Top 5 reasons to have an engagement session before your wedding

Planning your wedding is very exciting, and one of the best ways to prepare for your big day is by making sure to schedule an engagement session with your photographer. While some couples may think of it as just another photoshoot, an engagement session offers so much more. Im a wedding photographer in the Sacramento area and let me tell you that having an engagement session before your wedding will help you feel comfortable in front of the camera, builds a connection with your photographer, and even serves as a trial run for your wedding day look. I have put together this article to show you why having an engagement session is a must before your wedding!

1. You get to practice in front of the camera and get comfortable

Let’s be honest, most of us aren’t used to being in front of a camera for hours. An engagement session gives you both the chance to practice posing, interacting naturally, and feeling at ease. This way, by the time your wedding day arrives, you'll know what to expect and won’t feel awkward or stiff in your photos. Plus, your photographer will guide you on how to pose naturally, making the entire experience fun and stress-free.

2. Build a connection with your photographer

As a wedding photographer myself, I can tell you that this plays a crucial role in capturing one of the most important days of your life. By scheduling an engagement session, you get the opportunity to work with your photographer before the big day, allowing you to build a level of trust and comfort. When you feel connected with your photographer, your wedding day portraits will feel more authentic, relaxed, and natural.

3. Personalized photos for your wedding day

Engagement sessions aren’t just about practicing for the big day, they also provide you with stunning, professional photos that can be used in multiple ways for your wedding. You can incorporate them into:

• Save-the-date cards
• Wedding invitations
• A guest book
• Reception decor
• Your wedding website

Having a collection of professional engagement photos adds a personal touch to your wedding details, making your celebration even more unique.

4. Test out hair, makeup and outfits

Many couples use their engagement session as a test run for their wedding day look. If you’re hiring a professional hair and makeup artist, this is the perfect time to see how your look translates on camera.

Your engagement session also allows you to experiment with different outfits, colors, and styles to see what flatters you the most.

5. Capture a special chapter in your life as an engaged couple

Your engagement is a once in a lifetime milestone, and an engagement photography session is the perfect way to document this special season of your life. These photos will capture the joy, excitement, and love between you and your partner before stepping into marriage. Whether you choose a meaningful location or opt for a fun, creative shoot, your engagement photos will serve as cherished memories for years to come.

Recap

An engagement session is more than just a photoshoot, it’s an experience that helps you prepare for your wedding, feel comfortable in front of the camera, and create lasting memories. Plus, it allows you to connect with your photographer and have beautiful photos to celebrate this special time in your relationship. So if you're on the fence about booking an engagement session, take this as your sign to go for it. You won’t regret it! I'm a photographer based in Sacramento. If you have any questions about your engagement or just want to talk about ideas, feel free to reach out and I will be happy to talk to you about it!