if you’re here, you might be asking yourself, “do we really need an engagement session?” and my answer is absolutely yes! engagement sessions are more than just an excuse to take amazing photos. they’re a chance for you to get to know your photographer, get comfortable in front of the camera, and to share some laughs, and make new memories! 

i am julie, and i’m an award winning seattle wedding photographer, and these are some reasons why i recommend booking an engagement session!

having an engagement session will help you break the ice

wedding days are beautiful, but they’re also packed full of emotions, events, and timelines. it can be hard to relax when there are so many moving pieces. but an engagement session? that’s your time to breathe, enjoy the moment, and have some fun! there’s no tight schedule to follow, no crowd watching, and you get to just be yourselves with no pressure. just the three of us having fun and exploring some epic spots together! you’ll get a feel for what it’s like to be photographed and how your photographer works.

you don’t need to be a model!

so many couples tell me, “we’re so awkward in photos” or “we don’t know what to do with our hands!” and trust me, i get it. but that’s where i come in! as a photographer, it’s my job to make sure you feel comfortable, not awkward, and to guide you every step of the way. i promise you’re not going to be standing there stiffly with no idea what’s happening. 

instead, i’ll give you prompts, ask fun questions (like about your first date or the silliest thing you’ve ever done together), and maybe even get you to whisper some goofy stuff like “bananas” in each other’s ear. you’ll be laughing, smiling, and feeling totally at ease—guaranteed. who knows, maybe you’ll leave with a new inside joke

you’ll walk away wondering why you ever felt nervous in the first place. you may even forget you’re being photographed!

getting to capture your personalities

the best part of an engagement session? getting to know you and telling your story. are you laid back and playful? maybe you're serious and artsy? i’ll get to learn all those little quirks, and you’ll get used to me giving you direction, like what to do with your hands, or even spinning in a circle when the moment calls for it. all of this sets us up for success on your wedding day because we’ve already built that rapport, and i’ve learned the best ways to capture the essence of who you are as a couple.

photos you'll actually want to print 

another bonus? you'll walk away with beautiful photos that are perfect for save-the-dates, wedding websites, wedding decor, or just to post on your instagram! 

the a la carte seattle engagement session experience

if you're excited to capture some epic memories and feel more confident before your big day, let's do this thing! 

every couple is unique, so i offer engagement sessions to fit your vibe. whether you want a quick mini session at kubota garden in seattle, a full hour in the city at a location of your choice, or an amazing half-day adventure in western washington, we can make it happen. the goal is to create an experience that feels right for you. no matter which option you choose, you’ll walk away feeling confident, comfortable, and with some incredible images to show off and cherish.

reach out to me here, and let’s get started!