hey there!! emily here – sharon’s associate photographer (in case you are new here) =)

i wanted to explain why an engagement session is NOT only important for my clients BUT also important for ME! we are constantly getting inquiries for engagement sessions from clients who haven’t yet begun planning for their wedding (but have picked a date)… and even though WE would loveeee to serve those clients with an engagement session – we reach back out and explain the importance of having your wedding photographer shoot your engagement session…. we explain that an engagement session is not just a time for pretty pictures and showing off that gorgeous ring.. it’s also about connecting and fostering a close relationship with a photographer you trust AND having a cohesive experience throughout the ENTIRE wedding planning process… the photographer is one of the vendors (along with planners and videographers) that the bride spends all day with on the wedding day — and having that connection is quintessential in how well the day flows

why these sessions are SO important to me!

1.) i get to meet the couple and start fostering that relationship and friendship (that often extends well beyond the wedding)

2.) i get to understand how the couple interacts in front of the camera – what they’re ‘natural’ poses are – and how they liked to be coached and guided

3.) i get to showcase how i am behind the camera and share some of my quirks and tips – so that come time for the wedding day, the couple is 100% comfortable and confident AND understands my weirdness (ha) WHICH ultimately allows me to show up MORE confidently on the day of the wedding

why these are important for my couples!

1.) they get to meet ME prior to their wedding day and understand how i operate – how i pose – how i guide and it ultimately builds their trust in me

2.) they get to interact with each other in front of the camera – see how THEY are in front of the camera together – they build their own confidence and finally realize that they are ROCKSTARS

3.) they get to have photos for a guest book – invitation or save the date

4.) they get to stop planning for the wedding and all the stress that comes with it for an evening and actually celebrate one another and go on a smokin’ hot date (just saying)

5.) an engagement session is also a wonderful time to have photos at a location that means something to the couple but may not be where the wedding is actually taking place

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after working in the wedding industry for quite some time now, i realize how important having an engagement session is — for both my couples and myself… which is why our standard wedding collections (excluding elopements) come with an engagement session!!!