Quite often, when meeting with new couples, there is often that lingering question;

“Should We Have an Engagement Session?”

The short answer: YES!! With all the wedding planning, it could seem like just “one more thing” that must be done, so often couples might be unaware of the importance of having an engagement session.

Or maybe you are wanting to save money or the cost might scare you away, but #spentmoneyisforgottenmoney AND it’s so important to have an engagement session and here are a few reasons why:

Get to Know your Wedding Photographer. This is a time for us to get together, make mistakes, have some fun and play around with some ideas. I will come prepared with some actions and cues for us to do and sometimes, I will even try some new ones.

THIS IS THE TIME TO TRY THINGS!! I am going to say (and do) some weird shit, but I promise it’s all to make you laugh and really get all those real feels you see in all my photos. This will be a time where you will see how we will work together on the big day. I’m less of a stranger face and you will feel more comfortable letting loose and being your complete, authentic self.

Practice Makes Perfect. Often times, couples may feel nervous or awkward in front of the camera. The best way to get rid of that fear, is to practice, practice, practice so you feel comfortable in front of the camera!! You're also ready for your wedding photos too!

Save the Date Cards and Social Media Material. I always recommend that your engagement photos be done 6-8 months prior to your wedding date. This should be enough time to use the professional photographs for Save the Dates, wedding website material, prints for your walls, displays at your wedding, social media and I can even help you create a guest book for everyone to sign.

SEE ALSO: The Ultimate Guide to Save the Dates

Finished “Practice” Photos Pre Wedding. One of my favorite tips I like to give my couples is to try and schedule your hair and makeup trial the same day as your engagement session. This not only gives you a chance to see if you like the look you picked out for your big day, but a chance to get dolled up!

Make it a Date Night. Since your hair and makeup is on point and both of you are dressed to kill for your engagement shoot, why not take each other out for a date night?!

Or maybe it's been a few weeks since your late date night together. Find a local restaurant, or try something new. Take advantage of your hair and makeup trial and make the most of it!!

This Only Happens Once. The engagement phase, although often fantastic, flies by in the blink of an eye. When you have your engagement session you will be able to savor the moments just a little bit longer.

Plus, if you plan on having a family together down the road, this could be the last time you have photos done of just the two of you.

Learn More About Your Partner. I LOVE getting emotional and slowing things down. Really getting into the moment and each other. I might suggest some prompts to really focus on each other and some of the reasons why you love each other to get those real, authentic moods.

Get into it, don’t feel weird. In fact, the weirder the better!! I’m not about posed, stiff awkwardness…but even if you feel like you are, I bet I will prove you wrong!!

Once you get real into it, you might learn a thing or two about your boo! Thinking things are one thing, but actually saying them out loud really says something else too! It makes it true and feel so real.

A Change of Season. This is a chance for you to take photos in a completely different season than your wedding day. Different scenarios, different outfits.

Let’s get creative and create more variety for your walls! Your wedding portraits will create a whole different mood!

Need some Engagement Session Style Inspiration?

Check out my Pinterest Board!

Have a thought? Drop it in the comments below

Catchfly Photography is a traditional wedding and adventurous elopement photographer based in Highland, MI. Julie Believes in the little details and in between moments. Nature completely inspires Julie and she incorporates nature into almost every photo she takes. Julie travels to photograph traditional weddings and intimate elopements in Michigan’s Upper + Lower Peninsula and Colorado.