There are several reasons that I include an engagement session in all of my wedding packages, and I will admit, some are selfish.
If you just got engaged, your focus may be on one of the common initial tasks finding a photographer for your engagement photos. Amidst all of the details that come with saying ‘yes,’ it’s natural to tackle tasks one by one, starting with the simpler ones like capturing those first moments together. I’ll share why choosing your wedding photographer now, who can also capture your engagement, has so many advantages for you and the photographer!
ADVANTAGES FOR YOU
- Save Money – Often, photographers will offer engagement sessions in their wedding packages (like me!) or offer them at a discounted rate if you book them for your wedding. This is fantastic news for your wedding budget, especially considering that weddings can be one of the most costly events in life!
- Simplify – By booking the same photographer for your engagement session and your wedding, you’ll have one less vendor to coordinate with and manage, simplifying your planning efforts. With just one invoice and contract to handle, you save valuable time during this bustling wedding planning phase.
- Build Stronger Connections – Your wedding photographer is one of the only vendors that will be with you the entire wedding day. Working with them before your wedding enhances their understanding of your vision and personality, fostering a greater sense of comfort and rapport for your big day. While it may sound cliche, you should feel like they are like a friend on your wedding day.
- Consistent Style – While it may seem like a minor detail compared to other benefits, sometimes it’s the little things that bring the most joy. Choosing the same photographer for both your engagement session and wedding ensures that your photos maintain a consistent style and feel. This consistency is particularly valuable when using the photos for save the dates, social media posts, guest book, or home decor, creating a cohesive and polished look across all platforms.
ADVANTAGES FOR YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER
- Building Rapport – Building a relationship with the couple during the engagement session helps me better understand my couples’ personalities, preferences, and comfort levels. This rapport translates into better photos during the wedding as we all feel more relaxed, and you feel more natural in front of the camera.
- Understanding Expectations – The engagement session serves as a trial run where I can gauge what my couple expects and desires in their wedding photos. Each couple has slightly different priorities, and I want to make sure that I am focusing on what is truly important to each one. This insight enables me to tailor my approach and provide photos that capture the couple more authentically.
