Even if you’re already married
Kayla and Michelle’s session was the perfect example of why you should have an engagement session before your elopement day. They were technically already married, so the reason I always recommend one is this:
Because it’s not actually about the engagement itself. It’s about having a test run with your photographer before the full elopement day.
Many of us are still traumatized by our senior photo graduation experience. It was usually the first time we were professionally photographed, and probably the last before our wedding days. Let’s have a moment of silence for how awkward 2000s photography was - and then celebrate that those times are over!
Here are 3 reasons why you should have an engagement session before your elopement, and why it will be a lot more fun than you think.
The main reason why you should have an engagement session before your elopement is to break the ice, get comfortable with your photographer, and explore a beautiful place.
Engagement sessions are a way for both you and your photographer to get to know each other. It’s a test run for your elopement day. You get out all those uneasy, meeting-someone-for-the-first-time feelings.
You can go into your elopement day knowing what to expect, and feeling much more confident! As a bonus, you get to go out and explore a beautiful place for a few hours. This might even help you pinpoint more specific things you want to do on your elopement day.
REASON #2: practice being in front of the camera, and seeing yourself
Getting engagement photos back is like a little preview of your elopement day. If it’s been a while since you’ve been in front of the camera, an engagement session is a good way to see what you do or don’t like when being photographed.
You might gain a little insight into how you prefer to stand, what angles you like best, or things you want to repeat on your elopement day!
REASON #3: you get to send out “we’re eloping!” cards with the images
Many couples send out “we’re eloping!” cards, or display their engagement photos during a small party before they leave. A big myth about eloping is that everyone goes off and does it in secret - that’s not always true. Many couples still want to involve family and friends in some way, and engagement photos are a great way to announce things, or put on invite cards for a small party before or after your elopement day.
Having engagement photos done before your elopement is a great test run. You’ll be surprised how fun and relaxed it is, and it will likely change your entire mindset about “having your photo taken!”
