Avery Island – why do I love it and why can it be a little challenging?
Over the years, I’ve done many engagement sessions at Avery Island as well as a few other types of sessions such as bridals or maternity. Avery Island is a beautiful property with endless options. Many people choose a location like Avery Island because of the possibility of flowers in bloom but it can be tricky. For one, things bloom at unusual times here in the south. Camellias, which they do have at Avery Island, bloom from December – April, but I’ve usually seen them in bloom around February / March. Azaleas bloom in the spring, so you’ll find those scattered around as well but other than those, there aren’t a lot of other blooms here. For Victoria and Matthew’s session, we found a Japanese magnolia that was beginning to bloom (it had beautiful flowers but no leaves LOL) So finding blooms is one of those things that I’ve found to be a little unpredictable. I wouldn’t book a session at Avery Island with the expectation of flowers!
Avery Island, does, however, have tons of gorgeous oak trees with canopies of limbs up high as well as dipping down to the ground. There are also some unique structures as well like the Buddist Temple, red Japanese-style arches, a stone bridge, and Bird City. The downside of Avery Island is that it’s very large. You have to drive through everywhere and it’s one big loop, so driving back to the gift shop to change clothes isn’t advisable. It takes up too much time. I have my clients change in the car, so if this isn’t something you want to do, I’d consider that when deciding on this location. It’s also a tough place for bridals because of this. Having to get a bride in and out of the car at each stop can be challenging! Despite those obstacles, though, Avery Island can be such a gorgeous backdrop for any type of session! One thing to keep in mind here (and almost any location) is that it can look vastly different depending on the season and the lighting. Check out some of the other Avery Island sessions I’ve done to see what I mean!
Victoria and Matthew’s engagement session at Avery Island was last Saturday on a very cold, windy, and overcast day. Sometimes, your calendar just doesn’t allow for easy reschedules, so we powered ahead through the cold! Victoria was such a trooper despite having a short dress and a sleeveless dress. This is when having the cars came in handy because we left the heaters going and were able to warm up in between stops!
I enjoyed getting to know these two a little bit throughout the afternoon we spent together. I learned that Matthew is a sugar cane farmer and that the two of them live in Centerville, just outside of Franklin. Their wedding will be in July (opposite weather from what we just experienced) in Morgan City at NicoBella and Sacred Heart. I’m so excited to meet their family and friends and to help them celebrate their big day!
