Why You Should Have an Engagement Session Before Your Wedding Day

If there’s one thing I absolutely love about engagement sessions, it’s how they truly capture the excitement and love between two people who are about to start one of the most important chapters of their lives. And I can tell you from experience – they’re so much more than just “practice” for your wedding day! They’re a time for you to bond, have fun, and, yes, get a little camera-ready without the pressure of the wedding day.

I had the pleasure of working with Callie and Bobby, and let me tell you, their engagement session was unforgettable! Their session wasn’t just about pretty pictures (although there were plenty of those!),  it was about capturing moments that felt real, raw, and totally them. And trust me, if you’re still on the fence about having an engagement session, this blog is here to convince you why it’s such a great idea!

What’s the Big Deal About an Engagement Session Anyway?

The main reason I absolutely recommend having an engagement session before your wedding day is simple! It helps you get comfortable in front of the camera! Let’s face it,  not everyone is used to having their picture taken, and that’s totally okay!! But when it’s your wedding day, you want to feel relaxed and confident. That’s where your engagement session comes in!

Having a session beforehand allows you to get used to the way I work and helps you feel more at ease with me as your photographer! We’ll talk, laugh, and I’ll guide you through the entire session, showing you exactly how to look and what to do to make you feel comfortable. By the time your wedding day arrives, you’ll be pros in front of the camera, and you’ll be able to enjoy your day even more.

Plus, it’s a chance to get creative and make some fun memories together! We’ll have time to play around with different poses and locations. It’s all about capturing the energy, the joy, and the love that makes your relationship so special. And you get to experiment with what works for you without the rush of wedding day timelines!

The Perfect Example of Why Engagement Photos Matter

When I think of a perfect engagement session, Callie and Bobby’s is the first thing that comes to mind! We had so much fun exploring the great outdoors in the beautiful British Columbia wilderness, and their love really shone through every moment. It was a perfect mix of relaxed, spontaneous, and playful moments that perfectly reflected their relationship.

We started the session with a pop of champagne in the wilderness, literally, because what’s an engagement session without some bubbly, right?! It was a fun moment that not only gave us some great photos but also let Callie and Bobby relax and get into the groove of things. If you know me, you know I’m all about the spontaneous, real moments that capture the personality of the couple! And speaking of real moments, the highlight of their session came when Callie splashed Bobby in the river! It was the perfect example of how an engagement session can be playful, fun, and even a little silly! And it’s those moments that end up being the most memorable!

But my favorite moment of the day? Let me tell you, I was determined to catch the perfect shot with a bird flying in the background (I know, I know, it’s a weird obsession of mine!). When I screamed “Kiss!” to Callie and Bobby as a bird flew by, I wasn’t expecting the perfect magic to happen. It was an unplanned, yet perfectly timed moment that made the photos feel so authentic. Those are the moments I live for as a photographer!

Choosing the Right Location for Your Engagement Session

The location of your engagement session is everything. When it comes to choosing where to take your engagement photos, I always recommend picking a spot that has meaning to you! Somewhere that feels yours. For Callie and Bobby, we chose an absolutely stunning location in BC, featuring a mix of rugged rocks, serene river views, and forest landscapes. This created the perfect backdrop to showcase their love in a way that felt both adventurous and intimate.

And remember, it’s not just about pretty views, it’s about what works for you as a couple! Whether it’s a location that speaks to your personalities, a place where you shared a special memory, or even a quirky, unexpected location that’s uniquely you, your engagement session is the time to experiment and make it your own!

Why Is an Engagement Session So Important?

Let’s recap!! Engagement sessions are so much more than just a photo op! Here’s why you should definitely have one:

1. Comfort & Confidence– Get comfortable in front of the camera and work with your photographer before your wedding day, so when it’s time for your big day, you’re ready to shine.
2. Memories in the Making – Engagement sessions allow you to capture those playful, raw moments that really showcase your personality as a couple.
3. Creativity – You can choose a location that feels special and unique to you, allowing for creative, beautiful photos that reflect your love in a way that feels real and personal.
4. Fun & Relaxed – No wedding stress here! An engagement session is a fun, laid-back experience where you can connect, laugh, and enjoy the moment without worrying about the timeline.
5. Once-in-a-lifetime Moments – Whether it’s the pop of champagne, a splash in the river, or a perfectly timed kiss with a bird flying by, these unplanned moments can create some of the most magical photos.

Client Love

“We hired Sarah for our wedding & engagement photos. We just received the sneak peak for our engagement session (barely 2 days later mind you), and we are BLOWN away. The photos are even more beautiful than we could have ever imagined. Sarah was very professional and helped prompt us while also allowing us to just be ourselves to really showcase our true love. I couldn’t recommend her more!!” – Callie

Book your British Columbia Wedding Photographer!

If you’re still on the fence about whether or not to have an engagement session, let me say this: You won’t regret it! It’s a chance to capture some beautiful moments before your wedding day, get comfortable in front of the camera, and create memories that you’ll cherish forever.

Contact me on my website to book your engagement session today, and let’s plan an unforgettable experience filled with love, laughter, and plenty of beautiful photos!

See more of my work on my Pinterest and portfolio! 

Check out more blogs on engagements below!

How to Have Stunning City Engagement Photos in Downtown Vancouver

Why You Should Embrace Rainy Engagement Photos for Your BC Engagement

Unique Engagement Photo Ideas at Kalamalka Lake: Fun for Your Engagement Session