One of my favourite things to do when I visit my family’s houses is to go and look at all the pictures hung and framed on the walls.  My Granny has lived in countless houses over the years, and something I remember growing up, was that each and every one of them felt like her.  The link between all of them being the photographs everywhere, all the same ones, always carefully positioned into the same place. That was what made a house on a hill by the coast in South Africa feel the same as the little house nestled in the valleys of South Wales: the memories and stories held in those pictures.  I spent some time living with my Grandparents a couple of years ago, and my Nana doesn’t know this, but every time she went out I’d curl up with a hot cup of tea by the photo album shelves and spend hours flicking through the old photos, reliving all the memories I knew, and learning about the ones I didn’t. I’m a big believer in a house being made a home by the people in it, and having beautiful pictures to remind you of that every day certainly helps.

Perhaps you’re reading this and thinking that there’s no point in having an engagement shoot - in fact a lot of my couples have said to me that they’ve been engaged for a while so they shouldn’t have one! Whether you’ve just popped the question, you’re still a little bit starstruck by that gorgeous rock on your finger, or you guys have been planning a wedding for years, an engagement shoot/pre-wedding session is so important and should definitely be in your calendar! Even if it’s just so your Grand-Daughter can see how much her smile looks like yours and how totally in love you were, even all those years ago...

1. It’s good practice for the Wedding!

Even if you’ve decided you don’t want to go off somewhere after your ceremony and have a newly-wed portrait session, having an engagement shoot can help to make you feel more comfortable with a couple of cameras being around all day.  Despite how inconspicuous I try to be, the chances are if you’ve declared yourself as camera-shy as me, you’ll be aware of a camera presence! At least for a tiny bit..then you’ll forget all about it! 

2. Save the Dates or Wedding Decor

Loads of my brides and grooms have used their engagement photos in some way with the wedding..some have had  their ‘save the date’ cards made with their photos, some have used them displayed somewhere and one couple even used them as stickers on little jars full of sweets for their wedding favours (no prizes for guessing that not a single one was left behind..!) 

Having a set of beautiful professional photographs will not only provide your mother with some art for her walls, but you can incorporate them into your wedding decor in many different ways (HERE’S SOME IDEAS). I’ve always liked the idea of announcing an engagement with photographs from a couple portrait session (boyfriends who may be reading this, consider this your hint!).

3. You get to see how I work

Your wedding day will most likely be one of the most special days of your life and chances are, your photographer will be the one spending most of it with you; it’s so important to me that we all get to know each other so we’re on the same page and you fully trust me with capturing these precious moments as you walk down the aisle and marry your best friend! Having an engagement shoot enables you to see the style I shoot in and get a feel for the kind of photos we can achieve together. 

4. It’s fun! 

The lead-up to a wedding day can often go by in a blur and you may find that all your spare time is spent emailing suppliers, booking cake tastings and choosing wedding outfits. As vital as those tasks are, sometimes you need an excuse to go out on a fun adventure - why not get some gorgeous photos whilst you’re at it! I love it when my couples choose to do something out of the ordinary for their engagement sessions. 

Think surfing followed by a picnic on the beach...

Or perhaps a date night at a Christmas market with hot chocolate…

Maybe even just an excuse to get dressed up in the sparkliest dress you own and have a romantic photo session on the backdrop of a rugged landscape…

The more adventure the better! (and in case you’re wondering…yes, please bring your doggo!)

Wondering what to wear? Have a peek at my pinterest board to get some inspiration! CLIENT OUTFIT GUIDE

I used to be so intimidated by the thought of having professional pictures taken with my partner but when the opportunity came for us to have a couple session, we took advantage and ended up having the best time! Since then, we’ve invested in many more sessions together to document our little family. These photographs are so special to us.

If you’ve read this far and are still unsure whether an engagement session is for you, drop me a message and I’d be more than happy to chat anything through with you! Just a reminder that any wedding package booked with me will include a complimentary engagement session including use of the client closet and location guidance.