8 Reasons Why Engagement Sessions are a MUST
Your practice session has so many possibilities!
You’ve recently gotten engaged, and now you are shopping around for the perfect photographer to capture your love story. First, congratulations on your engagement! And second, we get it - there are so many photographers to choose from, and we all offer so many options when it comes to wedding photography and what’s included in each contract. At Love Wins, after 20 years of weddings, we have determined that Engagement Sessions are an essential part of every contract for a variety of reasons. So, we figured we would lay out just a few of them here.
Mike and I always work together for our wedding photography sessions—even for the practice sessions—because we’ve found it makes a huge difference in capturing those extra candid moments. Working as a team, we’re able to create natural, beautifully lit images while keeping the experience fun and stress-free. Our clients often share how much fun they have, and we hear the word “laughter” a lot when looking back on our time working together.
Being in front of a camera can feel a little awkward (we totally get it!), especially if you’re not used to it. That’s where practice sessions (aka engagement sessions) come in! We call them "practice sessions" because they’re so much more than just pretty pictures. They’re about getting comfortable, learning some new poses and best practices, building a connection, and making sure your wedding day photos are as smooth and natural as possible. Here’s why they’re a total game-changer:
1. You Get Comfortable in Front of the Camera
Let’s be honest—unless you’re a model, you probably don’t spend a ton of time posing for professional photos. It’s never a surprise for us when one or both of our clients relay that they “aren’t photogenic” or simply don’t like having their picture taken (or the frequently asked question, “What should I do with my hands?”) A practice session helps break down that initial awkwardness, so when your wedding day arrives, you’ll feel relaxed and confident.
2. You Build a Connection with Us
Since we’ll be with you throughout your wedding day, a practice session helps you get to know us, our style, and how we all work together. It makes the whole experience feel a lot more like hanging out and laughing with friends rather than posing for strangers. We want you to be happy!
3. You Learn What Poses Feel Natural to You
Not every pose works for every couple, and that’s okay! During your practice session, we’ll experiment with different angles, prompts, and movements to see what feels right to you. Having two perspectives allows us to catch those little in-between moments that add a unique touch to your gallery.
4. It Creates a Flow for Your Wedding Day
A wedding day moves fast, and there’s little time for trial and error. A practice session helps us establish a rhythm, so when it’s time for portraits, we can move efficiently, keeping everything stress-free and on schedule.
5. You Get a Preview of Our Style
Every photographer has a unique approach, and your practice session gives you a sneak peek at how we work. You’ll see how we guide you, how we fine-tune lighting, and how we capture those real, unposed moments. We look forward to incorporating your favorite types of photos into the portfolio for your wedding day photography.
6. It’s a Great Excuse for a Date Night
Seriously—why not make a day out of it? Dress up, take some amazing photos, and then go out for dinner afterward. It’s a fun, low-pressure way to celebrate your engagement while getting some gorgeous pictures in the process. And we love using Vermont’s most scenic locations as a natural backdrop.
7. You’ll Have Beautiful Photos for Save-the-Dates and More
From save-the-dates to your wedding website, guestbook, and social media, your practice session photos can be used for so many things. Plus, they’re a great way to capture this special time in your life before the wedding day whirlwind begins.
8. It Helps You Stay Present on Your Wedding Day
When you’ve already had a session and know what to expect, you won’t be worrying about posing or how you look. Instead, you’ll be able to soak in the moment, enjoy your time with your partner, and trust that we’ve got it covered.
Final Thoughts
A practice session isn’t just another item on your wedding to-do list—it’s a key part of making sure your wedding photos turn out exactly how you envision them. It’s about connection, comfort, and creating an effortless experience. So if you’re on the fence, trust us—it’s 100% worth your time, and it’s included in every Love Wins Photography wedding package!
