It’s been awhile since I did a post for the bride! Today’s topic is one of the questions I get asked via email all. the. time. And it’s one of my favorite questions to answer at a new client meeting or during the booking process with a bride and groom. Engagement Sessions. What’s the point? And why would I value them so highly that I’d give them away as a gift to every bride and groom who books with me?
Often engagement sessions can be met with a bit of a struggle. They’re another aspect of your wedding planning to schedule in, plan for, even stress out over (which is the last thing either of us want!)
Well, I’m here today to break it down for you :] This answer comes in four parts, bullet point style. Because that’s how I restrain myself from using ALL the words and gushing too, too much. And spoiler alert, engagement sessions are to benefit both you and me as your photographer. And they are so worth the planning.
- Your Story. If you’ve been around KPP for any amount of time, you know that I love a good story. So much love. I will cry the happy tears as you tell me about what it means to no longer be long distance and I will smile giddily at the small mishaps and near misses from your proposal. I care deeply about what you’ve been through as an individual and as a couple that would bring you to this point. I hear all of my couples’ stories BEFORE we ever sign a contract. And I love that. But your engagement session is a time to go deeper. We get to know each other even better during this time and it helps me to know how to shoot FOR you in a way that is TRUE to you and your fiancé. I’m all about the storytelling, and your engagement session helps bring that to life.
For example, because Catherine shared with me all that it meant to grow up, in long distance, nearness, and in age with Max, it was so easy to see what their joy in being together meant. It meant finally. And an image of them walking forward together or Catherine throwing her arms around Max’s neck is a glimpse into who they are together…all bear hugs and long walks included.
Because Ryan and Emma shared their proposal story and their love for God’s creation, it was easy to see why they lit up even more in the middle of the mountains at sunrise in December. Yes, their love for each other. But also their love for being outdoors, exploring together.
Alex and Nicki had dreamed of living in NYC for years as performers. And they’re doing it. They’re living their dream. And cuddling in front of the skyline evokes SO much more for them than it ever would had they not been counting the hours…the minutes…until living in the city their whole lives. And who would’ve thought that “together” would be included in that?!
Also, knowing their history with the theatre certainly didn’t hurt when it came to catching the line at the end of Nicki’s vows from “Moulin Rouge.”
2. Posing. Oh yes, posing. The first time I point a camera at you shouldn’t be your wedding day. Trust me, you don’t want that. And as a wedding photographer (and a decent human being), I pledge to never let you fend for yourselves. I won’t say “BE CUTE” and follow you around for an hour. Because…that’s awkward. But what I will do, is give small, simple direction that will make you feel both comfortable and confident during your shoot. And the best part? It’s basically a practice session for your wedding day! That’s so much of what brings confidence! By the time we get halfway through your session, you two will already be pros!
I picked out some examples from recent sessions/weddings below. Time is limited on a wedding day and the fact that all of these couples had an engagement session ahead of time made our time during portraits THAT much smoother!
Jason and Hayley rocking out the forehead kisses.
John nuzzling like a pro.
Oliver and Kelly slipped easily into holding each other naturally and close on their wedding day :]
And Nicki and Alex nuzzling those noses like they were born to nuzzle :]
Love these from Jason & Hayley’s session and wedding day!
And Oliver and Kelly, nuzzling with the best of them!
3. Your Personality. Spending an hour and a half together prior to your wedding day means I get to know your personalities. I get to see the way he makes you laugh or the way you light up when he slips an arm around your waist. I get to see if you’re goofy together, quiet, romantic, or some combination in between. And that means I know what to look for on a wedding day.
It means that I know the way that John looks at LeeAnn when she lets out her radiant smile.
It means that I got a glimpse into the way that Jason and Hayley have FUN together and it means that I wasn’t surprised…
when he busted out his dance moves during groomsmen portraits. Was I surprised when Hayley wrote a rap for him to sing at the reception? Yes…but I think we all were :]
It also means that as much as John and LeeAnn are joyful I know there’s an elegant romance when they’re together. Capturing this image below…
…means I knew to look for more of that same emotion on their wedding day.
4. For the love of photos. Here’s the thing…you’re investing in wedding photography. Hopefully not because you’re “supposed” to, but because you know it’s the only tangible thing you’ll have left from your wedding day. (besides your marriage, but duh.) Why wouldn’t you want images of you in the here and now? Something that captures the joy, uncertainty, and beginnings that characterize engagement? It’s the same reason I believe in anniversary photos. They’re tangible proof that you lived, loved, and shared this life together.
And as a bonus…every frame in your home won’t feature you in a white dress :]
Jaelyn and Jonathan brought SO much of themselves into their session. A record player, love letters, and strawberries? Totally them.
Oliver and Kelly strolled around downtown Roanoke with me and as a result have SO many photos that capture where they live daily life with each other. (and bonus: they printed their photos on coasters to give out as wedding favors!)
A little bit of that every day love :]
Okay, friends. What do you think? Are you convinced? Did your engagement session do these things for you?
