To some, engagement photos can feel like extra. Couples wonder, “Why even bother with engagement photos?”

“Do we even need another day to get all done up to smile in front of a clicking camera?”

Well, when you think of it as a dress rehearsal for the real thing, the engagement pre-shoot shifts into being necessary – and here’s why:

On your wedding day, photos are live. There isn’t a take two, reshoot, or do-over. Since everyone wants to look relaxed on camera the day-of, the odds of you feeling and looking that way go way up when you’ve already done it. An engagement shoot allows you to get comfortable in front of the lens with each other and with yourself. We get to iron out the awkward kinks and weird poses that tend to come up, so when the wedding arrives you’re both complete naturals.

When we head out for the day to shoot engagement photos, we build amazing rapport! I can’t tell you how the intangible energy between us makes your wedding day that much more fun – lively and easy. We find out what works, what doesn’t, what you’re comfortable with, and what might actually surprise us. Taking all of that into the day, while already being familiar around each other, totally pays off.

How often do you look this gorgeous and get professional photos taken? This is the time for it! This season is so exciting and the happiness so palpable that capitalizing on it with unbelievable photos you’ll have for the rest of your life is so hard to pass up. You can even incorporate them into your day. One of my favorite things I’ve seen a couple do is make an album out of their engagement session to use as a guestbook at their wedding!

P.S. Ready to start planning your engagement photos? Check out the best Santa Barbara engagement photo locations here.