Most couples agree that photography is a huge part of their wedding day! You want to remember every moment – because needless to say, your wedding is a pretty big deal, and being able to look back at your photos and see the story unfold is priceless. But, when it comes to engagement sessions, a lot of couples wonder, “are engagement photos worth it?”
It’s normal to be nervous about additional wedding expenses, and about being in front of the camera – but spoiler alert: I think booking an engagement session is something every couple should do! And in this guide, I’ll tell you why.
First, what is an engagement session? Why do couples take engagement photos?
Engagement photos are taken before the wedding, after the question has been popped. They’re a way to celebrate this season of your life – because while the wedding is the main event, the time leading up to the big day is exciting too! Being engaged is its own kind of special – you’re taking the next step, and the anticipation is building for the day you get to marry the love of your life.
If you’re asking, “are engagement photos worth it?” try asking yourself if the memories from this exciting time are worth remembering – and in my experience, the answer is always a yes! Wedding planning can get stressful, and it’s easy to lose sight of what’s important, and an engagement session gives you a chance to dedicate some time to hang out together, while someone documents the two of you and your love in all it’s pre-wedding bliss.
So – to answer the question of “are engagement photos worth it?” let’s talk about why I think every couple should take engagement photos!
Here’s the truth – just about every couple feels nervous about getting their photo taken! But the fact that you’re nervous, and the fact that being in front of the camera can be stressful, is actually a great reason to book an engagement session.
Think about it this way – do you want to be stressed about this on your wedding day? Do you want the first time you get professional photos taken to be on the biggest day of your life?
You’ll have enough to worry about, and getting engagement photos done will take that stress off of you on the big day. Your engagement session will be like a “practice run” – you’ll get a feel for being in front of the camera (and realize it’s not that scary), and you’ll see that you look amazing in the photos when you get them back! I recommend working with the same photographer for your engagement photos and your wedding, so that during your session you get to know how they work, they get to know your best angles, and you can have full confidence that they’ll kill it on the wedding day.
An engagement session is the best way to get more comfortable with your photographer. We can all get to know each other, so that I’m not a stranger on the wedding day! Your photographer will be with you for most of the wedding, so getting comfortable with them will help you relax and feel more comfortable getting your photo taken. This way, on your wedding day, I’ll feel like a friend!
It’s also important for your photographer to get to know you. During an engagement session, I’ll learn how the two of you interact with each other, what makes your love story unique, and how to get the best photos possible – because every couple is different! Then, I’ll be ready on the wedding day to document your memories, authentically.
One of the best reasons to book an engagement session is to document your engagement. This time is special, and you deserve to look back on the memories from before you got married too!
Wedding photos are huge – there’s no doubt about it. But, on your wedding day, you won’t look the way you normally do – unless you usually get all dressed up and have flowers around you. Engagement photos are different, because they offer a glimpse at the day-to-day stuff – the way you two are in your “real” lives. The way you look at each other, the way you interact, and all of the small things that make you, you.
Another reason why engagement photos are so worth it is the fact that you can use them for save the dates, invitations, and you can use them to decorate your venue! You probably have plenty of phone selfies together, but using the professional photos for your wedding stationery is guaranteed to look amazing.
If you’re convinced, it’s time to book your engagement session! A lot of couples wonder when they should take engagement photos, and I recommend scheduling them for a minimum of 6 months from the wedding date. 8 months to a year is usually ideal, so that you can use them for your save the dates or invitations.
Price is understandably a factor in most of the wedding day decisions you’ll make. But, this is another reason why it’s so important to work with the same photographer for your engagement photos and your wedding! Many photographers will offer discounted, or even complimentary, engagement sessions when you book them for your wedding.
My wedding packages include an engagement session – because I truly believe that engagement photos matter, and they’re so important for every couple. I want to get to know you, so I include a session in every package!
I’m all about making sure that your photos are fun. None of that “stand over there and smile” stuff, because this should be about capturing the two of you as you really are, not a posed, phoney version of you.
I’m here to hype you up, to bring out the real you, and to have a blast! Once you’re done running around, cuddling up, and being authentically you during the engagement session, you’ll get your photos back and see the two of you – as you really are.
No awkwardness here (no matter how awkward you think you are) – I’ll give you prompts and directions, while letting you do you. If you’re ready to book an engagement session, contact me!