Let’s get you comfortable, connected, and camera-ready!

 

A romantic couple poses on a sandy beach at sunset sharing an intimate moment in white and blue outfits.
Black and white portrait of photographer with camera sitting on wooden floor with patterned skirt and dark shirt.

 

If you’ve been browsing wedding planning blogs or talking to recently married friends, chances are someone has mentioned an engagement session. And maybe you’ve thought, “Do I really need one?” The answer? YES—and here’s why I include one with every wedding package I offer!


After nine years of photographing weddings all over West Michigan—from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo, Lansing to Battle Creek—I’ve found that engagement sessions aren’t just about taking cute photos in a pretty location. (Although we definitely do that too!) They are about connection, trust, and creating a foundation that makes your wedding day photography go so much smoother.


Here’s a look at all the reasons I believe engagement sessions are 100% worth it—and why you’ll be glad we took the time to do one together.



 

1.We Get to Know Each Other IRL 💛


One of the BEST parts of doing an engagement session is that we get to hang out before the wedding! You get to see how I work, and I get to see how you interact with each other naturally. This session gives us the perfect chance to chat, laugh, and just be humans together without the pressure of a wedding timeline.


By the time your big day rolls around, we’ll feel more like friends than strangers—and that kind of comfort level makes a huge difference in how relaxed you feel in front of the camera.

📸 2. You’ll Get Comfortable in Front of the Camera


Let’s be real—most people aren’t used to having a camera pointed at them for hours on end. And that’s totally okay! Your engagement session gives you time to settle into the experience and see how I guide you through it. You’ll learn my “hands-on / hands-off” approach (sometimes I’ll gently pose you, sometimes I’ll just let you be), and you’ll start to trust the process.


When you see the results and realize, “Hey, we look GOOD!” you’ll be way more confident on your wedding day.

Someone standing on a rocky cliff ledge surrounded by bare winter trees in a forest setting.
Romantic couple shares intimate kiss in field of tall golden grass during autumn sunset.
A couple shares a tender moment while standing in the middle of a downtown street with tall buildings in the background.
Two Nike sneakers side by side on wood decking, one in pink and one in green with white laces and perforated details.
A person holds an umbrella while jumping near a greenhouse and garden hedges on a sunny winter day.
A couple walking hand in hand through tall beach grass near the ocean on a cloudy day.
A romantic winter engagement moment between a couple in gray sweaters standing by rocky outcrops in the woods.
A couple walks hand in hand through a scenic path surrounded by tall golden grass on an overcast autumn day.

✨ 3. They’re Perfect for Save the Dates & Invitations


One of the most practical perks of an engagement session? The photos you get from it are perfect for your save the dates, invitations, or even your wedding website. Many of my couples also use these images for their guestbook or as part of their welcome table. They add such a sweet and personal touch to your big day, and they make your wedding feel even more like YOU.

🖼️ 4. Personalized Wedding Decor


Want to make your wedding feel more personal and unique? Print out some of your engagement photos and use them as decor! I’ve seen couples create stunning welcome signs, canvas prints, photo collages, and even seating chart designs using their engagement photos. It gives your guests something to smile at as they walk in—and it ties your whole story together beautifully.

📅 5. It’s a Great Excuse for a Date Night


Wedding planning can be a lot. An engagement session is a great way to take a little break from all the checklists and spend some intentional, romantic time together. Dress up, laugh, twirl around in a field or downtown alley (whatever fits your vibe!), and just enjoy this season of being engaged. Bonus: after the shoot, you’ve got the perfect excuse to go grab dinner and make a full-on date night out of it!

A couple lies close together on a white blanket in a brown autumn field during an intimate outdoor moment.
💬 6. You’ll Feel WAY More Prepared for Your Wedding Day


Many couples search things like:


Do I need to do an engagement session before my wedding?

Are engagement sessions worth it?

What is the point of engagement photos?

The truth is—your engagement session is like a sneak peek of your wedding day photography. You’ll get used to posing, following prompts, and trusting your photographer (that’s me!). It helps you feel more confident and helps me learn what works best for you both in terms of movement, emotion, and connection. That’s priceless prep that makes your wedding day photos feel natural, authentic, and totally you.

A couple sits on a park bench in autumn, framed by flowing white curtains in the foreground.
🤍 Bonus: You Get Even MORE Photos to Love!





Who says you can only get amazing photos on your wedding day? With your engagement session, you’re adding a whole other layer to your story—something a little more casual, a little more playful, and a LOT more fun. Whether we’re exploring a favorite park, strolling downtown Kalamazoo, or chasing golden hour in a field outside of Grand Rapids, these images capture your love in a way that’s completely relaxed and real.

A couple sits on autumn ground with orange fall foliage above them in a romantic outdoor setting.
Thinking About Skipping the Engagement Session?


I promise—it’s so much more than a photo op. It’s a chance to start this journey together with intention, excitement, and trust. And because I believe so strongly in its value, every couple who books a wedding with me gets a complimentary engagement session included.


So, if you’re planning your big day and looking for a West Michigan wedding photographer who’s going to walk beside you from the very beginning, I’d love to be part of your story.


I’m currently booking weddings for 2026 and proudly serve Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Lansing, Battle Creek, and surrounding areas. Let’s capture this season of your life with photos you’ll love forever.


With love & all the golden hour magic,

Jenna

Your engagement-loving, love-story-capturing, hype-girl-for-life 💛

 

With love & all the golden hour magic,
Jenna
Your engagement-loving, love-story-capturing, hype-girl-for-life 💛