7 reasons to schedule an engagement session.

“We are totally dorky in front of the camera.”
“I hate the way I look in photos.”
“I’m not sure what we would do with engagement photos.”

Nope, nope, nope. I won’t hear it. Everyone feels somewhat awkward having their photo taken from time to time, but let’s focus on how GOOD you look together. Here’s why I think an engagement session can be one of the best parts of your relationship with your photographer.

1. It will help you get accustomed to being in front of the camera

You’re going to feel like the Paparazzi have arrived on your wedding day — between your hired photographer, your uncle with his fancy camera and the sea of iPhones which will be pointed at you — you are going to see a lens at every turn. Having an engagement session prior to your wedding will help you to feel so much more relaxed; you’ll get your questions answered (where do I put my hands? which is my better side?) and you’ll discover that the best portraits come when you’re not worried about how you look and are just enjoying the moment. I approach our engagement session like we’re just meeting up for some fun — we take a walk, get a drink, play frisbee, go to the beach….whatever feels like YOU. All of my clients tell me that they are so surprised by how easy and fun their engagement photo sessions are.

2. Engagement sessions let you showcase your personalities!

On your wedding day, you’ll be dressed to the nines with fancy hair and makeup, which is awesome, but your engagement session gives you the opportunity to be a little more creative. Are you sports fans? Have your shoot on the football field at your alma mater or at Fenway Park! Do you love a night out in the city? Let’s hang out and photograph that energy! Warm, cozy winter weather more your style? I can break out the snow pants! Your engagement photos can reflect the very heart of you.

3. NO STRESS.

This is a biggie. While I do everything in my power to make the portrait portion of your wedding day go as smoothly as possible, there is a limit to the amount of time you want to be away from your guests. Engagement sessions can be scheduled to give us plenty of time to go to a few different locations, change outfits, take breaks for snacks (very important), and, in the cases of couples who want to incorporate children or pets into their session, it lets us relax and play for a while, making kids and animals a key element in part of the shoot, then focusing on just the two of you.

4. You get a chance to connect during the whirlwind of wedding planning.

An engagement session is an opportunity for the two of you to focus on each other, on your connection, on what brought you together in the first place. Super important in the midst of organizing seating arrangements…The cocktails (or coffee) is on me, so relax and enjoy!

5. An engagement session is a great chance for me to see how you interact with each other.

Are you big huggers? Do you crack each other up constantly? Do you smolder when you lock eyes, or are you more likely to tear up with joy? I think it’s so important for me to know these things before we head into your wedding — that way I can make the best pictures for YOU, for exactly the people that you are. I don’t want to ask you to do anything that makes you uncomfortable or awkward, so the engagement session ensures that we know how to read each other in the best way possible. The way that you show love to each other is unique to you — my job is to show that love in its natural form.

6. We get to build a relationship.

Your wedding photographer spends more time with you on the big day than any of your other vendors — it’s important to make sure that you feel seen and heard. The most important thing I can ask you for is your trust, and that’s a pretty big ask! When my clients open up and get vulnerable and allow me to see inside of their hearts, the pictures really tell stories. Spending time together during an engagement session is a fantastic way for you to build certainty and confidence with the experience of working with me. You can ask questions, share your likes and dislikes, and hopefully find out that you really do love being in front of the camera! These images are a part of your legacy, and my goal is to become a person you feel your best self around.

7. You are amazing and beautiful every single day. Not just on your wedding day.

If you’d like more information on engagement sessions, please reach out and let’s chat!