I have 3 weddings coming up in September so this post seems fitting. I want to take a minute and talk about engagement sessions and why I feel like every couple should get them taken with the photographer they book for their big day. I have been asked numerous times to just do the engagement session only…. and I do them, but honestly I really feel like that couple should go with the photographer that hired them. For so many reasons. Not to be snobby and just not up for doing business with them. But simply for their own benefit. All 3 of my couples getting married in September had their engagement sessions with me. I offer complimentary e-sessions for all my couples who book a wedding with me. It’s just something I personally do for my business. The reason I believe in this so strongly are for 2 reasons.

1. The engagement session allows me (or your photographer) to have time alone with the couple before their BIG day where you can get to know each other better and they can get comfortable in front of the camera. The first 20 minutes or so are a little awkward (because who is used to posing for the camera) but then the session gets fun. With my couples, we talk about the wedding day and how they met, even how the proposal happened. It’s always such a great bonding experience for me and my couples and it leads into a friendship that carries to the wedding day.

2. Which is the next reason. Think about it. If you have already met your photographer and did your engagement pictures with that photographer, then your wedding day is going to be such a comfortable experience because your “friend” is there to take your pictures instead of someone you hired and just showed up for the job. Now don’t get me wrong, that scenario is just fine. I personally just choose to run my business a tad differently. I like my couples to feel comfortable in front of the camera. After all, your wedding pictures are going to be all that you have from that day and you want to look in love and happy, not uncomfortable. It’s my job to make you feel comfortable and having that time with you at your engagement session is definitely the key.

Whether you’re one of my brides or you’ve booked someone else, I strongly suggest doing the engagement session. It’s so much fun. I’ve had grooms tell me that the engagement session was so much fun that they were looking forward to the wedding day!

Happy Friday everyone. Have a happy and safe Labor Day weekend.