So you’re engaged, yassss!! Congratulations!! This super exciting next chapter in your life has just begun. I know that you probably have a million things you want to do to celebrate. Tell everyone, celebrate, start planning the WEDDING… ohh and perhaps pictures.
I get asked a lot; “Why should we have an engagement session?”
Honestly, I LOVE shooting engagement pictures because this phase passes so quickly and to really remember it. How loved up, excited, fresh-faced (yes I’ve had kids and I look back at my own pictures)… it’s best to document it. So to make things easier I’ve compiled a list of my 5 top reasons why I think you should have an engagement session. Hopefully, these help you on your way in deciding whether you’d like one or not 🙂
1. Let’s nail this! It’s like a little practice run for your wedding day. Making you feel so much more at ease on the big day.
The number one advantage of having an engagement session is how much calmer and relaxed you’ll feel on your big day. You know me, I know you – you know what to expect. So when it comes to your couple’s pictures on the big day you know exactly what to expect and also know exactly how surprisingly at ease you felt. If you don’t want to spend the first half of your wedding portraits learning how to relax in front of the camera, then an engagement session is for you!
2. It will let your photographer know how to photograph you.
Everyone is different and that is no different in photography. At an engagement session, your photographer will learn what works with you and what you feel most comfortable with. It means that on the day itself the process goes very smoothly as we all know what makes you tick. You’ll walk away with those dreamy wedding portraits you’ve been dreaming of and I’ll probably do a happy dance driving all the way home.
3. You only get one chance. Let’s cherish this chapter.
I know it’s a little corny but now 7 years wed, I still love looking at my own engagement pictures. It shows those very happy young, less caffeinated years – with no worries in the world and so full of love. All the big dreams for our wedding to come and our next adventure. Plus, when there are (maybe) little feet running around this could be the last session of just the two of you! For me, it shows this glorious stage in our lives. One I admire and wish I could jump back into for a day or two (meanwhile I’ll be back, I need to pick my kids off each other).
4. You’ll have lots of gorgeous pictures!
You can share these with family & friends, or around your home. Or better yet – use them at your wedding. Show them off in your invitations, table displays, in the guestbook or even a slideshow. Give your guests something else to talk about!
5. Make it yours.
Every engagement session is different. I love to hear my couple’s ideas on what they’d like to do for their sessions. I’ve had city engagements, beach, forest, home, with the dogs, with the kids, over a BBQ – you name it! The best thing is, the pictures can double up as amazing gift ideas too!
There are SO many good reasons to do an engagement session! Are you planning on having an engagement session? Let me know in the comments below!
If you’d like to see my Engagement Gallery please click here!
Happy planning!
Jessica
