Friday Bride Day Launch- Do we really need an engagement session?

So it's Friday... You know what that means, well not yet, but you will! Friday Bride Day is going to be a feature every Friday on my blog featuring a question from a bride! If you have any questions about wedding photography, weddings in general, or cute, small animals... email them to diana@styledpink.com. Now onto the question for today: Do we really need an engagement session?

Yes! Let me give you three reasons why.

1- It helps us get to know each other. Usually I meet all my brides and grooms for a consultation before they book with me. Well, that consultation may be an entire year before your wedding. That's a whole lotta time! I want you to feel comfortable with me on your wedding day, and an engagement session helps us get comfortable with each other.

2- An engagement session helps you to get comfortable in front of the camera. Some people freeze when they are in front of the camera (myself included). They start wondering "What should I do with my hands?" "Should I smile?" I will guide you through all of these questions as I help you pose naturally and comfortably- that way on your wedding day, you've already had a taste of it.

3- Lastly, engagement sessions are a great way to capture the two of you for some wonderful artwork- whether it be for your walls or your Save the Dates! It's great to have options besides just the shots of you on your wedding day. I love having canvases of my husband and I in our casual clothes from our engagement shoot in addition to our wedding shots.

I hope you enjoyed this first edition of Friday Bride Day!

Smithville Mansion Wedding: Jessica & Tom

Well... not quite a wedding- more of an anniversary shoot. Jessica and Tom were married five years ago. They decided to commemorate their perfect day by putting on the clothes that they wore that day (props to all gals who can fit into their dress five years and one kid later!) and heading out for a photo shoot. Did I mention who did Jessica's hair and makeup? The wonderful Kate Spencer provided the romantic updo, and Paula Miller with the flawless makeup. I'm pretty sure that these two practiced their poses and faces before they came- they seriously brought it on. Models! I had such a great time celebrating five wonderful years with them. You two are amazing! <3

Bogey's Club and Cafe Wedding: Everest & Allison

They were married on a warm June day. Every handmade detail was placed perfectly, the girls were looking gorgeous in their pale pink dresses, and the guys ready to go in their suspenders. I can't imagine how long Allison, the stunning bride, and her bridesmaids worked on every DIY detail of her rustic/romantic wedding. The ceremony set the tone of the wedding- there wasn't a dry eye in the room by the time the first kiss came. After Everest and Allison became husband and wife, we took the bridal party to a beautiful white barn Allison had found where we had some fun! Finally, we headed to Bogey's Club and Cafe in Sewell, New Jersey for the white tent reception. Everest and Allison's wedding was absolutely perfect! Enjoy!

South Jersey Wedding Photographer: Heather's Bridal Shoot

Heather was married last year and had a picture perfect wedding. After all, she helps brides everyday plan their perfect weddings. She is a wedding coordinator at the Collingswood Grand Ballroom. When I put out the call for models- she was ready and boy did she meet the challenge. With gorgeous hair by Kate Spencer and makeup by Paula Miller- we were set to shoot. Heather- you are absolutely beautiful inside and out... did I mention you have clearly mastered "smizing?"

Hair- Kate Spencer Hairstyling Makeup- Paula Miller Makeup

Moorestown Community House Wedding: Paul & Danielle

It was a gorgeous Sunday morning, as Danielle was getting ready for the best day of her life. She was calm and laughter was flowing while she prepared with her two sisters (her bridesmaids). They picked up their bouquets and were off to Marlton Assembly of God for the intimate wedding ceremony. Once married, the bride and groom left the church in a Rolls Royce, while their closest family and friends blew bubbles to send them off. The party took place at the Moorestown Community House in Moorestown, New Jersey as guests danced the night away.