My husband and I were down in St. Augustine, Florida (before the Pandemic) for a wedding and Brandon and Christina were living in nearby Jacksonville. Brandon is the brother of a good friend of mine here in NJ. Due to Brandon’s military assignment, Christina and Brandon had a civil ceremony with a large wedding planned for later in the year. They hadn’t had a chance to capture this exciting time in their lives yet… so, when a set of circumstances comes together as perfectly as this, of course I’m packing my camera and we’re waking up at sunrise!

What we didn't know during this session is that Covid would postpone the big party plans, which makes this engagement session even more special! We were able to capture their engagement AND newlywed glow in the gorgeous beach town of St. Augustine.

Engagement session at St. Augustine Beach

Couple walking on St. Augustine Beach for engagement photos

couple holding hands on beach for engagement photos

couple kissing on beach for engagement photos

Future bride’s engagement ring, woman wearing longsleeved lace dress for sunrise beach session

I encourage every couple to book an engagement session. Although I could give you a ton of reasons, allow me to give you my top five!

5 reasons you should do an engagement session

Number 1 reason to have an engagement session:

To get familiar with your photographer! It doesn’t always feel natural to be in front of the camera. While I do my best to make everyone comfortable, your engagement session is the perfect opportunity to familiarize yourself with the process and relax into the experience. It also helps me understand what feels comfortable for you and gives me a peek into your personality (and you into mine too).

Number 2 reason to have an engagement session:

As I mentioned above, your photographer needs to get to know you! It’s important to me (and most other photographers) that we can really capture the essence of your relationship. This time together gives us a peek behind the curtain. Plus, we’re tablet o see where you “shine” on camera and helps us ensure we’re capturing your best angles (it’s okay to admit you have one).

Number 3 reason to have an engagement session:

Your engagement session is a perfect Save The Date card! Sending a photo of yourself as the save the date or with the save the date is a wonderful moment (plus, you can you use the pics on your wedding website)!

Number 4 reason to have an engagement session:

Your engagement session is a timeless portrait option that isn’t wedding photography. The way you feel after saying YES is so special and fleeting. You may not be able to bottle up that carefree and happy moment forever, but you can freeze it through your photos! And in Brandon and Christina's case, it truly captures a time in their life that only THEY experienced.