Why Engagement Sessions Are Important (and When to Book Yours!)
When you’re knee-deep in wedding decisions (linen colors, signature cocktails, seating charts...), an engagement session might feel like an extra checkbox you don’t need. But hear me out! It’s one of the best ways to feel confident in front of the camera and get some of that fun, just-the-two-of-you energy back into your planning process.
I approach engagement sessions the same way I do weddings: with a mix of documentary moments and editorial direction. The result? Photos that feel natural, elevated, and uniquely you—without the pressure of the wedding day timeline.
It’s a Test Run—for Both of Us
Think of your engagement session as a low-stakes warm-up. You get to feel what it’s like to be photographed (without 150 guests watching), and I get to learn how you interact naturally. Do you fall into each other in a quiet, sweet way? Are you cry-laughing the whole time? Do you hate photos that feel too posed? This is the time to find out. That way, when the wedding day arrives, we’re already in sync, and your photos will reflect that.
It Helps You Feel More Confident on the Wedding Day
So many couples tell me they’re awkward in front of the camera, and I get it. I am, too! But after your engagement session, you’ll have a few go-to moves, a better sense of what to expect, and proof that yes, you can look like that. This sets the tone for your wedding photos to feel more relaxed, natural, and filled with joy.
It Can Bring the Fun Back to Planning
Wedding planning is… a lot. Your engagement session gives you a break from logistics and a chance to remember why you’re doing this in the first place. Bring a cocktail, wear the outfit you’ve been dying to show off, book a location that feels meaningful. Whether it’s a walk through your neighborhood, a rooftop shoot in the city, or a weekend trip somewhere scenic, this is a chance to focus on your connection.
Real Impact on the Wedding Day
Here’s a true story: a recent couple of mine booked an engagement session on a whim. They weren’t sure what kind of photos they were into, they just knew they needed something for their save the dates. We had a BLAST and we tried out several different styles of prompts and posing. When the wedding day came, they moved through portraits like pros. Because we’d already built trust, I could give minimal direction, and they just did their thing! The gallery felt effortless because it was. That kind of ease comes from having spent time together in advance.
Where Should You Have Your Engagement Session?
This is the fun part. We can plan your session to meander through your favorite park, city stroll, and end at your favorite pizza parlor. Or we start at a museum, change your outfit, and skedaddle to the fair in town. Maybe a studio vibe is your thing! Or you want to just document this time in your life for the two of you and keep it low-key in your home.
The way I like to start the brainstorm process is by asking you what an ideal date looks like for the two of you. Then, we do that!
When to Book Your Engagement Session
The short answer? It depends.
If you’re using the photos for Save the Dates, plan to shoot at least 6–8 months before the wedding (and allow 6-8 weeks for final image delivery).
If you want peak foliage or cherry blossoms, book 3–6 months ahead of those peak seasons—these timeframes fill quickly!
If you're not working around a print deadline, we can plan it anytime in the 6–12 month range leading up to the big day.
We’ll work together to choose the right season and location based on your vibe, your timeline, and what feels most authentic to your relationship.