However, I very much believe that your cherished engagement photos are not just meant to gather virtual likes and comments; they hold the power to create lasting memories and tell your unique love story in a variety of ways.
Let’s dive into the world of creativity and explore 10 ingenious uses for your engagement photos that will truly outlast any other wedding investment you’ll make!! Are you excited? Because I am!! But first, I have a quick story to share!!!
My new sparkling ring adorned my finger, and every thought of our upcoming wedding gave me butterflies. I had always been obsessed with documenting our journey, for it had been QUITE the story to document, and I wanted our love story to be remembered so I could truly pass it along to my children. Growing up I always adored sitting at my Grandma’s table, hearing my Grandma tell me how she met my Grandpa over cookies & cream ice cream, melting at how he had rescued her from being trampled on the ice rink. Love stories are truly something to be cherished and documented, and I was determined to do that for my own children.
A few months before our wedding, I somehow managed to convince Adam to allow my sister to capture a few engagement photos for us. Anyone who knows how much Adam detested photos knows what a feat that TRULY was! But he loved me, and we spent the time capturing a few photos for our save-the-dates!
We lived in the beautiful Fort Myers, Florida area but would you believe me if I told you that we took our engagement photos in front of the artistic side of Olive Garden?! Though we didn’t go viral, (like others who have done the same) those photos meant the world to me as we had zero good photos together!
I took those few photos and put them into an engagement album, sharing how Adam proposed to me and incorporating details about our love story up to that point. I then was able to use those photos for our invitations, decor, thank you notes, and more!!
Now, 10 years later, we find ourselves cuddling on the couch, surrounded by our four children, who eagerly listen to us share our love story. We open up our Engagement Album where I’ve documented the details, and take a sweet walk down memory lane.
Our little Kerri’s eyes grow huge and light up as we talk about our crushes on each other. She soaks in every detail because she’s just like I was at her age, wanting to hear all about our love story! She’s already a romantic like her mama. 😉
I’ve shared all of this to say that your engagement portraits are so very meaningful and there are many ways to incorporate them into your special day and into your everyday lives!!
Think about your future self and your future little selves who will love hearing your story, every little detail. Take the time to document, write down, and print out your memories. I’m here to assure you, they are worth your investment of time.
Most of my couples show up to their session nervous and unsure of taking photos. But let me reassure you, you’ll walk away with so many breathtaking images that the hard part is deciding what to do with your portraits!! Because they’re all your favorites! 🥰
I personally believe that your engagement photos represent your relationship on everyday bases far better than your wedding photos!! This is why a lot of our couples decorate their walls with these beautiful memories!! Transform your engagement photos into captivating wall art, whether it be through a canvas or frame! Displaying these photos is a great reminder of the love that binds you together every day. We personally offer professional canvases through our client’s galleries, but Groupon also has some amazing options and sales quite often!
Infuse your wedding invitations and save the dates with the essence of your love story by incorporating one or a few of your favorite engagement photos! Who doesn’t love receiving a beautiful portrait of their loved ones? For sure, it’s almost a thing of the past, but your friends and family will love having a printed photo to remember your upcoming wedding day! Many couples even add a magnet to the back of their photos, so their guests have a visual reminder on their refrigerator to RSVP. 😉 I know Minted, one of my favorite wedding invitation websites, offers this option! Smart and stunning!!
Curate your engagement photos into a beautiful heirloom album, a treasure trove of memories that will take you on a journey down memory lane even 10+ years down the road!! There are many different ways to go about this! You can either have your photographer professionally design a high-end album that’ll last literally forever, or you can download your favorite images and use either Mpix, Shutterfly, or even Walgreens to create a budget-friendly album! Whatever you decide to do, I know you’ll cherish them all the same!! I started out by using Shutterfly when we were first married, and now I create all of mine professionally. It’s a beautiful journey and there’s no wrong way to document these memories!!
Leave a lasting impression on your wedding guests by incorporating engagement photos into your wedding favors, table decor, or wedding guest book. There are so many sweet and sentimental ideas awaiting you and your DIY-loving self on Pinterest!! I personally love it when brides incorporate a photo on the back of their dad’s tie, in suit jackets, hanging bouquet charms, Boutonnière photo charms, a seating chart, or a heirloom guest book. We professional print engagement heirloom guest books for our clients, or you could easily make one in, or you can download your favorite images and can definitely use either Mpix, Shutterfly, or even Walgreens.
Create a heartwarming collage capturing the raw essence of your relationship. Each photo tells a unique story, a testament to your love and investment in your journey together. This would be especially beautiful if you included photos from the beginning of your relationship to where you are now! This is super modern and creates a stunning, meaningful statement wall in your home! You order your own prints, canvases, and frames through our client galleries, or once again you can find great sales at Mixtiles, Groupon, or even Ikea!!
Take a few moments to print some of your favorite engagement photos and send a quick letter to your grandparents including those prints. It’ll make their day, and bring a smile to their face daily! This helps them to feel included in your busy life, and feel treasured. My grandparent’s love has always inspired me, and I always want them to know how much I appreciate them! I personally always recommend printing through your gallery, or using Mpix because their quality is top-notch and their pricing extremely reasonable!
Show your appreciation with personalized thank-you cards featuring your sweet engagement photos. Your guests can relive the joyous moments of your engagement session, treasuring the love you share. Again, these photos often tend to be a bit less formal and bursting with your personalities, so the people you love will truly adore them. This is such a beautiful way to thank everyone for being such a special part of your lives and wedding day! I suggest Minted once again for thank you cards, but you can use Canva, Mpix, or even Shutterfly!
Transform your engagement photos into a guest book, documenting the love and support of your family and friends, a cherished possession for years to come. I have found two different wonderful ways of doing this!! The first is to create a book of your engagement portraits, each page having blank space for your guests to leave you a sweet note. Again, I recommend using your professional photographer, Mpix or Shutterfly. The other idea is to have a photo booth where your guests can take a photo together and leave a copy of the photo and a note in a fun, memorable album for you to enjoy after your wedding day! Both are so special and you’ll love having these notes and photos to look back on after your wedding celebration is over!
Bring your engagement photos to life through an emotional slideshow, captivating your wedding guests with heartfelt moments shared. Many couples choose to showcase this slideshow before their wedding in the rooms adjacent to where the ceremony is taking place, or having it play during their reception! Both options are fun and sweet!!
Personalize your wedding website or blog with romantic and sweet engagement photos, letting your guests feel the love and anticipation building up to your special day. These photos will pair perfectly with your wedding details and love story, and have your guests excited to explore your website!! You can create your own free wedding website at Minted or Wedding Wire!
So, go ahead and let your love shine through these creative ideas, making your engagement photos an unforgettable chapter in your love story!
Embrace the confidence that comes with preserving your love in heirloom-quality keepsakes, knowing that you’re making an investment in a legacy of love that will be treasured for generations to come.
Whether you want to adorn your home with timeless wall art, design personalized wedding invitations, or craft sentimental photo albums, I am here to guide you every step of the way.
Don’t let those breathtaking moments hide away on your computer and smartphone. Invest in your love story and let’s turn it into a tangible treasure that you and your future generations will cherish.
If you’re ready to embark on this fun, once-in-a-lifetime experience that inspires confidence and romance, book your engagement session with me today!
I'm a Tampa wedding photographer, married to my best friend for 10 years, home-schooling mama, entrepreneur and devoted to inspiring confidence in YOU!!