So You Got Engaged on Valentine’s Day… Now What?
First off, congratulations.
No fluff, no cringe, no “journey begins” nonsense. You just got engaged and that is genuinely massive. Whether it was a full surprise, a “we both knew it was coming,” or something chaotic and hilarious, this is one of those life moments you’ll never forget.
And while everyone immediately jumps to venues, guest lists, colour schemes and all the madness that follows, there’s something most couples completely overlook.
Actually celebrating the engagement itself.
Not the wedding. Not the planning. Just this moment right now where you’re newly engaged, still buzzing, still slightly in disbelief, still telling the story to everyone who asks.
That’s where an engagement shoot comes in.
Why Bother With an Engagement Shoot?
Short answer?
Because this is the only time in your life you’ll be newly engaged.
This weird, exciting, slightly surreal phase disappears quickly. One minute you’re showing off the ring, the next you’re knee deep in seating charts and arguing about whether you really need chair covers.
An engagement shoot freezes this exact chapter.
No pressure. No timelines. No wedding day chaos. Just the two of you, relaxed, having a laugh, actually enjoying being together.
And trust me, that matters more than people realise.
It’s Basically a Stress Free Practice Run
Most couples have never had professional photos taken.
Wedding day arrives and suddenly there’s a camera in your face while you’re already nervous, emotional and running on about three hours of sleep.
Engagement shoots remove all of that.
No guests watching. No schedule breathing down your neck. No “we’re running late” panic. Just a chilled session where you get comfortable being photographed without even thinking about it.
By the time your wedding rolls around, being in front of the camera feels completely normal instead of awkward.
That alone is worth it.
You Actually Get to Know Your Photographer
This is a big one.
Your photographer is with you more than almost anyone else on your wedding day. More than some guests. More than certain family members. More than the DJ at times.
Yet loads of couples don’t meet theirs properly until the morning of the wedding.
Engagement shoots fix that instantly.
You get to see how I work, how relaxed everything is, how little posing there actually is, and most importantly, realise you don’t need to worry about looking “good in photos.”
That’s my problem, not yours.
The Photos Are Genuinely Useful
This isn’t just a cute vanity thing.
Engagement photos end up everywhere:
Save the dates
Wedding websites
Invites
Guestbooks
Frames at the venue
Social media announcements
Parents showing literally everyone they know
Instead of dodgy selfies or cropped holiday pics, you’ve got proper, natural, professional images of you both looking like yourselves.
Win win.
It’s Also Just a Really Nice Experience
Honestly, couples massively underestimate this bit.
Engagement shoots feel more like a relaxed date than a photoshoot. We wander somewhere cool, have a chat, take some photos without anything feeling forced or staged.
No weird stiff posing. No awkwardness. No standing around wondering what to do with your hands.
Just normal human interaction.
Which is exactly how your wedding will be photographed too.
Here’s The Important Bit
I don’t offer free engagement shoots to absolutely everyone.
They’re reserved for couples who are genuinely in planning mode, not just casually curious.
To qualify, you need:
✔ A confirmed wedding date
✔ A booked venue
✔ A wedding within the next two years
✔ To be actively looking for your photographer
Why?
Because the shoot isn’t just free photos. It’s the start of working together. It’s building familiarity before the wedding. It’s setting the tone for how your day will be captured.
It only makes sense for couples who are serious about their plans.
If You Just Got Engaged… This Is The Perfect Time
You’re excited. You’re still riding the high. You haven’t yet been consumed by spreadsheets and logistics.
This is when you actually feel engaged.
Which is exactly the energy you want captured.
So if you’ve locked in your date, secured your venue and you’re starting to think about photography, this is your sign to stop overthinking it.
Let’s go take some photos and celebrate properly.
