An engagement shoot is so much more than a box to tick on your wedding planning list. They are a chance to get comfortable in front of the camera, bond with your photographer, and enjoy a rare moment in the wedding planning whirlwind where it is just the two of you. Think of it as your wedding day rehearsal in heels, without the pressure of a waiting aisle.

Get Comfortable In Front Of The Camera

Feeling awkward in front of a camera is almost universal (I’m essentially Bigfoot with how rarely I’ve been caught on film), and it can be one of the more daunting parts of your wedding day. There is a certain pressure when you are paying per shot. Planning an engagement shoot gives you the perfect chance to shake off the cobwebs and practise posing in a relaxed, low-stakes setting.

Emily Jayne Weddings

Get To Know Your Photographer

An engagement shoot is also a brilliant opportunity to build a rapport with your wedding photographer. In most cases, you will have the same photographer for both sessions, and many include it in their packages for exactly this reason. Using the time to develop a good working relationship makes sense. Not only will they get a feel for your dynamic as a couple, they will also learn how best to guide you into natural and flattering poses, making things smoother and quicker when the wedding day arrives.

Lauren Casino Photography

Improve Your Wedding Day Imagery

No matter how many wedding galleries you browse, it is hard to know exactly how your photos will turn out until you have been in front of the lens yourself. An engagement shoot is a low-pressure way to preview your look on camera, see what works, and make any adjustments before the big day. You will figure out which angles flatter you most, and because there is another person in every frame, you can also learn how you both fit together naturally. That way, you are not spending your precious portrait hour on the big day, wondering where to put your hands!

ElevenEleven Films

Take Advantage Of Your Hair & Beauty Trial

One of the most bittersweet moments in a bride’s journey is getting fully glammed up for a hair and makeup trial, only to have nowhere to go except a quick trip to Dunnes and maybe a coffee run. Instead, plan your trials to coincide with your engagement shoot and tick two things off your list in one beautiful swoop. You will feel like you have truly made the most of your appointment, and you will also see exactly how your personal primping and preening between shots will affect the longevity of the style.

Emily Jayne Weddings

Spend Time Together

With so much wedding planning focused on logistics and to-do lists, an engagement shoot can be one of the first enjoyable wedding tasks you and your partner do together. It is a chance to step away from spreadsheets, enjoy each other’s company, and capture a happy and relaxed moment in your journey to the altar.

Jessica Lynn Films

What Do We Do With The Shots?

Once the shoot is over, you can decide how you would like to use the images. Some couples feature them on their wedding website or save-the-dates, while others share them on social media. We especially love seeing couples include their engagement gallery in a guest book, letting guests flick through the photos while leaving messages and well-wishes. It becomes a keepsake you will treasure long after the day is over.

- Gráinne