Why You Shouldn’t Skip an Engagement Session

Aug 22

Between picking a venue, hiring vendors, and managing RSVPs, an engagement session might feel like something you can skip. But as a Chattanooga and Nashville wedding photographer, I can tell you:
It’s one of the best decisions you’ll make.

Here’s why your engagement session is more than just “extra photos”—and why it plays a big role in making your wedding day experience smoother, more fun, and more meaningful.

1. It Helps You Get Comfortable in Front of the Camera

Most couples aren’t used to being professionally photographed—and that’s totally okay. Your engagement session is like a rehearsal for your wedding day.
You’ll learn:

How I guide and prompt you naturally
What angles and interactions feel most “you”
That being photographed can actually be fun

By the time your wedding rolls around, posing will feel effortless—and you’ll trust me even more.

2. You’ll Build a Connection With Your Photographer

Let’s be real: you’ll spend more time with your photographer on your wedding day than almost anyone else. So it helps if we already know each other.

During your engagement session, we:

Get to know each other
Build real comfort and trust
Learn how to bring out your genuine connection on camera

That familiarity makes your wedding day flow naturally—with no awkward introductions or stiff moments.

3. You Can Choose a Meaningful Location

Engagement sessions aren’t limited by timelines or wedding venues. Want photos on Lookout Mountain, by the Walnut Street Bridge, or in the Nashville skyline at sunset? We can make that happen.

It’s your chance to:

Celebrate your favorite spots as a couple
Dress more casually or showcase your personal style
Capture your relationship in a more relaxed season of life

These are the photos you’ll print, frame, and send to family.

4. You'll Have Gorgeous Photos for Save-the-Dates and Decor

Need photos for your wedding website, invitations, or a guestbook? Your engagement gallery delivers.

Many Chattanooga and Nashville couples also use these images for:

Save-the-date cards
Reception signage
Welcome table displays
Personalized thank-you gifts

It’s a win-win: beautiful keepsakes and useful materials.

5. It Reduces Wedding Day Stress

Having a camera follow you around all day can feel weird—unless you’ve already done it once.
Couples who skip the engagement session often feel:

More nervous or camera-conscious during portraits
Unsure how to pose naturally
Like they’re “on display”

Engagement sessions eliminate that anxiety. You’ll already know what to expect, and we’ll have go-to poses and prompts that feel natural for you.

Getting Married in Chattanooga or Nashville?

You’re in the perfect place for stunning engagement photos. A few favorite spots I love shooting in:

Chattanooga: Chickamauga Battlefield, Sunset Rock, Coolidge Park
Nashville: Percy Warner Park, 12 South, Centennial Park, Downtown rooftops

Want help choosing a location that fits your vibe? I’ve got you.

Final Thought: It’s Not Just a Session—It’s a Memory

Engagement photos mark the beginning of your journey to “I do.” It’s a chance to slow down and celebrate this chapter before the whirlwind of wedding planning takes over.

You’ll laugh, maybe cry, and leave with memories that last far beyond a single frame.