Are you looking for Edmonton engagement photography?
You found me. I’m Katie and I am a local YEG wedding and engagement photographer. Engagement photography is some of my favourite times, I include engagement photos in all of my wedding day packages but you can contact me to book them a la carte. Generally, I do recommend you have your engagement photos taken by your wedding day photographer but if that isn’t logistically possible, I still recommend getting them done.
Let’s start right away and answer the question most likely on your mind right now. If I skip engagement photos, can I get a discount on my wedding package? I know this is frequently searched in Google, and I see it in bridal groups on Facebook all the time. I can completely understand where you are coming from, but here’s why most professional photographers don’t offer discounts if you choose to skip it.
Engagement photos are great for two main reasons. I go into more detail below, but in case you are a skimmer, it comes down to a few key points.
- Your wedding photos will likely be better when you had an engagement session first.
- Your engagement session gives you the chance to practice a few poses. And it helps you get more comfortable in front of the camera.
- I genuinely want you to have beautiful photos. There are so many places you can use them. A couple ideas are on your save the dates or in wedding decor.

I know you’re searching for “how not to look awkward in front of the camera” on your wedding day.
Although as your photographer, I am completely committed to making you laugh and feel relaxed, the easiest way to get over feeling awkward is a little bit of practice. When we have had an engagement session together, we have already gotten over those “first time” jitters. I always say that you should prepare to feel awkward when someone is pointing a camera at you. That’s likely not an everyday occurrence. But you shouldn’t worry too much about LOOKING awkward, because that’s part of my job (and kind of my specialty). I make jokes and surprise you throughout. I guide you through prompts that *hopefully* make you look more natural (even if you don’t feel that way!).

Engagement photos make for great posing practice
I love when couples aren’t afraid to have fun. Often times, my couples share their Pinterest board and it is filled with incredible pose ideas. Don’t worry if you don’t have a long list of shot ideas – I’ve got this. But most of the time, I know you have a list of the dreamy candid photos, the romantic wedding couple portraits, and fun family poses. Although we won’t try out EVERY pose you might want on your wedding day, sometimes poses are harder to execute (or look different) than what you imagine on Pinterest. An engagement photo session is a GREAT way to practice and get a better feel o what you and your fiancé really like/don’t like.

What do you do with engagement photos?
I hope it’s clear by now why I think engagement photos are SO important, but I also want you to use them. Great engagement photos don’t belong in a gallery never to be opened again. One of the most common ways I have seen them used is in Save the Date announcements. Very cute. Beautiful engagement photos and save the date invitations get your guests excited to celebrate you and your fiancé. The excitement begins the second they open the envelope.
I also love seeing when couples actually incorporate their engagement photos on their wedding day. Consider using them in your centrepieces or wedding decor as well – after all, they document a very special moment in time. I’ve also seen couples create an album for their engagement photos and use it as a guest book. What a fantastic way to involve your closest family and friends.

Are you ready to book your Edmonton engagement photos?
Let’s chat about when we can schedule them. In case you haven’t been following along on Instagram, I am actually fully booked for the fall, before baby Charlie arrives into the world early December 2020. I can’t believe I am 7 months pregnant already! Where does the time go? I am SO excited to start my journey as a new mom, and will be scheduling engagement photos and wedding packages starting in Spring 2021. It’s crazy how fast this year has flown. I am sure 2021 will feel the same!
PS: Are you nervous about planning your wedding? If you are getting married in 2021 or even 2022, you are going to want to book your vendors ASAP. I know this is a strange time in the wedding industry, so I wrote this blog post for you about the first vendors you need to hire after you get engaged. And of course, reach out if you want to chat and ask any questions. I love getting to know my couples even before the first photo session.
[…] couples feel so much more comfortable on their wedding day (I actually have a whole post about that here). Not only do I want to deliver you beautiful photos, but I also feel EXTREMELY passionate about […]
[…] You DO want to make sure you are hiring the right Edmonton wedding photographer for YOU, but I believe the best way to do that is often by having a conversation, asking questions, and ultimately trusting your instincts. Part of what makes a photographer right for you is their ability to connect and make you feel comfortable on your wedding day. That will come through on your wedding day, almost more than anything else. If you do need a little extra reassurance, don’t forget to book engagement photos! […]