A Richmond, VA Engagement Session

I recently had the pleasure of photographing a beautiful engagement session with a lovely couple at two iconic Richmond, VA locations – the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) and Belle Isle! I loved this combo! Great mix of architecture and nature!


We started our session at the VMFA, and I just LOVE shooting photo sessions here! The museum's architecture and surrounding gardens make the perfect backdrop for any session, from families to couples. To make it even more special, Erin and Danny's sweet dog, Mosby, joined us for the first 15 minutes of the shoot! He was the perfect addition to their photos, and he just HAD to be there because he was part of the main show during Danny's proposal to Erin! I loved that he wore the same bandana he was wearing when Danny proposed, and we even got Mosby smiling in one of the shots! :) 

A couple poses together on a sunlit path wearing blue and white outfits in front of a beige building exterior.
Three photos of an engaged couple posing together outdoors near neoclassical architecture on a sunny day.
A couple shares a romantic moment together outdoors in front of a neutral-toned building and green lawn.
A couple in formal attire shares a romantic moment outdoors at their countryside wedding celebration.
A couple in casual dress poses for photos against a beige wall with their scruffy gray dog wearing a bandana.
A couple wearing blue and white poses with their English bulldog on a stone patio during a photo session.
A couple holds their small gray dog while posing together for outdoor portraits in both color and black and white.

The Proposal


Let me take a little intermission here and just tell you a bit about Erin and Danny's story and his proposal! Ahh! Danny proposed on a random Friday night at their home. He lined the sidewalk with rose petals and candles and printed their photos and first Bumble conversation and posted them on the door! He had their song playing inside with candles, balloons and flowers and was on his knee. Their dog, Mosby was sitting there waiting with a "mom said yes" bandana around his neck! How sweet is that! And he must have been confident that Erin would say yes haha! :)

A romantic couple embraces outdoors in front of a classic stone building with arched windows during a portrait session.
A loving couple embraces while sharing a tender moment outside an elegant white building.
Two people pose together against a white building exterior with potted plants and black awnings in an engagement session.
Wedding couple dances joyfully together outside a whitewashed building with French doors.
People stand outside an elegant historic mansion building with classical architecture and columns on a sunny day.
A couple shares a romantic moment together outside a white church in casual dressy attire during golden hour.
A romantic couple embraces outdoors on a sunny day with a beautiful white church building in the background.
A couple sharing a romantic moment outside a church in matching blue vest and floral dress outfits.

Part 2: Belle Isle


After getting some sweet shots at the VMFA, we headed over to Belle Isle for the second part of the session. Now, let me tell you – Richmond’s parking situation can be quite ridiculous, even on a Tuesday! After a bit of searching for a spot, we finally made the 15-minute trek across the footbridge to the rocks. The walk was totally worth it, though. Once we got to the water, we were treated to some incredible sunset light! We chased that golden glow until the very last minute, and I’m so glad we did. The photos of Erin and Danny on the rocks with the sunset and ducks behind them are my favorite images of the day!

Romantic couple posing outdoors at sunset by rustic bridge in both color and black and white views.
A couple shares intimate moments by a river on a winter afternoon with ducks swimming nearby in soft golden light.
A couple poses together for romantic photos on a rocky riverbank during a winter engagement session in natural light.
A couple stands close together on rocky terrain near a river with a bridge visible in the background during sunset.
A couple sits together on a rocky beach shoreline at sunset during an engagement photoshoot.
A couple shares joyful moments together sitting on rocky coastal shores during their photo session.
A couple sits together on coastal rocks at sunset sharing an intimate moment by the water.
A romantic couple wearing grey and white sweaters embrace on smooth granite rocks by the ocean.
Couple in casual attire sharing tender moments while sitting by a rocky riverbank in autumn scenery.

Can't forget the ring!


At this point, it was nearly dark, and we still needed to get photos of her gorgeous ring! Despite the fading light, the photos turned out beautifully thanks to an amazing camera with low-light capabilities and a macro lens!

Elegant solitaire diamond engagement ring in rose gold resting on soft white lace fabric with delicate details.
A sparkling round solitaire diamond engagement ring displayed against blurred green foliage background.

Next up: the WEDDING!


Overall, this engagement session was a perfect blend of great weather, stunning locations, and a wonderful couple! I’m so excited for them and can’t wait to photograph their wedding in the Fall! In September, I'll be photographing Erin and Danny's wedding at Wolosuk Farms in Sussex County, VA!



Interested in featuring these beautiful locations in YOUR next portrait session with me? Check out another session I've photographed here!