Do You Really Need Engagement Photos? Here’s Why I Include Them in My Wedding Collections

When couples inquire about wedding photography, one of the most common questions I hear is, “Do we really need engagement photos?”

It’s a fair question. Between planning a wedding, juggling work, and checking off what feels like an endless to-do list, an engagement session can seem like something that’s nice to have but easy to skip.

The truth is, engagement photos aren’t just about getting a few pretty pictures before your wedding. That’s actually one of the smallest benefits. The real reason I include engagement sessions in many of my wedding collections is because they help set the stage for everything that comes next.

Your Engagement Session Is About More Than Photos

Most couples have never had professional photos taken together before. It’s completely normal to wonder what you’ll do with your hands, whether you’ll feel awkward, or if you’ll know how to pose.

An engagement session gives us the chance to work through all of that without the timeline or emotions of your wedding day hanging over us. By the time your wedding arrives, you already know what to expect, how I work, and most importantly, you know that you don’t have to worry about posing perfectly!

You Get Comfortable in Front of the Camera

One of the biggest transformations I see happens in confidence. Almost every couple starts a session saying some version of, “We’re awkward in photos.” By the end of the session, they’re laughing, talking, and focusing on each other instead of the camera. That confidence carries over into the wedding day, making portraits feel more relaxed and natural.

We Get to Know Each Other

Your wedding photographer is one of the few vendors who will spend nearly your entire wedding day with you. An engagement session gives us the chance to build that relationship before the wedding. By the time September arrives, May and Wilden won’t feel like they’re spending the day with someone they just met. We’ll already have shared an evening together, figured out what makes them laugh, and discovered the little interactions that feel most like them. That familiarity makes a huge difference when the wedding day emotions kick in.

Your Photos Feel More Like You

One of my favorite parts of engagement sessions is that there’s room to slow down and include meaningful details. For May and Wilden, that meant bringing along a couple of their favorite books and simply spending time together by the water. Those little moments tell a story that’s uniquely theirs. Your engagement session doesn’t have to look like everyone else’s. Whether it’s your favorite coffee shop, hiking trail, or simply a place where you love spending time together, the best engagement photos reflect your relationship.

Your Wedding Day Feels Easier

When the wedding day arrives, you’re not wondering how to stand, where to look, or whether you’re doing everything “right.” Instead, you’re able to stay present with each other because we’ve already worked through those nerves during your engagement session. That’s one less thing to think about on a day that’s already full of emotion.

So… Do You Really Need Engagement Photos?

No. You can absolutely have beautiful wedding photos without an engagement session. But if you ask me whether they’re worth it?Absolutely! Not because you need more photos. But because you’ll walk into your wedding day feeling more comfortable, more confident, and more connected. Not just to each other, but to the person who’s there to document one of the biggest days of your life! And that’s exactly why I include engagement sessions in many of my wedding collections!

I’m already counting down the days until May and Wilden’s September wedding, and if their engagement session is any indication, I know it’s going to be an incredible day! See more of my engagement sessions HERE!

Ready to chat? Reach out!! I’d love to hear from you and talk about making your engagement session special. Contact me HERE!