Why You Should Do an Engagement Session with Your Wedding Photographer

There’s a reason so many couples rave about their engagement session with their wedding photographer—it’s one of the most valuable parts of the wedding experience. Not only do you walk away with beautiful, versatile photos, but you also build comfort, connection, and confidence before the big day.

All the images in this post are from a recent engagement session at Chateau de Michellia, a timeless and elegant venue tucked into the countryside of Salem, Oregon. The setting was magical—but it was the relaxed energy and natural connection that made the photos shine. That’s what an engagement session with your photographer helps you create.

1. Get Comfortable in Front of the Camera

Most couples don’t have much experience being photographed together. An engagement session with your wedding photographer gives you space to get familiar with posing, movement, and simply being yourselves. You’ll show up on your wedding day with less stress and more confidence.

2. Build Trust and Rapport with Your Photographer

This is huge. Your photographer will be with you all day long—capturing emotional moments, giving direction, and helping things flow. An engagement session allows you to build a relationship ahead of time so that your wedding day feels like working with a trusted friend. Here’s what’s included in my engagement and wedding packages.

3. Practice What Works Best for You

Whether you love close-up cuddles or need a little space between you, your engagement session gives your photographer insight into your dynamic. They’ll learn your best angles, your natural energy, and what makes you feel confident—so your wedding photos reflect the real you.

4. Use Your Engagement Photos for Wedding Details

There are so many uses for your images beyond the Instagram post! From save-the-dates and wedding websites to guest books, welcome signage, and framed decor, your engagement photos will serve you throughout your planning journey. Browse my engagement gallery for ideas.

5. Try Out Hair, Makeup, and Outfit Styling

Many couples schedule their engagement session on the same day as a hair and makeup trial—perfect for previewing your wedding-day look on camera. You’ll also get a feel for what outfits and colors photograph well, which helps inform any future choices.

6. Capture This Short-but-Sweet Season

Your engagement is its own chapter—full of excitement, hope, and anticipation. An engagement session with your wedding photographer celebrates this season and creates memories that feel totally different from your wedding day itself.

7. Make the Most of Your Wedding Photography Timeline

After your engagement session, your photographer will have a head start in planning how to approach your wedding day. They’ll know your flow, your personalities, and what you value most—making your timeline more efficient and your images more meaningful.

8. Fall in Love with Your Photographer’s Process

When you do an engagement session with your wedding photographer, you get a glimpse into how they guide, support, and serve you. It builds excitement and trust that carries all the way through your wedding album delivery.

A Real-Life Example: Chateau de Michellia engagement session with your wedding photographer

All the images featured here were taken at Chateau de Michellia—a luxurious, French-inspired estate that offers refined beauty and endless portrait potential. It’s one of my favorite spots for engagement sessions because the setting is peaceful, romantic, and full of old-world charm. Whether you’re getting married there or just visiting for portraits, it’s a stunning location for documenting your love story.

Final Thoughts

Booking an engagement session with your wedding photographer is one of the smartest and most meaningful decisions you can make in your planning process. It’s not just about pretty pictures—it’s about showing up on your wedding day feeling known, confident, and totally yourself.

Ready to plan your own engagement session? Let’s create something beautiful together—whether at Chateau de Michellia or another location that’s meaningful to you.