January 29, 2026
As a wedding photographer who focuses on building connection with the couples I photograph, I highly recommend doing your engagement session with the photographer who will be at your wedding! There are three main reasons I say this:
- Build a stronger connection and get comfortable with your photographer
- Have engagement photos that match your aesthetic for your day
- You can make it a cute date day together
Photos are from an engagement session in Central Park in New York City. This couple wanted a romantic, candid stroll through the park vibe for their photos. We started at the Bethesda Terrace and then ventured to other parts of the park!
Build a Stronger Connection and Get Comfortable with your Photographer
If we are honest, a lot of people have never gotten their photos taken as a couple and it’s not something that is natural to everyone. Having someone you are comfortable with is one of the most important things that can help you feel relaxed and cozy in front of the camera. This is why you should have a dedicated time to meet your photographer in person and be in front of their camera. You and your partner can create an expectation of how your photographer documents your love, what it looks like to have your photos taken, and also see what you like during the process.
Your photographer will also learn a lot about you and ways to photograph you best so that come wedding day, they are prepared and don’t make you uncomfortable in any way. Trust me, the more familiar faces you see, the more relaxed and comfortable you will feel in moments like getting ready and couple portraits. You can chat wedding things, bond a little bit, and hopefully become good friends!
These photos were taken on a cloudy summer day just before sunset. So many tender moments shared, I wish I could share them all.
Have Photos that Match your Aesthetic
When you are planning your wedding, you put an extraordinary amount of thought into the littlest of details so that everything looks how you’ve imagined it for the last year or two. My stance is that this vision is not limited to just wedding day. Your engagement photos are part of your celebration and should also match the vision you have. It’s also important if you are planning on using these photos for your wedding website, guest book, etc. Your engagement photos should seamlessly match the style of your wedding and the best way to do that is to hire the same person for both!
I offer complimentary engagement sessions for every couple that books me for their wedding day. I’ve found this takes some stress off of you while planning, you just need to schedule, no need to do more research and try and find another photographer who’s style you like.
The Bethesda Terrace is an iconic structure with beautiful architecture. There are endless ways to create here, I cannot wait to go back!
You Can Make it a Cute Date Day
How you feel going into your photos does affect how you look in your photos. If you are uncomfortable, upset, not feeling yourself, it shows in subtle ways in photos. If you want to get the most out of your session, make it a date day! Get a coffee in the morning together, have an intentional time getting ready, then enjoy the time dedicated to just you two during your session. Afterwards, go get dinner, drinks, or just do something you enjoy together. It’s not everyday you have time carved out just for you, take advantage of it! I believe the happier you are going into your photos, the more open minded and fun you’ll have being photographed.
Your photos can also be part of your date! Incorporate an activity into your session to not only spend time together in a meaningful way but also add depth and uniqueness to your session. This can look like going for a slice at your favorite pizzeria, grabbing a glass of wine at your favorite bar, or even just grab coffee and play a game together. The options are endless!
I hope this helps you with a small piece of wedding planning and also enjoying your engagement!
xoxo Yajaira Perez Photography
