1. Images with meaning

Being engaged is such a blissful and exciting time, you are so full of anticipation for the wedding and preparing for your new life.  When I look back on my engagement pictures it reminds me of that overwhelming joy that comes with anticipating a new adventure. Kinda like that feeling ​before you leave for a new country. You're so excited but you also sort of have no idea what you're about to experience. You're just open, willing and ready.  I also remember the party our families threw for us, and that being the first time they all met in person. I remember the joke Jake was making that made me laugh so hard in the photo I have framed in our bathroom. And now looking at those images I think, "Wow, I thought I knew and loved him then. But boy, I love him SO much more now." So first, engagement sessions are a way to document this ​monumental time in your life​, on the cusp of so much change. So you can look back at those images and immediately be transported back to that time and all those butterfly feelings. 

2. Building a Relationship With Your Photographer

​Do you want a stranger with a camera hanging around you all day on the most important day? No. Not only do we get amazing images during your engagement session, we get to know each other, which may be even more important. My goal is always to build a relationship with my couples, get to know them, their love and how they interact, for two reasons. One, every couple is so different so I don't want your pictures to look like someone else's. They need to represent you and your love. That naturally happens when you are more comfortable after spending some time in front of my camera. Two, I'm going to be spending your whole wedding day almost literally by your side, I want to serve you the best possible way and I want you to feel confident in everything I am doing. That is all a lot easier when we already know each other. 

3. Less Stress Come Wedding Day

A majority of people haven't had professional pictures taken, and I get it, it is kinda awkward. But only at first, I promise! So if we can get that out of the way, come wedding day it's one less thing you'll worry about. You’ll already know what to do in front my camera like a PRO. You'll be a million times more comfortable and confident so you can focus on that wedding day bliss and marrying your best friend! 

​Engagement sessions are a game changer and will directly impact your wedding photos. Plus, it's basically a super fun date, getting dressed up and snuggling with your favorite person in a beautiful place. And can I just ask the question...when was the last time the two of you spent a full hour, just...together. No phones dinging, no Netflix on in the background, no loud restaurant with distracting tvs? Honestly, Jake and I aren't great at it either, but I think we all need more intentionally spent time in our relationships. 

​Engagement sessions are a game changer and will directly impact your wedding photos. Plus, it's basically a super fun date, getting dressed up and snuggling with your favorite person in a beautiful place. And can I just ask the question...when was the last time the two of you spent a full hour, just...together. No phones dinging, no Netflix on in the background, no loud restaurant with distracting tvs? Honestly, Jake and I aren't great at it all the time either, but I think we all need more intentionally spent time in our relationships. 

So, yes, you 100% need an engagement session with your wedding photographer, which is why I always add them complimentary to my packages. Plus, most of the time we end up getting dinner and drinks together afterwards and that is just icing on the cake!