Engagement photos aren't an essential element of your wedding preparations. Very few things are! Besides the vows and the signing of the registry, the rest is optional. You can choose to have a bridal party or not, how many guests witness your wedding day and whether you have a three-tiered rich fruit cake or none at all!
So are engagement photos essential, and why would you have them anyway?
Firstly, I have to say, my husband and I had engagement photos the same day we got engaged! Yep, my hubby popped the question in the Adelaide Parklands, I sported a sparkling marquise diamond ring and off we went and had our pictures taken! The images are still on our dresser, and we treasure them.
So why do I think engagement photos are great to have?
*Firstly, there is often a long time lapse between your wedding day and your betrothal. It is sweet to have romantic photos with each other while you're waiting. You can easily upload these photos to social media like Facebook and Instagram and share them with family and friends.
* You can have engagement photos taken with the same photographer you are using for your wedding day and this helps you connect. The photographer can get to know you as a couple and how you interact. You can get an idea of how he or she operates, and this can help you feel more relaxed on your big day.
* You can choose your date, your time and your weather! - On your wedding day, you have to work your times around lots of different elements of the day. The availability of the hairdresser, the length of your ceremony and reception can all have a bearing on when your official wedding photography session can be.
Sometimes you end up with photos in the full sun (which is fine) or even in the rain (which can be beautiful!). Your engagement photos can be coordinated around when the sun is low in the sky, for that gorgeous golden glow and we can reschedule if the weather isn't perfect!
* You can wear comfortable clothes so you can completely relax and do pretty much whatever you like!
* Some couples like to print out some engagement photos and have them hanging in frames or off strings with bunting at their receptions. Other couples want to use their engagement photos as part of the wedding invitations or save-the-dates.
*Lastly, and not least, engagement photos allow you to record and celebrate the love that you share. You have time to laugh and have fun together, just the two of you!
I say, just the two of you' even though a photographer is there too! Because I use a long lens for a lot of the engagement and wedding photography, I'm not in your face, and you can be yourselves, chat and have fun, as if no one is watching! The more documentary and natural the photos are, the happier we all will be!
Contact me to book your engagement photos!
Location: Aldgate, South Australia.