not least…
5. You get access to our extensive Engagement Style Guide!!
We’ve created an extensive 50 page guide (yes, FIFTY) focused on helping you plan for your engagement session. Not only does it give you an idea of the type of clothing that photographs best, but it also gives you tips on how to choose the right date and location and it ends with a concise “Engagement Session Checklist”.
Don’t believe me? See what a few of our couples have said about their engagement session!
Planning Your Engagement Session
If you’re newly engaged and love what I’m sharing about NEEDING an engagement session, I’d love to chat! Fill out the form below to inquire more about my photography style and collections to see if we might be a good fit for your special day! Did I mention you’ll also get a preview of our 50 page Engagement Style Guide?
