J.BRICKLER PHOTOGRAPHY BLOG

Justin is a Tennessee-based wedding photographer specializing in documentary and creative editorial styles, dedicated to authentically capturing the cherished moments of your wedding.

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THE JOURNAL

The Importance of Engagement Sessions

When couples think about wedding photography, their minds often go straight to the wedding day itself—the vows, the portraits, & the celebration. But there’s a chapter before the big day that deserves to be captured too. Engagement sessions are more than just a chance to take pretty photos, they’re an important step in telling your story and preparing for your wedding. Here are the reasons why engagement sessions are so important & why I love doing them with couples that book me for their wedding. 

Getting Comfortable in Front of the Camera

For many couples, this is the first time they’ve worked with a professional photographer. It’s normal to feel a little nervous & camera-shy, but an engagement session beforehand can help ease your nerves. I’ll have a chance to get to know you as a couple & you’ll get to know me as a photographer. I’ll help guide you through poses that you’re comfortable with and accurately represent you and your partner. The more familiar you become with being photographed, the more authentic the photos will look. I’ll be able to capture candid moments that don’t look staged or inauthentic to your love story. By the time your wedding arrives, you’ll feel more confident, comfortable, and able to fully enjoy your day.

Building a Connection With Your Photographer

Your photographer is with you through some of the most intimate and emotional moments of your wedding day, so it’s incredibly valuable to build trust and a genuine connection ahead of time. An engagement session gives us time to get to know one another. You’ll see how I work, and I’ll learn what makes you laugh, how you interact, and what feels most natural for you as a couple. That connection shines through in your wedding photos.

One of the ways I build a sense of comfort with a couple is by sharing a cup of coffee, a meal, or a drink together. I’ve found that the best connections are formed around a shared table, As part of the process of working with me, this is something past couples have truly appreciated.

Telling Your Story Beyond the Wedding Day

Your wedding is an incredible day, but your relationship is made up of so much more. Engagement photos capture the season of excitement & anticipation leading up to your wedding. I always recommend for my couples to select a location that holds personal meaning. Whether it’s the spot you got engaged, one of your favorite travel destinations or even in your home, engagement photo sessions are the best way to tell your love story and capture photos that reflect who you are as a couple right now. Years from now, you’ll look back and remember not just the wedding, but the journey that led you there.

A Chance to Celebrate Your Engagement

Whether you’re engaged for just a few months or over a year, this time always has a way of flying by so quickly. It’s so easy to get caught up in the stress of wedding planning and the constant growing checklist of things to get done. An engagement session is a chance to pause and celebrate this milestone together as a couple. You’ll likely look back and miss this time so much, so being in the moment is so important. 

Beautiful Images for Your Wedding Season

Engagement photos often find their way into wedding invitations, save-the-dates, guest books, and even reception decor. They’re also perfect for sharing with family and friends who are celebrating alongside you. Beyond the wedding, they become timeless keepsakes of your love story. 


Ultimately, an engagement session is more than just a photoshoot, it’s an experience that not only helps you prepare for your wedding day, but more importantly, will preserve this beautiful and fleeting season. If you’re interested in working together for an engagement sessions or your wedding day, I’d love to hear from you!


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