Guest Blogger- Allison Williams: You'll Want Engagement Photos, Here's Why.

Our guest blogger today is Richmond, VA natural light photographer, Allison M. Williams.

You're freshly engaged! Congratulations! So, what now? What type of wedding do you want? Have you set a date? Have you started looking for the perfect dress? So many questions!! First, slow down and take some time with your fiancé to dream a little and enjoy the new reality -- that soon you will be embarking on an exciting new adventure, together.

Now is the perfect time to have some engagement portraits done. There's nothing sweeter than fresh, new, exhilarating love. Pick your favorite spot -- that has special meaning to you as a couple. Perhaps the place you went on your first date, where he asked you to be his wife or a special place you've been meaning to visit together. It'll be something fun to do together before the wedding planning goes into full gear -- and there are many ways to use the photos throughout your personal 'wedding season.'

Save the date cards! If you plan on sending them, it's nice to showcase yourselves on your cards. It adds a personal touch and gives a warm, fuzzy feeling to the recipient -- making them all that much more excited to help you celebrate your wedding day!

Newspaper announcement! If you choose to include a couples picture in the paper, you'll have many favorites to choose from!

Framed gifts for the parents! Either at the time of the wedding, or a special occasion or holiday before your wedding, your parents and future in-laws would love to have prints to commemorate this time in your lives!

The program! Some couples choose to incorporate their photos into the cover of their program or a small image on the back if they offer a thank you to their wedding vendors, attendants and guests for helping make their special day so special!

Reception slide show or framed and featured in the reception hall! Some reception venues have a large screen or television and you could choose to incorporate your engagement photos (and also photos from childhood, if you like) and create a slideshow to play through all or part of your reception. Another option would be to frame and display the photos on a banquet table or as part of the centerpiece decor at your guest's tables.

Matted and framed 'guest book' alternative! Many couples are choosing a favorite engagement photo and making it the center of their 'guest book.' At the reception an oversized matte is in lieu of a guest book and guests can sign and leave well wished for the newlyweds all around the picture! It is then a great piece to put in your home!

Wedding favors! Some brides get creative with their favors! Sometimes small framed prints are given -- and sometimes wrappers with the bride and grooms face are made and wrapped around chocolate bars! The options are boundless!

Thank you cards! Often, brides want to include an actual wedding picture in their thank you notes, but sometimes they finish their cards before they get their wedding day images back from the photographer. Simply planning to use the engagement session photos can be helpful.

And, don't forget to display them in your home together!! Having your engagement session photos on the wall and on tabletops is a nice reminder of that magical, blissful time right after getting engaged -- the carefree time spent dreaming about your future together.

Allison Williams is a wife, mother and natural light photographer in Richmond, Virginia.