If you’re wondering if you really need that engagement session, or if you should use the complimentary one included with your wedding photography package (I mean, you’ll have tons of wedding photos, right?) read on! There’s lots of great reasons to take advantage of your included session or to book one before the big day.
IT’S THE BEST WAY TO GET TO KNOW YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER
If you haven’t met your photographer in person before booking, and don’t have a plan to get together before your big day, this is the absolute best way to meet up and create a connection between you. Truthfully, this is the reason most of us include an engagement session in our full day packages - we want to hang out and get to know you!
IT’S THE PERFECT REASON FOR A MAKE UP TRIAL
If you’re getting your make up done professionally for your wedding, it’s a good idea to do a trial with your artist to make sure you love your look. Scheduling your make up trial on the same day as your engagement session is also the perfect way to see how it photographs (and plus… you’ll feel even more confident if you’ve spent some time getting glammed up beforehand).
USE IT FOR YOUR INVITATIONS, SAVE-THE-DATES, OR WEDDING WEBSITE
Whether you’re sending an electronic or paper save the date, creating a website for your wedding, or designing your own invitations, it’s nice to have some professional images to include instead of a selfie or years-old photo.
MAKE A CANVAS OR GUESTBOOK FOR YOUR WEDDING
I’m a huge fan of out-of-the-box guest book ideas. I think it’s really lovely to have something your guests can leave their names and well wishes on that you can display in your home for years after you tie the knot. Having a print enlargement with blank matting to sign, or a huge canvas to display at the entrance makes for a beautiful decor piece and is something you will treasure for years to come.
HAVE PHOTOS DONE AT A LOCATION YOU CAN’T GET TO ON YOUR WEDDING DAY
Is your wedding venue outside of Halifax but you love the waterfront? Maybe you’re having a city wedding but you love spending your weekends hiking with your partner in Annapolis Valley. Sometimes, with timeline constraints, you just can’t make it to your favourite place on your wedding day. You can use your engagement session to have photos taken at a place that’s special to you that you can’t travel to after your ceremony.
IT’S GOOD PRACTICE
Spending 8+ hours having your photo taken on your wedding day can initially feel a bit stressful. An engagement session is the ideal time to practice getting in front of the camera, and it gives your photographer the opportunity to see how you photograph together and deliver beautiful images (which can sooth some of your wedding day worries).
…MOST OF THE TIME, IT’S FREE!
If you’ve booked a full day wedding package with your photographer, chances are that it includes a complimentary engagement session! Who doesn’t love free? Take advantage of your included e-session and get comfortable with your photographer in the process.
Whether your spot of choice is the iconic Point Pleasant Park in Halifax or a winery in Wolfville, there’s so many beautiful spaces to choose from for your engagement session. Looking to book a session for yourself? Send me an email!
