Engagement Session vs. Rehearsal Coverage: Which One Is Right for You?
Engagement Session vs. Rehearsal Coverage: Which One Is Right for You?
When it comes to capturing your wedding story in the most meaningful way, I believe in giving you options that fit your personality and vision. That’s why my full-coverage wedding package includes either an engagement session or rehearsal coverage—so you can choose what matters most to you.
As a cinematic wedding photographer who blends documentary style with a touch of editorial, I want your photos to feel natural, immersive, and deeply personal. Whether you’re looking to get comfortable in front of the camera before the big day or prefer to soak in the final moments leading up to your vows, both options serve a unique purpose.
So, which one is right for you? Let’s dive in.
The Case for an Engagement Session: Practice Makes Perfect
One of the biggest perks of an engagement session is the chance to “have the practice.” Even if you and your partner are naturally photogenic, taking the time to work together before your wedding day makes a difference.
Think of it as a dress rehearsal for your portraits. You’ll get comfortable moving in front of the camera, understand my approach, and see firsthand how small movements—like a shift in posture or a relaxed breath—can elevate your images. Most importantly, you’ll see that there’s no pressure to “perform.” My job is to document the real, unscripted moments between you two and guide you into feeling at ease.
And let’s be honest—engagement sessions are just fun. They allow you to step away from wedding planning, get dressed up (or stay casual!), and document this fleeting season of your relationship. Plus, you’ll have beautiful, professional photos to use for save-the-dates, wedding websites, or even just to hang in your home.
The Case for Rehearsal Coverage: A Cinematic Prelude to Your Wedding Day
If an engagement session isn’t your style and you’d rather “live in the moment” without setting aside time for a pre-wedding shoot, rehearsal coverage is the perfect alternative.
Rehearsal coverage is about capturing the people who matter most—the VIPs of your wedding day. It’s a time when emotions are high, nerves are settling, and anticipation is building. Parents, siblings, and your closest friends are all in one place, sharing heartfelt toasts and laughter before the whirlwind of the wedding day begins. These moments deserve to be documented, too.
There’s also a practical benefit: it gives your VIPs a chance to meet me before the big day. Weddings move fast, and the more comfortable your inner circle is with your photographer, the more natural and effortless your photos will feel. When your family and bridal party already know me from the night before, they’re more relaxed when I’m capturing them on the wedding day itself.
Which One Is Right for You?
The beauty of this choice is that there’s no wrong answer. If you want to ease into being photographed and have timeless images of you and your partner outside of the wedding day, an engagement session is the way to go. If you’d rather soak in the pre-wedding excitement and document the connection between your closest loved ones, rehearsal coverage is an incredible opportunity.
And for those who want both—because why not?—we can always add on the extra coverage to ensure your entire wedding journey is beautifully documented.
No matter what you choose, my goal remains the same: to create images that feel honest, cinematic, and deeply personal to your story.Maria DeForrest
Photographer serving Delaware Beaches, the Eastern Shore, and beyond
www.MariaDeForrest.com
maria@deforrestphotography.com
Instagram: @MariaDeForrest
