Why You Should Book an Engagement Session Before Your Wedding | Kobita Photography
Wedding planning is a whirlwind of decisions. From choosing the right venue to picking the perfect flowers, it can sometimes feel overwhelming. But there's one decision you might not have considered yet that can have a significant impact on how your wedding day photos turn out: booking an engagement session.
While it might seem like an optional extra, an engagement photoshoot can be incredibly valuable—not only for getting gorgeous photos but also for helping you feel more comfortable and confident on your wedding day. If you’re wondering whether an engagement session is worth it, I’m here to explain why it’s one of the best choices you can make as a couple preparing for the big day.
What is an Engagement Session?
An engagement session is a professional photoshoot that typically takes place months before your wedding. It’s an opportunity to capture the joy and excitement of your engagement, with beautiful images that celebrate this special time in your life. Most couples choose to do their engagement shoot at a location that’s meaningful to them—whether it’s where they first met, a favorite park, or even at home.
But engagement sessions are more than just a chance to take pretty pictures. They offer a host of benefits that go beyond the images themselves. Let’s dive into why you should consider adding this to your wedding preparation to-do list.
1. Get Comfortable in Front of the Camera
Let’s face it—most of us aren’t used to being photographed professionally. You may feel awkward, nervous, or unsure of how to pose, and that’s completely normal. An engagement session is the perfect warm-up for your wedding day. It allows you to get a feel for what it’s like to be in front of the camera, without the pressure of the big day’s timeline.
Your engagement session helps you understand how your photographer works, what poses look and feel good, and how to relax during the process. It’s like a dress rehearsal for your wedding photos. The more comfortable you are with being photographed, the more natural and confident you’ll appear in your wedding photos.
2. Build a Relationship with Your Photographer
Choosing the right photographer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your wedding. They’re responsible for capturing the moments that you’ll treasure forever, so it’s essential that you feel comfortable and connected with them.
An engagement session allows you to spend time with your photographer before the wedding day, building trust and rapport. You’ll get to know their style, and they’ll learn how you interact as a couple—whether you’re playful, romantic, or a little of both. This connection helps your photographer understand how to capture your personality and relationship in the most authentic way.
Plus, you’ll feel more at ease with someone who isn’t a total stranger by the time your wedding rolls around. That comfort and familiarity will shine through in your photos.
3. Capture a Special Moment in Time
Engagement is a unique and fleeting season in your relationship. It’s filled with anticipation, excitement, and maybe a little bit of stress (in a good way!). An engagement session allows you to freeze this moment in time and capture the emotions of this period in your life.
Many couples choose to display engagement photos at their wedding or use them for “save the dates” and invitations. They also make great keepsakes to look back on after the wedding craziness has subsided. Years from now, you’ll appreciate having those images that reflect who you were as a couple before you said, “I do.”
4. Practice Makes Perfect (Poses)
One of the biggest benefits of an engagement session is that it gives you and your photographer a chance to experiment with poses, lighting, and styles that work best for you. Everyone has their own unique angles and preferences when it comes to photography, and an engagement shoot allows you to figure that out ahead of time.
You can try different poses, see how they feel, and determine what looks most natural for you. This “practice” will pay off on your wedding day when there’s less time to experiment. You’ll already know which poses you’re comfortable with, and your photographer will have a sense of your preferences. It’s a win-win!
5. Reduce Wedding Day Nerves
Wedding days are filled with emotion and can often feel overwhelming. Having already had a professional photoshoot under your belt can take a lot of the pressure off. You’ll know what to expect, how your photographer operates, and how to pose with confidence.
By doing an engagement session, you eliminate one element of uncertainty from your big day, allowing you to relax and enjoy the experience. When the camera comes out during your wedding, it won’t feel unfamiliar or intimidating—it’ll be just like the fun engagement session you already had.
6. Customize Your Photos to Reflect Your Personality
One of the most fun aspects of an engagement session is that it’s an opportunity to get creative and reflect your personalities as a couple. Unlike wedding photos, which tend to follow a traditional format, engagement sessions allow for more freedom in terms of location, wardrobe, and overall vibe.
Whether you want to dress up in formal attire for a glamorous shoot, keep it casual in a favorite park, or incorporate a theme that’s meaningful to both of you, the engagement session is a chance to tell your unique love story. It’s also a great opportunity to choose a location that holds significance—like the spot where you had your first date, your favorite hangout, or even your home.
7. Use the Photos for Wedding Day Details
Your engagement photos aren’t just for Instagram (although they’ll look great there, too!). Many couples find creative ways to incorporate their engagement images into their wedding day. From “save the date” cards to guest books, wedding websites, or even as decor at your reception, these photos can be used in countless ways.
Since your engagement session photos will typically have a more relaxed feel than formal wedding photos, they can add a personal and intimate touch to your wedding details. You can display them around your venue, include them in your wedding album, or use them in your stationery and signage.
8. Capture Natural and Candid Moments
Engagement sessions tend to be more relaxed and low-pressure than wedding day shoots. This creates an opportunity to capture more candid and natural moments between you and your partner. These photos often show your true personalities, playful interactions, and the love you share in everyday life.
By choosing an engagement session, you get to document your relationship in a way that reflects your genuine connection. These candid moments often become some of the most cherished photos in your collection because they feel real and unscripted.
In Conclusion
While an engagement session might seem like an optional step in the wedding planning process, the value it provides is undeniable. From building a relationship with your photographer to helping you feel confident in front of the camera, this pre-wedding photoshoot sets the stage for stunning wedding day photos.
It’s not just about getting a few beautiful images (though that’s definitely a perk!)—it’s about preparing for your big day, capturing a special moment in your relationship, and making sure your wedding day photography is as stress-free and enjoyable as possible.
So, if you’re on the fence about whether or not to book an engagement session, think of it as an investment in your wedding experience. Not only will you end up with beautiful photos, but you’ll also set yourself up for success when it comes to your wedding day photography. Trust me, you’ll be glad you did!