Why have an Engagement Session before your Wedding?

I had a wonderful phone call today – from a girl who’s getting married and would like to talk to us about doing her photography.

Now that call in itself is not all that unusual – after all, wedding photography is a big part of what we do.   The couple found out about us during another wedding – which is fantastic.  That means they’ve seen us work, and have seen the sort of images that we produce.  They already know us in this regard.  She made a point of the fact that she loved the engagement session photos of the couple, which we distributed at the wedding.  In fact she loved them so much she grabbed as many of the cards as she could so that she had all the photos!

BUT!  Then she confused me a bit by saying “What if we don’t want an engagement session?  I don’t see the point.”

I didn’t stay confused for long, and neither did she.  This is one of my favourite questions – which is a good thing because I get it a lot!

So – here’s why you must have an engagement session before your wedding!

Top 10 Reasons You MUST have an Engagement Session:

1. Once in a lifetime… Your wedding day is special, and won’t be repeated – there are no second chances for great photos from the day.  You don’t want someone photographing your wedding whose work you haven’t had personal experience with.  Once you’ve had a chance to see your portraits, you’ll know that you’re getting great quality, style and precious memories from us.
2. It’s fun! Many people are not comfortable being photographed, which is why they think they want to avoid the Engagement Session.  But it’s just the opposite – after your Engagement Session you’ll understand that having professional photographs taken is a fun and rewarding experience – it takes a lot of the stress out of your wedding day when you’re looking forward to your photography!
3. Getting to know you. As your wedding photographer I will be spending most of the day with you – from getting ready to your reception.  The Engagement Session is a great way for us to get to know each other before your wedding!  Being more comfortable with me will translate to your photos.
4. Style (yours) Every couple is different – and your photos will be unique to you.  The Engagement Session helps me learn about your style – what you like and don’t like – so that on your wedding day I have a plan to make your photos really special, in a style you love.
5. Style (mine) Every photographer is different too!  Your Engagement Session will help you understand how I work, and what you can expect from me on your wedding day.
6. Yes – you do stand/look/laugh like that… seeing your Engagement Session photos will help you understand why I ask you to stand a certain way, or avoid a certain pose.  I show you the good and the bad.  We all have “good sides” and “bad sides” – well not really, but photographs can make seemingly insignificant issues huge!  A good photographer will not only know how to minimize any features you don’t like, we’ll also educate you on how what you can do to get the best from your photos.
7. Invitations Why not include your photo on your wedding invitation?  It gives the invitation a wonderful personal touch.  (We can produce these for you at a very reasonable cost.  And they’ll be ready within 2 weeks once you order!)
8. Signature frame “Greet” your guests as they enter your reception – with a big signature frame!  Featuring a photo from your Engagement Session, framed with a wide mat.  Your guests can sign on the mat and you have a very personal artwork to hang on your wall after the wedding.
9. Guest book Another great idea to personalise your wedding.  Instead of a boring guest book, why not have a custom made book designed with your photos and lots of room for your guests to sign?
10. Professional portraiture can be expensive – but with Artsnic your Engagement Session is FREE!  Many of our couples say they’ve never had professional portraits done – we include an Engagement Session with every wedding we book.