With all the planning (and budgeting!) that goes into a wedding, it’s completely normal for couples to start evaluating what’s essential—and what might be optional. One thing that sometimes ends up on the “maybe” list? The engagement photoshoot.

But I’m here to lovingly say: don’t skip it. 💛 Engagement sessions are so much more than just a nice-to-have. They’re actually one of the best investments you can make in feeling confident, connected, and ready for your wedding day. It’s not just a bonus—it’s something that can actually make your wedding day photos even better.

That’s why every one of my wedding photography packages includes an engagement photoshoot—it’s that important.

Here’s why:

1. You’ll Get Comfortable in Front of the Camera

Unless you are both professional models, chances are you haven’t spent much time being professionally photographed as a couple. And let’s be real—most of us feel a little awkward in front of a camera. That’s totally normal. But the engagement session is where we work through that before the wedding day.

You’ll get a feel for how I guide you through photos, we’ll figure out what kinds of movement and posing feel most natural to you as a couple, and you’ll leave the session feeling way more confident about being photographed. That comfort will totally carry over to your wedding day—and it shows in the photos. When the wedding day rolls around, taking photos will feel less foreign and more comfortable.

2. It Builds Trust Between You and Your Photographer

Your photographer is one of the people you’ll spend the most time with on your wedding day (crazy, but true!). So having a connection beforehand makes a huge difference. The engagement photoshoot gives us a chance to hang out, laugh a little, and get to know each other in a way that just doesn’t happen through emails or timelines. 

I learn what makes you comfortable, what makes you laugh, and how you naturally connect as a couple. You learn how I shoot and what to expect from me. That trust goes a long way on your wedding day. When you show up already knowing what to expect, it helps everything feel way less overwhelming. It won’t feel like a stranger with a camera is following around all day. By the time your wedding day rolls around, it won’t feel like a stranger with a camera following you around—it’ll feel more like a friend documenting your love! 

3. You’ll Have Gorgeous Photos to Use Before the Wedding

This one’s pretty straightforward—but it’s a good perk! Use them for save-the-dates, your wedding website, printed displays at your wedding, or even just to fill those empty frames around your home. Plus, they capture such a sweet season of life—before all the “official” wedding photos and after the proposal buzz. These are the in-between moments that matter.

They also mark a really special season in your lives—after the “yes!” but before the big day. Engagement photos freeze that in-between moment of joy, anticipation, and togetherness that’s so unique to this time.

4.  It’s a Chance to Make It You

Wedding days tend to have a schedule and flow to them, but your engagement session? That’s where you can really get creative and let your personalities shine.

Want to hike to a mountaintop, grab coffee at your favorite café, take photos in your cozy home, or run barefoot on the beach? Let’s do it. This is your chance to create something that feels exactly like you—your vibe, your love story, your kind of fun—without the time constraints of a busy wedding day.

And let’s be honest: wedding planning isn’t always a blast. The engagement photoshoot is a great way to hit pause, have a little fun, and celebrate each other in the middle of all the planning.

5. You Deserve to Be Celebrated at Every Step

Your engagement isn’t just a countdown to the wedding—it’s a whole chapter in its own right. It’s full of excitement, change, and sweet everyday moments that are totally worth remembering.

So don’t wait for the wedding to start documenting your story. These moments are real, beautiful, and deserving of their own spotlight. Engagement sessions give you space to slow down, soak it in, and be fully present with each other—and you’ll have photos to remember that feeling forever.

Final Thoughts: Engagement Photoshoots Make your Wedding Photos Better

If you’ve been thinking about skipping the engagement session, I hope this helped you see the heart behind it. It’s not just a photo shoot—it’s a connection point between you and your photographer, a confidence booster, and a way to celebrate your love in a really meaningful, joyful way.

And remember—every wedding package I offer includes an engagement session, because I truly believe in the value of having this time together before your big day. If you’re curious what yours could look like, let’s dream it up together! Let’s Chat!

Here are some of my favorite sessions if you’re looking for inspo!