Why Engagement Photos Matter (And How They Help on Your Wedding Day)
- Orlando & Liz Weckmann
- May 2
- 3 min read
I’ve photographed so many couples over the years, and I can’t tell you how many have told me, “We wish we had done an engagement session.” I get it—wedding planning can feel overwhelming, and adding one more thing to the list might seem unnecessary. But your engagement shoot is more than just a chance to take cute pictures—it’s a low-pressure opportunity to get comfortable in front of the camera. You’ll learn how to relax, I’ll get to know you both better, and by the time your wedding day comes, we’ll already have a natural flow together.

You Build a Real Relationship With Your Photographer
Another reason I love engagement sessions is that they give us the chance to connect genuinely. Photography is deeply personal—I’ll be there during the quiet, emotional moments, the chaos of getting ready, the joyful celebration. That kind of access only works well when there’s a real relationship in place. During your engagement session, we talk, laugh, sometimes hike to a scenic overlook, or wander through a favorite neighborhood. You see how I work with light, how I give direction (or hang back when needed), and how I catch those in-between moments that matter. It makes your wedding day feel less like a production and more like I’m just a familiar presence, quietly capturing your story as it unfolds.

The Photos Themselves Mean Something Special
Engagement photos capture your life in the now—before the dress, before the vows, before all the formalities. You’re just you, in clothes you wear, in places that are part of your real life. Maybe it’s your favorite coffee shop, the trail you walk together, or your couch at home. These photos are often the ones that feel the most “you.” And years from now, when you look back, they’ll remind you what this season of life felt like. You’ll also have great photos to use for your save-the-dates, wedding website, guest book, or even to frame at the reception. But even beyond their practical uses, they’re a visual piece of your love story that stands on its own.

You Learn What You Like Before the Wedding
Engagement sessions are also a great chance to learn what you like and don’t like when it comes to photography. Maybe you discover you love motion-filled, candid shots, or that certain angles or lighting styles work best for you. I pay close attention to your feedback and body language so that when the big day arrives, I already know how to capture you in the most authentic and flattering way possible. This kind of preparation creates confidence, and confident couples photograph beautifully.

It’s Not Just a Photoshoot—It’s a Moment You’ll Keep
Some of my favorite engagement sessions have been ones where we kept it super simple: a walk through your neighborhood, a picnic in the park, or your favorite local coffee shop. The point isn’t to stage some over-the-top moment—it’s to freeze this chapter in time. Because one day, years from now, you’ll look back and remember what life felt like before the big day. And trust me, those photos will mean the world. If you’re on the fence about an engagement session, let’s talk. I promise it’s more than just a photoshoot—it’s the start of your story.

KIND WORDS
"Liz and Orlando are amazing photographers by far! We had the privilege of having them photograph our engagement pictures and also our beautiful wedding. They capture every little detail, which will always serve as memories that we will treasure forever. Highly recommend them for any sort of photoshoot."
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