There use to be a time when I would exchange out an engagement session for more coverage, and then I realized how important the session is as a relationship builder for myself and my Bride and Groom, WHY ENGAGEMENT SESSIONS ARE NECESSARY!

This blog post is for all the Brides out there who are asking why engagement sessions are necessary and I’m going to give you four reasons why they are absolutely important!

The Engagement Session is a relationship builder with you and your photographer

You get to spend anywhere from an hour and half to two hours with the person who you’ll spend more time with on your wedding day then your new husband/wife. (Unless you do a first look, then you get to spend more time with the love of your life!) You want to make sure that you have a great relationship with that person. Your wedding day goes by so much more smoothly when you feel like you’re spending the day with another friend!

You have professional photos to share with family

I’ve noticed a common trend with my couples at their engagement session. We start the session off getting to know each other and it never fails, someone mentions that they only have cell phone selfies together, no professional photos. This is something that I was semi guilty of. Josh and I had photos of one another, but always from my own camera with either a self timer or a remote. It was so exciting to have professional photos that I could print and give to our family that had outstanding quality. I also filled our home with our beautiful sessions. I was so proud of our photos (and still am), I wanted everyone to see them!

Use these photos for your Save-the-Dates

Save the Dates are a fun way of announcing your soon-to-be marriage to your best friend, and the save the dates are even more personable with your beautiful professional photos included! Friends and family love getting these in the mail, and then love even more hanging them on their fridges! You can use various websites to make your save the date if your photographer doesn’t offer the option. If size doesn’t matter to you, make your save the dates postcard size so you can use a .34 cent stamp!

Your session give you an excuse for a hot date! (This is my favorite reason!)

BRIDES – you have a REASON to go shopping for a new outfit, new SHOES, jewelry. A reason to make an appointment with your hair stylist. A fantastic reason to go a pedicure and a manicure! This is all a recipe for a hot date to follow! Take advantage of the dressing up and go out with your soon-to-be husband. Enjoy the evening! Engagement shoots should be shot two hours before sunset for the best possible light, which means you’ll done right around dinner time depending on the time of year.

I hope this blog post of reasons why engagement sessions are necessary! My sessions with my couples always involve a lot of laughter so it’s bound to be an awesome time!

xoxo – Loren

PS – Keep an eye out for a post on ways to prep for your engagement shoot!