We absolutely love engagement sessions. But I did not always feel that way. When we were first engaged – before we started wedding photography – I heard of this engagement session thing, and was so confused about it. I remember literally saying out loud “I don’t get it”. After experiencing numerous engagement sessions first hand I have completely changed my mind.
And since Paul and I never had an engagement session, we actually took some photos of ourselves (using a tripod) and have a session planned with our good friend Dan at Daniel J Photography. So now I would like to share with you why I have changed my mind so drastically and all the benefits of having an engagement photography session.
5. Save-the-Dates, Shower Thank You, etc. – All great opportunities to personalize these items with engagement photography.
4. Comfort – Most people are not used to being in front of a camera, and doing an engagement session is a great opportunity to see what it is like (and realize that it is not as awkward as you may think!) This really helps to become more comfortable in front of the camera, so that on your wedding day there is complete peace in regard to photography
3. Getting to Know Each Other – We love getting to know our couples, and during our engagement sessions we all get to know each other better. We love this because when we know you, we can better capture your personalities and your love on camera. This also allows you to be totally relaxed with us on your wedding day, like we are just old friends coming to hang out and photograph your day.
2. Guestbook – I thought having a guestbook for our guests to sign at our wedding was very traditional. But to have a guestbook with your engagement photos? What a fun, creative, and beautiful way to use your photos. It also connects the love and emotion of your marriage to the love in your relationships with your family and friends who support your union. Wish I knew about that, back then!
1. Bringing you Back– We have photos displayed in our home, ones that make me recall memories, and evoke emotion. I love looking at a photo that brings me back to the way I was feeling in that moment. It renews my love and commitment. This is what makes photography priceless to me.
Having engagement photos to post in your home is a way to do the same. We love canvas wraps (shown below) not only because they are gorgeous, but because they can be used to display your photos in your new home, or at your wedding, or bridal shower to bring you back to those moments again and again.
Your time of engagement is an incredibly special time in your life. Engagement photography is one way to honor that in a incredibly special and beautiful way.
*Carolyn
p.s. We have had plenty of couples that did not have an engagement session for various reasons, and they still had amazing wedding photos and an awesome wedding day. So if you are unable to fit one into your busy schedule your experienced and trustworthy photographers will know just how to photograph you naturally and at your best.
p.p.s. Below is a photo of us shortly after our engagement..
Our Own Photo Session Preview {#1 Reason to have an Engagement Session} | Paul Francis Photography - […] photographs to use on our website, but I was really really excited for the other reasons because we never did an engagement session when we got married. And if we could go back we definitely would have changed that!I cannot wait to have a beautiful […]