Why Engagement Sessions Matter (And How They Make Your Wedding Photos Better)
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Why Engagement Sessions Matter (And How They Make Your Wedding Photos Better)
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Why Engagement Sessions Matter (And How They Make Your Wedding Photos Better)
When couples inquire with me, one of the most common things I hear is, “We’re awkward in photos” or “We’ve never done professional pictures before.” That’s exactly why I believe engagement sessions are one of the most important parts of the wedding photography experience.
An engagement session isn’t just about pretty photos — it’s about connection, comfort, and confidence. And yes, it truly makes your wedding day photos better.
What Is an Engagement Session?
An engagement session is a relaxed photo session that takes place before your wedding day. It’s usually scheduled a few months (or even a year) before the wedding and can be done anywhere that feels meaningful to you — an open field in the Flint Hills, downtown Manhattan, or somewhere completely unique to your story.
Unlike your wedding day, there’s no timeline pressure, no guests watching, and no expectations. It’s just the two of you and your photographer.
1. You Get Comfortable in Front of the Camera
Almost no one starts out feeling natural in photos — and that’s completely normal. During an engagement session, you learn:
How I guide and pose you naturally
What movements and prompts feel most like you
How it feels to be photographed without pressure
By the time your wedding day arrives, taking photos won’t feel unfamiliar or awkward — it’ll feel easy.
This comfort directly translates into more natural, emotional wedding photos.
2. We Build Trust Before the Wedding Day
Your wedding photographer is with you for some of the most intimate moments of your day — from getting ready to emotional vows.
An engagement session allows us to:
Get to know each other’s personalities
Build trust and connection
Establish a photography style that fits you best
When you trust your photographer, you’re more relaxed — and that trust shows in every image.
3. You Learn How I Work (And I Learn You)
Every couple is different. Some love playful movement, some prefer quiet moments, and some fall somewhere in between.
Your engagement session helps me understand:
What makes you laugh
How you naturally interact
What makes you feel confident
This means on your wedding day, I already know how to photograph you in a way that feels authentic — not forced.
4. Your Wedding Day Timeline Runs Smoother
Because you’ve already experienced being photographed:
You know what to expect during portraits
You move more naturally
You trust the process
This often means less time needed for portraits and more time enjoying your day — something every couple appreciates.
5. You Get Meaningful Photos to Use Right Away
Engagement photos aren’t just for Instagram (though they’re great for that too). Couples often use them for:
Save-the-dates
Wedding websites
Guest books
Framed prints for their home
They become part of your story — not just a “practice session.”
Do You Really Need an Engagement Session?
While engagement sessions aren’t mandatory, I truly believe they make a noticeable difference in how couples feel — and how their wedding photos turn out.
Couples who do engagement sessions tend to:
Feel more relaxed on their wedding day
Trust their photographer more
Love their photos even more
And that’s always my goal.
Booking Bonus: Engagement Sessions Included for Bridal Show Couples
If you’re attending the Flint Hills Bridal Show, I’m offering a complimentary engagement session for couples who book their wedding photography with me at the show.
This is a bridal-show-only offer and won’t be available afterward.
📸 It’s my way of helping you feel confident, prepared, and excited heading into your wedding day.
Let’s Plan Your Engagement Session
If you’re planning a wedding in Manhattan KS, the Flint Hills, or anywhere in Kansas, I’d love to photograph your engagement and wedding day.
👉 Reach out through my contact form to check availability
👉 Mention “Engagement Session” or the Flint Hills Bridal Show when you inquire
I can’t wait to help you feel confident, comfortable, and completely yourself in front of the camera.