Last week I wrote a post about the top 3 wedding venues that I enjoyed working at this year. This week for Wedding Wednesday I’m writing about my top 3 engagement locations from this last year.
Choosing the perfect location for your engagement photos is an important decision. After all, these photos will be a lasting memory of this special time in your lives, and the location you choose will set the tone and mood for your photos.
There are a few things to consider when choosing an engagement photo location. First, think about the style and aesthetic you want for your photos. Do you want a rustic, natural setting or a more urban, edgy look? Do you want a formal, classic look or something more relaxed and laid-back? Your location should reflect your personal style and the overall feel you want for your photos.
Another important factor to consider is the logistics of the location. Is the location easily accessible? Is it private enough for the intimate shots you want to capture? Will the lighting be good at the time of day you plan to take your photos? These are all important questions to ask when choosing a location. These are questions that I can help answer, especially when it comes to the best time of day to shoot. In almost all circumstances, you’ll want to book within the last 2 hours of sunset. Sometimes we have to make exceptions because of a location’s hours, but that’s something to discuss as well.
One popular option for engagement photos is a location that holds special meaning to you as a couple. This could be the place where you had your first date, where you got engaged, or a spot that holds particular significance in your relationship. Choosing a location that holds personal significance can add a deeper meaning and emotion to your photos.
Another option is to choose a location that represents your interests or hobbies. For example, if you both love the outdoors, a beautiful park or natural setting might be a perfect choice.
No matter what location you choose, be sure to communicate your vision and preferences. I will be able to help you find the perfect spot and give you guidance on how to make the most of it. All of my couples receive a comprehensive guide that has tons of information on choosing a location and picking out outfits as well as some tips on how to prepare for your session.
And most importantly, don’t forget to have fun and be yourselves! The most important thing is to capture the love and joy you feel as you embark on this next chapter in your lives together. Your engagement session is an integral part of the wedding photography experience with me. This is the time that we will get to know one another and you’ll learn how to be comfortable in front of the camera. I’ll walk you through every step of the posing process so that on your wedding day, you guys will be pros!
Number one on my list of my favorite engagement locations (this year) is:
I’ve written plenty about this park over the last year, including why I love it so much, so just to sum it up – It has pretty much everything you could want. A lake, a beach, gorgeous trees, tons of moss, a bridge – it’s just a great, one-stop location for photos. Bonus points for being so close to us. Located only 30 minutes from Houma, Lake End Park is definitely a hidden gem!
Golden Ranch is also a pretty convenient location and also about 30 minutes outside of Houma. Located in Gheens, this beautifully kept property is private and quiet. There are some gorgeous trees, including a line of them leading up to the plantation as well as some gardens and rustic buildings. The area is fairly compact, so there isn’t much walking to do and this makes the session go by a little quicker because there is less downtime in between spots. Every time I go to this place, I just marvel at the beautiful lighting it gets – a perfect spot for engagement photos!
My 3rd choice is not actually a location I used for engagement photos over the last year and for some reason, isn’t chosen often for engagements but more often for bridals. While it’s a fantastic location for either, I really wish more couples would consider it.
3. Botanical Gardens in City Park
The grounds of the Botanical Garden are STUNNING. Beautifully, perfectly manicured gardens, well-kept and clean – this place has it all. It’s also very reasonably priced and on Wednesday, there is no admission fee (just the $75 photography permit fee). The only downside is that it closes at 4:30, but during the late fall and winter, this is actually perfect timing. Just look at the way the sunlight streams through the gardens – simply beautiful!
And in honorable mention – by no means inferior locations and all great options! I also have a more comprehensive list that I send out to my couples when they book their wedding with me. This list has ideas all over South Louisiana! You can also check out the “Engagement” link on my blog to see all of the locations I’ve photographed over the last few years.
- Windrush Gardens in Baton Rouge
- Fountainebleau State Park on the Nothshore
- Avery Island in New Iberia
And there are also a few locations that I’ve really wanted to photograph and have never had the chance to. Who’s up for trying something new with me?
- Longue Vue House and Gardens (I’ve photographed bridals and families here, never a couple!)
- Downtown Baton Rouge – my friend Mandy Friloux has been doing seniors around here and the photos are GORGEOUS!! Check out her work if you are looking for a senior photographer!
- Disney World – yep, I’m going to continue putting this out there until I check this one off of my bucket list!