Why You Shouldn't Skip the Engagement Session (Especially in St. Louis)
Let’s be real for a second. Unless you are a professional model, the idea of having a big camera pointed at your face for an hour probably sounds terrifying. It might even sound about as fun as a trip to the dentist.
I get it. Most of us don't spend our weekends practicing poses or knowing exactly what to do with our hands.
That is exactly why the engagement session is one of the best things you can do for yourself before the wedding. It is easy to look at engagement photos as just another item on the to-do list or a place to save some money. But after photographing so many weddings here in St. Louis, I can tell you that there is a huge difference between couples who did a session and those who didn't.
Here is why I really think you should go for it.
1. It helps you get over the awkwardness
Your wedding day is going to be crazy. You will have a tight timeline, family members pulling you in different directions, and a lot of emotions. The last thing you want to be worrying about is whether you look weird in the photos.
An engagement session is basically a low-pressure practice run. You learn how I give directions. I learn your best angles and how you two interact naturally. By the time the wedding day comes, you will be experts. You won't be standing there wondering if you are doing it right. You will just be enjoying the moment because you already know the drill.
2. You get to be yourselves
Your wedding photos are going to be beautiful, but they will also be formal. You will be in a gown or a suit, probably at a venue, looking very elegant.
An engagement session gives you the chance to capture the other side of your life. This is your chance to wear jeans and a t-shirt. You can go to places that actually mean something to you. Maybe that means grabbing a drink in the Central West End, walking your dog through Tower Grove Park, or just hanging out downtown. It captures this specific time in your life in a way that feels real and relaxed.
3. It’s the perfect time for a hair and makeup trial
If you are planning to do a hair and makeup trial, don't let it go to waste. A lot of brides get their trial done and then just go home to sit on the couch.
If you schedule your trial for the same day as your engagement shoot, you get to see exactly how that makeup looks on camera. Maybe you realize the lipstick is too bright or the foundation feels too heavy. It is way better to figure that out now than on the morning of your wedding.
4. You’ll have great photos for the website
Selfies are great, but they can only go so far. Having high-quality professional images makes a big difference for your Save-the-Dates, your wedding website, and even the guest book. It just sets a better tone for the whole event.
The Bottom Line
Think of your engagement session as a way to guarantee you love your wedding photos. It helps us build trust. It gets rid of the nerves. And most importantly, it ensures that when I walk into your room on the wedding day, I am not just a stranger with a camera. I am a friend you already feel comfortable with.
