Thinking of skipping on your engagement photoshoot? Well, here are 5 reasons to book an engagement session—especially if you’re planning a wedding that takes you far from home!
I get it. The days leading up to your big day can be overwhelming (and should I say, crazy?). There’s just so much to be done as you plan out the best day of your life. And believe me, as much as destination weddings are beautiful, they can be quite stressful to plan too.
And between trying to figure out which linen shade to go with, picking out gifts for your guests, and going over your list of to-dos for the umpteenth time…you probably find yourself wondering: Does it really matter whether we have our engagement photos taken or not?
Spoiler alert: Absolutely.
So before you dive back into wedding logistics, here are 5 good reasons to book an engagement session. (Based on the 10+ years I’ve spent in the wedding industry.)
Reason # 1: It preps you for picture-perfect shots on your wedding day
Unless you’re used to having a professional photographer shoot your photos, getting comfortable in front of the big lens isn’t that easy.
Most people tend to get a bit camera shy, especially when a photographer they’ve never met puts a camera in front of them and says, “Smile!” And for some, having someone else take their photos is just so…awkward.
If that sounds like you, booking an engagement session with your wedding photographer is the best way to go! It’s your chance to practice for all those Instagrammable shots you want for your wedding day–minus the pressure.
Plus, you’ll get to know what your best angles are so you’re more confident in front of the camera on your big day.
All you’ll have to do is just enjoy your engagement session while your photographer builds you up to the point where you and your fiance feel comfortable and relaxed. Hint: This is when we get all those swoon-worthy candid snaps!
Reason # 2: You’ll get to know your wedding photographer (and be comfortable with them)
Professional photographers have tons of experience with working on a fast-paced wedding day. They’re pros on following a timeline, changing locations in a heartbeat, and being a fly-on-the-wall at all times. Still, it pays to have a more personal relationship with your photographer!
That way, by the time your wedding day comes around, your photographer will know what poses you feel more comfortable in. It’s the secret to having more authentic and fun photos of your wedding! No awkward, cheesy smiles that will make you cringe when you look back on your big day, years after.
And, you’ll also know that your wedding photos are going to come out exactly as you hope they would. There’ll be no (unpleasant) surprises because you already know how their shots looked during your engagement session.
Reason # 3: It’s a great opportunity for a hair and makeup trial session
Booking a trial session with your hair and makeup artist? Why not book one for your engagement session, where you can get a glimpse of how your bridal look will turn out in images?
Engagement sessions are typically more relaxed as compared to the actual big day. However, it’s still a great time to see whether your hair and makeup artist’s style lives up to your expectations for your wedding.
Reason # 4: It’s your chance to take a breather with your fiance before things get busier…and overwhelming
Wedding planning marks a sweet season of your lives, that’s for sure, but we all know that things can get overwhelming real fast too. Trust me, time literally flies at this point, and before you know it, you’re already walking down the aisle and exchanging I do’s.
So before you get caught up in the whirlwind of getting your wedding set up, book an engagement shoot! It’s the best excuse to take a break from all the planning, get dolled up and go on a date with your significant other. And oh, get really professional photos too.
Reason # 5: You get to use your fave engagement photos!
Okay, Claudia. If we book an engagement session, what are we going to do with all of the engagement photos we’re getting after? So glad you asked because there is so much you can do!
This is one of the most overlooked reasons to book an engagement session, but hear me out. If you have a wedding website, this is the best place for you to add your favorite photos from the engagement shoot so all your family and friends can see you and your boo.
Don’t have a website? Create a wedding guest book with all your favorite images instead! Or, you can use those photos for your “Save the Date ” cards that can be mailed to all your wedding guests.
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Still unsure about an engagement session? Have questions or want to book a shoot?
I got you! With over 10 years of experience and having served hundreds of happy couples, I’m here to help you make your dream photos a reality.
