Why Tristan & Kati Chose Downtown Richmond for Their Engagement Session

When planning Tristan and Kati’s engagement session, we wanted to create two completely different looks while staying in Richmond. We started at a downtown hotel, where we captured a mix of modern, editorial-inspired portraits using flash photography in the elevator before stepping outside to explore the surrounding streets. Downtown Richmond offered the perfect backdrop with its historic architecture, city sidewalks, and classic urban charm, giving their gallery a stylish, sophisticated feel.

From there, we headed to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts for a softer, more romantic backdrop. The contrast between the city streets and the gardens and architecture at the VMFA gave Tristan and Kati a gallery filled with incredible variety while still feeling cohesive and timeless. Although they’ll be getting married at Upper Shirley Vineyards, their engagement session was the perfect opportunity to showcase another side of Richmond that fit their vision beautifully.

Why the VMFA Is One of My Favorite Places for Engagement Photos in Richmond

The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is one of my favorite engagement session locations in Richmond because it’s incredibly versatile. Whether you’re drawn to lush greenery, seasonal flowers, open lawns, timeless architecture, or beautiful garden paths, the VMFA truly has something for everyone. It’s one of those rare locations where you can create a gallery that feels incredibly diverse without spending the entire session driving from place to place.

For Tristan and Kati, it was the perfect complement to the editorial downtown portion of their session. We went from bold flash photography in the hotel elevator to romantic portraits surrounded by beautiful architecture and nature, giving them two completely different looks that still felt very true to them.

How I Help Couples Choose the Best Richmond Engagement Session Locations

One of my favorite parts of planning engagement sessions is helping each couple find locations that fit their vision. Before every session, I send an engagement questionnaire so I can learn more about the style they’re envisioning, whether they gravitate toward something modern, romantic, architectural, or surrounded by nature. If they’re interested, I can also help coordinate professional hair and makeup to make the experience feel even more special and stress-free.

After photographing weddings for more than 12 years, I’ve discovered so many beautiful locations throughout Richmond and Central Virginia. Once I understand what a couple is looking for, I can recommend locations that fit their style and help determine the best time of day based on lighting. Every engagement session is personalized, and my goal is to create a gallery that feels authentic to each couple while making the entire experience enjoyable from start to finish.

How Long Does an Engagement Session Last?

Most of my engagement sessions last about an hour, which gives us plenty of time to create a beautiful variety of images. For my wedding couples, though, I’m always happy to be flexible if incorporating multiple locations helps bring their vision to life. Tristan and Kati’s session is a great example of how choosing two nearby locations can create a gallery with incredible variety while still keeping the evening relaxed.

What Should You Wear for Your Engagement Session?

Many couples choose two outfits for their engagement session, giving them both a dressier and a more casual look. Tristan and Kati chose to wear one timeless outfit for the entire session, and it worked beautifully in both locations. Their look felt polished enough for the editorial hotel photos while also fitting naturally among the gardens and architecture at the VMFA. It’s a great reminder that there’s no right or wrong approach, the best outfit is one that feels like you and complements the locations you’ve chosen.

Get in touch to inquire about your wedding photography or book your engagement session through this link! I can’t wait to hear what you’re planning.