Planning a wedding involves making countless decisions, but one of the easiest and most valuable choices you can make is to schedule an engagement session with your photographer. You might be wondering — do we really need one? After all, there will already be plenty of photos on the big day, right?

While that’s true, an engagement session is about so much more than just the photos. It’s about preparing for your wedding day, celebrating your love story, and ensuring your images feel as natural and authentic as your relationship. Here are five reasons why an engagement session is a must-have before your wedding.

01. It gives you time to warm up in front of the camera

Let’s be honest: Most people aren’t used to being professionally photographed. It can feel a little awkward at first, and that’s completely normal. The beauty of an engagement session is that it gives you time to find your rhythm in front of the camera without the added pressure of a wedding-day timeline.

During an engagement session, you have the chance to get comfortable with how I work as a photographer and how it feels to be photographed together. By the time your wedding day arrives, the camera will feel much less intimidating, and you’ll know exactly what to expect.

Think of the engagement session as a warm-up. It’s a low-stakes opportunity to ease any nerves and build confidence. Plus, couples often tell me they’re surprised at how fun the session turns out to be — once you relax, it’s all about capturing the real, joyful connection between you and your partner.

02. It lets me see how you move

Every couple has a unique way of interacting with each other, and an engagement session allows me to learn yours. Rather than posing you by telling you exactly where to place your hands or how to angle your feet, I prefer to give you prompts that encourage movement.

For example, I might ask you to take a walk together, share a quiet laugh, or lean into one another. During the engagement session, I pay close attention to how you naturally move and connect — how you hold hands, embrace, or even how you look at each other.

This helps me on your wedding day because I can use what I’ve learned to direct you in ways that feel authentic to you. Instead of stiff, cookie-cutter poses, your wedding photos will reflect the genuine connection that makes your relationship special.

03. You’ll have beautiful photos to use before the wedding

Engagement photos aren’t just practice — they’re also incredibly useful! From save-the-dates and invitations to wedding websites and guestbooks, having a set of professional photos ahead of your wedding can be a lifesaver.

An engagement session is also a chance to show off a more casual side of your relationship. Your wedding day will likely have a formal tone, but engagement photos can capture you in a more relaxed, everyday setting that complements your overall love story.

We can even tailor the session to a location or activity that’s meaningful to you as a couple. Whether it’s a favorite coffee shop, a park where you love to walk your dog, or the spot where you got engaged, these photos can feel uniquely yours and add a personal touch to your wedding details.

04. It builds trust between us

Your wedding photographer will be by your side for some of the most intimate and emotional moments of your day. That’s why it’s so important to feel comfortable with me—not just as a professional, but as someone you trust to tell your story.

The engagement session is a great way for us to get to know each other. You’ll get a firsthand look at how I work, from my photography style to the way I direct and interact with you. At the same time, I’ll get a better understanding of what makes you feel comfortable, what angles you love, and what moments make your connection shine.

By the time your wedding day arrives, we’ll have built a rapport that allows me to blend into the background while capturing candid, heartfelt moments. When you feel relaxed with your photographer, the difference shows in your photos.

05. It’s a fun way to celebrate your engagement

Wedding planning can feel overwhelming at times, but your engagement session is a chance to pause and celebrate this exciting chapter in your lives. It’s like a mini date with the added bonus of beautiful photos to remember it by.

Many couples tell me that their engagement session feels like a special break from the stress of wedding planning. You get to dress up (or keep it casual — whatever feels right for you), spend quality time together, and focus entirely on your relationship.

The session can also be as creative or low-key as you like. Whether it’s a playful shoot at home or a romantic session at sunset, it’s all about capturing who you are as a couple in this moment.

Ready to book your engagement session?

An engagement session isn’t just an extra — it’s an investment in your wedding photography experience. It’s a warm-up, a celebration, and an opportunity to ensure your wedding day photos are everything you’ve dreamed of and more.

If you’re ready to book your engagement session, I’d love to hear your story and start planning. Together, we’ll create a session that feels true to you and sets the stage for stunning, authentic wedding day photos.

Ready to capture your love story?

I’d love to learn more about your wedding plans and discuss how we can create timeless memories together. Let’s make your big day unforgettable.

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Five reasons to have an engagement session before your wedding