Being able to work with couples before the big day is always something we highly recommend. Not only just for you, but for your photographer as well. Here are a few reasons we highly encourage an engagement session before your wedding day:

Taking engagement photos before your wedding day can offer several benefits, enhancing your overall wedding experience. Here are some reasons why many couples choose to have engagement photoshoots:

1. Getting to Know Your Photographer:

   • As mentioned, an engagement photoshoot provides an opportunity for you to work with your wedding photographer before the big day. This helps establish a rapport and allows you to become more comfortable in front of the camera on the wedding day. It is always so refreshing showing up on your wedding day and being excited to seeing each other, as opposed to meeting the day of.

2. Building a Relationship:

   • It's a chance to spend some quality time together as a couple and with your photographer. This can create a more relaxed and natural atmosphere, resulting in more authentic and meaningful photos. The occasional shot or cocktail with one another at your engagement session or reception is always a plus!

3. Practice for the Wedding Day:

   • The engagement shoot acts as a practice session for posing, finding the right angles, and understanding the photographer's style. This can help reduce stress and nerves on the wedding day.

4. Personalized Save the Date or Wedding Invitations:

   • You can use the engagement photos for save-the-date cards, wedding invitations, or even a wedding website. This adds a personal touch and allows your guests to see your personalities before the wedding.

5. Memory Capturing:

   • Engagement photos capture a special time in your lives—the period between engagement and marriage. Looking back at these photos can evoke fond memories of the anticipation and excitement leading up to your wedding.

6. Trial Run for Hair and Makeup:

   • Many couples use the engagement session as an opportunity to test their wedding day hair and makeup. This ensures that you feel comfortable with your chosen look and that it photographs well.

7. Familiarity with Locations:

   • If you choose to have your engagement shoot at your wedding venue or a location meaningful to you, it allows you to explore the surroundings. This familiarity can make the wedding day photography process smoother.

8. Guestbook or Reception Decor:

   • Engagement photos can be used creatively at the wedding, such as in a guestbook or as part of the reception decor. This adds a personal and sentimental touch to the celebration.

9. Gifts for Family and Friends:

   • Printed or framed engagement photos make thoughtful gifts for family and friends. It's a way to share the joy of your engagement with loved ones.

10. Stress Relief:

    • Taking engagement photos in a more relaxed setting can help alleviate any camera shyness or nervousness. This can contribute to a more enjoyable and stress-free wedding photography experience.

In summary, engagement photos serve as a prelude to your wedding day, offering practical benefits, sentimental value, and a chance to build a connection with your photographer. Ultimately, it's a personal choice, but many couples find it to be a valuable and enjoyable part of their wedding journey.

As destination wedding photographer we have had the ultimate pleasure being a part of both a couples engagement session and wedding day. Travis and Rachel opted for engagement photos in San Diego and a wedding in San Luis Obispo where we captured their wedding day. Being able to meet the two of them and connect before their wedding was such a joy and something we always suggest when couples are planning their wedding. We are a team of passionate wedding photographers and wedding videographers in California and love getting to meet so amazing people. This career has taken us to so many incredible parts of the worls, if you are searching for a wedding photographer and on the fence about using the same photographer for engagement photos we highly recommend it! As always, if you are in search of a local San Diego photographer please reach out as we would love to hear all the details about your day :)