I get it — the attention and spotlight on you guys has quadrupled since announcing your engagement and now the pressure is on to start wedding planning immediately! All the questions are coming at you fast: where will the wedding be? When is your wedding? Do you have a dress? Where are you two going to live?

You have a lot to deal with in the coming months, but I’ve got a little secret: starting off your engagement with a photography session with just the two of you will be the best way to ease into all the attention and decisions that need to be made. Don’t believe me? I’ve got proof to back it up.

First of all, your engagement pictures are what you’re going to include with your announcement. Taking these photos basically kicks off the wedding planning timeline, as you’ll include them on your save the dates, Facebook, wedding website, and you’ll likely use them in your new home together, too. Starting off the engagement with a shoot together is a great way to say, “okay, I’m super excited about you and our life we’re about to start together, so let’s have a fun time and hang with our new photographer friend in a cool place before things get really crazy.” Trust me, you’ll be so grateful for this peaceful time just the two of you before things get hectic.

Second, scheduling an engagement session before all the big photo days (formals, wedding day, etc.) means both you and your partner get the chance to get comfortable having your photos taken. For most couples, their wedding is the first time they’re having professional photos taken. Nothing is more uncomfortable than being put on the spot and having tons of your closest friends, family, and strangers watch you while you try to romantically stare into each other’s eyes for the camera.

Also, having a shoot way before the wedding is a great chance to meet your photographer, get to know their personality, and start that relationship off right. I love meeting my couples at the beginning of their wedding or elopement planning journey because we get to be friends and I can offer insight as they’re planning. I’ve been doing this for a while — chances are if you’re looking for a specific recommendation for a vendor, I probably know a guy.

Even if you’re not used to doing photos, don’t think you need them, or want to fast track right to the formals on a tight wedding timeline, I’m telling you, you won’t regret doing an engagement session.

Your wedding planning journey is about to begin, but engagements are the best way to get off on the right foot and set a tone of excited confidence as you make all the decisions coming your way. I’d love to be the new friend you hire to join you on your wedding planning journey and document all the phases of your relationship as it progresses to “married couple”. Send me a message to learn more or to start a conversation about your upcoming wedding!