Your engagement session can capture your love story in a romantic and memorable way, especially if you choose a location and unique elements that are special to you as a couple. As a wedding photographer in Lafayette, Louisiana, I’ve gathered some tips and tricks to help you plan an engagement session that’s not only beautiful but deeply meaningful. The images in this post feature Hannah and Andrew’s Rosedown Plantation Engagement Session.
With a little guidance from a photographer who understands your vision, you can create memories that truly capture what it feels like to be young and in love.
Choose a Meaningful Location for Your Engagement Session – Featuring – Images from Rosedown Plantation Engagement Session
My number one tip for setting the scene for a romantic engagement session is choosing a location (or two!) that holds sentimental value or captures the vibe you want to portray. When looking for an engagement photo location, you can think beyond just historic landmarks—consider places that are personally meaningful to you. Think about where you first met or had your first date, or even a family property that is special to you.
Hannah and Andrew wanted an authentic feel for their engagement photos, so they chose to start with a backyard session that would focus on their connection and reflect the playfulness and chemistry that they share as a young couple (just look at this beautiful session we did before they were engaged!). They also wanted to capture a few more traditional engagement photos with some Louisiana character that would showcase their relationship without feeling too formal.
One of my favorite portrait locations in Louisiana is Rosedown Plantation in Saint Francisville (you can read all of the reasons why I love this location here). Hannah and Andrew loved its grand oak trees, timeless Southern charm, and fairytale feel, so it was the perfect location to capture the second half of their classic and romantic engagement session.
Incorporate Personal Elements to Tell Your Story
Adding personal elements to your engagement session helps tell your unique love story. By incorporating meaningful items, props, or even pets, you’ll capture your inside jokes and special memories in a way you’ll never forget.
Vintage Vehicles
Including a vintage car, motorcycle, or even bicycles in your engagement session adds character and nostalgia. For example, Hannah and Andrew used a vintage truck from a family friend, creating a playful, timeless vibe that perfectly complemented their session. If you have access to a boat or canoe and love the water, this can also be a romantic option!
Pets in Engagement Photos
Bringing your pets along is another way to add a personal touch to your engagement session. Whether it’s a dog, cat, horse, or any other furry friend, pets can lighten the mood and allow for playful, candid moments. Plus, they’re part of your family, so why not include them in such a special occasion?
Props & Heirlooms
Incorporating heirloom items or personal belongings (like a family quilt, piece of jewelry, or a vintage suitcase) adds depth and meaning to your engagement session. These props connect your present-day lives with your family’s history, telling a multi-generational story in your engagement photos.
Love Letters or Photos
For couples who cherish meaningful words, bring along some love letters you’ve written to each other. Re-reading those notes can create such sweet, intimate moments! You could also look through a photo album full of mementos from your relationship—you’ll be surprised how sentimental it can be to relive those memories, and your photos will reflect that!
By thoughtfully incorporating personal elements, your engagement session will feel uniquely yours, showcasing the love and connection you share in a deeply meaningful way.
Choose the Right Time of Day for Romantic Lighting
Lighting plays a key role in capturing the romantic feel of your engagement session. For soft, warm light that gives your photos a magical, dreamy quality, consider scheduling your session during golden hour—the hour before sunset. This time of day casts a beautiful glow that creates a timeless, romantic atmosphere, perfect for an elegant location like Rosedown Plantation.
For couples who prefer quieter, more intimate moments, sunrise sessions are another great option. The soft morning light creates a serene, peaceful vibe, allowing for candid photos that highlight your connection.
Wear Outfits That Complement the Setting – Images from Rosedown Plantation Engagement Session
Your outfits should reflect not only your personal style but also the aesthetic of your chosen location. For an elegant and timeless setting like Rosedown Plantation, soft, flowing fabrics and neutral tones will enhance the romantic atmosphere of your engagement session.
When deciding what to wear, choose outfits that coordinate but don’t match exactly, allowing you both to feel confident and comfortable. Hannah and Andrew opted for relaxed, comfortable clothing for their backyard engagement session, followed by more formal attire for their Rosedown Plantation session, striking the perfect balance between casual and classic.
Embrace Natural Poses for Authentic Moments
Candid moments where couples are truly connecting—laughing, holding hands, or sharing a quiet moment—are often the most powerful images. When planning your engagement session, focus on the natural connection between you and your partner. As your photographer, I’ll guide you gently through poses while keeping things relaxed and authentic (you can also read all my tips for candid, authentic photos here).
For Hannah and Andrew, their photos reflected their playful, young love by focusing on moments of genuine laughter and affection. By trusting your photographer to capture those spontaneous moments, you’ll end up with images that feel authentic and timeless.
Add a Touch of Magic with Accessories or Scenery
Small details can make a big impact on your engagement photos. Consider adding accessories like a bouquet of flowers, a bottle of champagne for a celebratory toast, or a cozy blanket for a picnic. These thoughtful touches add personality and create beautiful photo opportunities.
The scenery at Rosedown Plantation, with its grand oak trees and historic architecture, naturally enhances the romantic atmosphere of any portrait session. Incorporating these elements into your engagement photos can help create a sense of timelessness and beauty.
Trust Your Photographer & Enjoy the Moment
The key to a romantic engagement session is relaxing and enjoying the experience. When you trust your photographer to capture the magic, the photos will reflect your love in the most beautiful way possible. One of my priorities as a photographer is creating a calming, fun-filled experience for every couple, ensuring that you feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera.
Planning a romantic and meaningful engagement session doesn’t have to be stressful. Hannah and Andrew’s session was a perfect example of how relaxing and trusting the process allows for the most genuine and romantic moments. Letting go of any pressure and simply enjoying your time together will result in authentic images that highlight you. I can help you choose a meaningful location, incorporate personal elements, and embrace natural moments to create a session that truly reflects your love story.
Whether you’re dreaming of an engagement session at Rosedown Plantation or a more casual setting, I’m here to capture your unique relationship with elegant, timeless imagery. Ready to start planning your engagement photos? Contact me today to book your session.
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