Richmond, Virginia, is home to some of the most picturesque wedding venues, offering stunning backdrops for timeless photography. Whether you're envisioning an elegant ballroom, a historic estate, or a scenic outdoor setting, Richmond has a venue to suit every couple’s dream. Here are some of the best venues that promise breathtaking wedding photos.
The Historic Mankin MansionThis elegant estate blends vintage charm with modern luxury, featuring beautifully landscaped gardens, brick pathways, and a romantic courtyard. Whether capturing first-look moments under the oak trees or golden-hour portraits in front of the mansion, every photo here is filled with sophistication.
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA)For couples who love art and architecture, the VMFA offers a unique and stylish setting. The modern glass structures contrast beautifully with lush gardens, providing a variety of photo-worthy backdrops. The museum’s grand staircase and reflecting pool make for especially dramatic images.
The Mill at Fine CreekA favorite among photographers, this historic mill offers rustic beauty with its stone ruins, rolling creek, and enchanting gardens. The natural scenery is perfect for dreamy, romantic portraits, and the soft lighting at dusk makes every image glow.
The Jefferson HotelIf you want classic grandeur, The Jefferson Hotel is the ultimate choice. The grand staircase, opulent chandeliers, and marble columns provide a luxurious atmosphere that results in timeless and elegant wedding photos.
Maymont EstateWith its sprawling gardens, waterfalls, and stunning Italian and Japanese landscapes, Maymont is a dream venue for outdoor wedding photography. From sunlit meadows to charming gazebos, every corner of the estate offers a picture-perfect scene.
Choosing the right venue plays a huge role in capturing the magic of your wedding day. Richmond’s variety of stunning locations ensures your wedding photos will be as unforgettable as your love story.

Engagement Photos 101: What to Wear & How to PrepareYour engagement photos are a beautiful way to celebrate this exciting chapter of your love story. Not only do they capture your personalities and connection, but they also help you get comfortable in front of the camera before your wedding day. To ensure your session is picture-perfect, here’s what to wear and how to prepare.
What to Wear for Engagement Photos

1. Coordinate, Don’t Match – Choose outfits that complement each other without being identical. Stick to a cohesive color palette that suits the location and season.
2. Neutral & Soft Tones Work Best – Earthy tones, pastels, and classic neutrals photograph beautifully. Avoid overly bright colors or busy patterns that can be distracting.
3. Dress Comfortably & Confidently – Wear clothes that make you feel amazing and reflect your personal style. Avoid anything too tight or too loose, as proper fit is key.
4. Layer Up for Variety – Adding a jacket, scarf, or hat can create different looks without a full outfit change.
5. Avoid Large Logos & Graphics – Keep the focus on you and your love story, not brand names or distracting elements.

How to Prepare for Your Engagement Session

1. Pick the Right Location – Choose a meaningful spot, whether it’s where you first met, a scenic outdoor space, or a cozy urban backdrop.
2. Time it Right – Golden hour (just before sunset) offers the most flattering light for dreamy, romantic photos.
3. Pamper Yourself – Get your hair and makeup done if possible. Fresh nails and a little grooming can make a difference.
4. Bring Personal Touches – A cozy blanket, champagne, or even your pet can add a fun and unique element to your session.

Ready to capture your love story? Let’s schedule your engagement session today!

Event though it was cold and cloudy we managed to get some great engagement photos of Brandy and Chris at their vineyards in Halifax County, Virginia last weekend. 
I am super excited to get to photograph this couples wedding day this coming fall! 

Sue and Nat ~ Engaged! I first met Sue years ago when I interviewed her for an article I was writing for the newspaper I was working for. I am so happy for her and Nat and can not wait to photograph their wedding this month!

Sue and Nat choose to have their engagement session done at Wilck's Lake in Farmville, VA ~ the place of their first date. They brought wine with them to this shoot and we recreated their first date in photos!

All three of us were freezing the day we took these photos, yet Caley and Mark rocked their engagement session like pros! Theses two are the sweetest and I am looking forward to their wedding day this fall!

I loved that Caley and Mark were open to taking their photos in a field by this old rustic barn!

If you are engaged and your photographer suggests doing an engagement session, by all means DO IT!
doing an engagement session is a great way for you and the photographer to get to know each other and work on a variety of poses.

This also helps you feel more relaxed the day of the wedding as you already know what to expect.

You’re Engaged! Congratulations! Now is the time to start planning your wedding and that also means it is time to choose your wedding photographer and schedule an engagement photo session.

Today, most wedding photographers offer free engagement sessions if they are photographing your wedding. If that is the case with your photographer you will want to be sure and be prepared for your session.


Here’s a few tips we share with our couples:

Newly engaged couples choose to capture the occasion in photos that they can cherish. Often, one of these photos is used as an announcement to family and friends and might even be published in the newspaper.

Engagement photos may be part of a package negotiated with the photographer who will be covering the wedding day.

When shopping around for a photographer, there are certain things couples should keep in mind. The first and most important is selecting a photographer you can relate to. If you don’t feel a connection with the photographer, he or she will have trouble coaxing the shots that will produce the best results. He or she should also be a professional and have some experience working with posing couples. This way the photos don’t look stiff or contrived. Here are some other tips that can lead to great photos.

* Find a photographer who fits your style. If you’re a quirky couple, go with a quirky photographer. If you’re reserved and a follow-the-book type of couple, then select a more traditional photographer. Some photographers out there forget that this is your moment and want to impart their idea of what you want.  My advice: Stay away from these photographers because in the end you will not get what you really want!  I believe when a couple chooses a photographer they should get the type of images THEY are looking for. After all, who’s paying the bill?

* Select one who is open to different shoot locations and brainstorming. Some of the best photos occur in natural settings, where things aren’t entirely planned. If a photographer simply works out of a studio, you may want to select one who has more free rein with different locales.

* Choose your location wisely. Certain locations will stand out in your minds because they are visually stunning or are special places where you have spent moments as a couple. By choosing a place that offers a personal connection, there’s a good chance you’ll appreciate the photos in the long run. Also, be open to the fact that unplanned stops may offer a great background for the image. Be open to the unexpected.

* Try random poses and some candid shots. Although you might have a vision of the perfect photo in your mind, experimenting with different ideas can sometimes lead to a great photo you really love. Expect to take your share of kissing, nose-touching and portrait shots. But some fun poses, such as running or jumping (or rolling around on a beach full of waves) can produce candid shots that are truly masterpieces. Remember, sometimes photographers will pose you in positions that seem a bit awkward, but this is to get the best lines of the body and flattering images.

* Choose clothing that fits the mood. If time and budget allows, have several different wardrobe changes so that you can see which outfits work and which ones don’t make for interesting engagement photos.

Avoid clothing that is too trendy or busy, which may take away from the actual images in the long run. Plus, you don’t want to look back at these photos in the future and say, “What was I thinking?”