One of you popped the question, the other said, “YES!” and now you’re counting down to your big day. But before you get wrapped up in the planning, take some time to enjoy the sweet phase of engaged life. It goes by in the blink of an eye. While it’s natural to look forward to the day when you can tie the knot, don’t rush by this special part of your love story. Don’t forget to book your Austin engagement session! No matter your style, whatever your personality – whether you’re planning a big wedding bash or a quiet elopement – I encourage every couple to begin their journey into marriage with a professional engagement session. Here’s why:

5 Reasons You Should Do a Professional Engagement Session

It Marks the Beginning of Your Story Together

This is a huge milestone! And one that that doesn’t come around twice. Sure, you can take yearly couple’s photos, but engagement photos are a one-time opportunity. This momentous occasion needs to be documented! And hopefully not just by a friend with an iPhone camera.

Whether your story begins early or later in life, one day, you’ll look back on these photos and laugh about these days and reminisce about how much your love has grown and changed since then. You’ll be glad you made an engagement session priority – your love story deserves pictures to go with it!

A High-Quality Camera Does Not Equal Professional Photos

A fancy pen does not make a great writer. Similarly, anyone can go out and buy a top-notch camera, but that does not equate to professional photography. True professionals go to great lengths to perfect their craft, putting in many hours of practice, educational classes and seminars, and endless photography sessions. A good photographer refines her style while simultaneously trying new angles and new techniques.

A professional photographer does more than take pretty pictures. She knows when to snap the photo before the moment has passed. And she instinctively knows how to make you look great naturally with minimal editing needed. One mark of a skilled and experienced professional photographer is the ability to find great light in just about any scenario (even venues without windows or dark chapels).

In addition, your professional photographer should know how to maximize your time together while switching between outfits and locations. She’ll help you feel confident in front of the camera, guiding you through poses while also letting you be you. It’s a finely crafted balance, and one I’ve personally strived to perfect in order to give couples the very best images. I’m here to make your experience and your photos extraordinary!

You Can Use Your Engagement Photos for Everything.

These are probably some of your first (great) photos together. Instead of using selfies or old phone pictures, showcase professional photos of the two of you. After your Austin engagement session, you can use your photos for:

• Save the Dates
• Holiday Cards
• Wedding Website
• Social Media
• Invitations & Wedding Displays
• Wall Art – Make your place feel like home with beautiful pictures of the two of you (inquire about our wall art options & see some examples in this blog post).
• Photo Albums – Showcase your story from start to finish: engagement to honeymoon…and beyond. Watch your journey unfold, starting with the moment it all began. And we even make custom guest books for your wedding day from your engagement session photos!

Your Engagement Session Serves as a Practice Run (for You and the Photographer).

If you’ve never taken professional photos together before, it can take a few shots before you find your modeling groove. Sneaking in a kiss at home is different than in front of a focused camera lens (although I have ways to make it less awkward and more fun). You’ll get to know your photographer, and you can get a better idea of the style and types of photos you want for the bridal portraits and your wedding day.

Professional photos are much more than snapping a few photos. While I do have a distinct style as a photographer, it’s also my goal to balance my style with yours to help you capture photos that authentically portray you as a unique couple. Each one of my engagement sessions and wedding goes a little differently because every couple is different.

Make Special Memories During Your Engagement Session.

Engagement photos are anything but boring! Tell me where you want to go. Make it an adventure or a special date. We can do an at-home lifestyle shoot for a cozy, intimate feel; we could hit a few of your favorite spots downtown; or we can hike the trails and take in the sunset by Lady Bird Lake for a more outdoorsy vibe. The location should be special to you. If you aren’t quite sure, there are plenty of romantic spots around Austin I can introduce you to. Let’s brainstorm together!

An engagement session isn’t just another thing to cross off your pre-wedding to-do list. It’s is an experience you should enjoy together. As a bonus, make an evening of it with dinner plans after!

Plan Your Austin Engagement Session with Cory Ryan Photography

Hi! I’m Cory, and Austin wedding, event, and family photographer who specializes in vibrant, emotive, and true-to-color photography. I come for the couples and stay for the heart melting stories with camera in hand. I cherish the ability to serve couples and families in the Greater Austin area, and I would love to help document your incredible story, too. I love all things wedding, and you can count on me for resources, insight, and troubleshooting on your big day. Every wedding is as unique as the couple tying the knot, and it’s my mission to capture the truest form of you so you have fond memories to look back on, as vibrant as the day it happened.

For inspiration, check out a few of my past engagement sessions. You’ll see a bit of everything, so don’t hesitate to share your vision with me – I’d love to make it happen! Connect with me HERE for more info.