One element of weddings that is often overlooked is an engagement or pre-wedding photo shoot. Planning the wedding itself is its own whirlwind of challenges so it’s understandable that an engagement photo shoot might seem like just another thing to have to deal with, so why not just skip it and save what might seem like an extra headache? Pre-wedding engagement sessions offer some benefits beyond just creating beautiful photos that end up being an integral part of your wedding celebration. Here are seven reasons why investing in an engagement session is worth it for you and your partner.
1. You get to build a relationship with your photographer
Your wedding photographer is tasked with the responsibility of telling the visual story of your unique connection with your partner that you’ll be sharing and looking back upon, so having a connection with them before your big day plays a big role in how well they can capture the essence of your wedding and your relationship.
An engagement session is a fantastic opportunity to build rapport with your photographer before the wedding day. It allows you to get comfortable with their style, communication, and their approach, and it gives them a chance to see how you and your partner interact without the crowds of family and friends. This familiarity helps to ease any nerves you might have about being in front of the camera and makes sure that you’re both on the same page when it comes to how you want your wedding day captured. By the time the wedding arrives, you’ll have an established relationship with your photographer and a comfortable understanding of how they do their work, and that leads to much more natural and relaxed wedding photos.
2. Engagement sessions create personal keepsakes
Engagement photos are more than just a prelude to your wedding pictures, they’re one of the last snapshots of your relationship before embarking on the journey you’re about to take with your partner. It’s a unique opportunity to capture a special memory together before the craziness of the wedding takes over.
These images can be used for a variety of purposes: save-the-date cards, wedding invitations, or even to be displayed at your wedding reception. They offer a glimpse into your relationship, showcasing your personalities and an important part of the journey that led you to this special moment.
3. Get a chance to feel comfortable in front of the camera
For many couples, and realistically most people, being photographed with a big camera feels intimidating. An engagement session provides a low-pressure environment to practice some posing but more importantly to become comfortable in front of the camera. The most authentic photo opportunities appear when you’re relaxed, almost as if the camera weren’t even there.
It helps you learn how to interact naturally, which will make a significant difference when the wedding day arrives. The more at ease you feel, the more genuine your wedding photos will be.
4. Explore different styles and locations
Engagement sessions offer a chance to experiment with different styles, locations, and themes that may not be feasible on the wedding day. Maybe you want photos in a scenic outdoor location, or you might want to have photos with your partner that don’t feel so formal the way they generally are at a wedding.
Whatever the considerations might be, your engagement session allows you to explore different settings and ideas that reflect your personality as a couple. The creative freedom often leads to truly personalized photos that stand out and add a unique touch to your wedding collection.
5. Capture a unique chapter of your relationship
The days and weeks leading up to your wedding is a special time in your relationship. They are the moments of transition between being engaged to being newly married, and that chapter deserves a spotlight as well. An engagement session captures the excitement, joy, and anticipation that comes with this chapter. It’s a way to document the love and connection you share before you step into the next phase of your journey together. These photos become cherished memories that you’ll look back on fondly as you reminisce about your engagement and wedding.
6. Build anticipation and excitement
An engagement session adds an extra layer of excitement and anticipation to the wedding planning process. It’s a special moment to celebrate your relationship with just the two of you. Sharing your engagement photos with friends and family also builds their hype for the wedding, and every little bit of anticipation adds to the magic leading up to the big day.
7. You get to take a break from the crazy to do something fun (that’s still wedding related!)
At the end of the day, an engagement session is a chance to have fun and enjoy the company of your favorite person. It’s an opportunity to take a break from the stress of wedding planning and focus on celebrating your love. The experience of having a dedicated session for just the two of you is a memorable one that becomes it’s own special part of your engagement. It’s your last opportunity to have fancy photos of you as an engaged couple, enjoy it!
