Never Skip The Engagement Photos.
While they may not seem important, your engagement photos are a huge piece of the Wedding Photography puzzle. Not just for your photographer, but for you! Ultimately, whether or not you choose to do an engagement session is up to you - it does not make-or-break us working together and it isn't a "mandatory requirement," however, if you're thinking about skipping them, here are a few things to consider first.
Relationship Building
Building a client-photographer relationship prior to your Big Day can severely impact your Wedding for the better. After all, they say you spend more time with your Photographer than ANY of your guests... and it's the absolute truth. From the moment you put your dress/suit on to the moment you exit the party, I'll be right there beside you. Or behind you. Or in front of you. An engagement session gives you an opportunity to get to know your Photographer better, build a bond and get excited. It can also help you to understand how your Photographer works and what to expect in terms of being photographed on your Wedding Day.
THE MANY USES OF YOUR ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS
Engagement photos can be used for so much during your planning process - Save the Dates, Invitations for not only your Wedding but also any Engagement Party, Shower, Bachelor(ette) Parties etc. Not to mention any decoration or games at any of the events I've listed.
SHAKE THE NERVES
If you've never had your photos done before, or if you simply hate being in front of the camera, the thought of having a Photographer follow you around your entire Wedding Day (on top of all the other jitters) can be daunting to say the least. Think of your Engagement Session as a trial run. Work out the kinks. Calm the nerves. Let me help you see that it isn't so bad. This goes back up to point #1, it's waaaay less scary to have your new buddy taking photos of you than it is a stranger. ;)
PRACTICE RUN WITH HAIR & MAKEUP TRIALS
Have you ever stressed about when you want to get your makeup trial done? For me, I knew I really wanted to do my trial on a day that I wouldn’t just go home, wash it off and put my sweats back on. An engagement session is the perfect opportunity to do this. Plus, you'll get to see how the hair and makeup photographs.
