Natural and Relaxed Engagement Photo Shoot in Fairfax County, VA

Cherry Blossoms & Golden Light – A Nature-Inspired Engagement Photo Shoot at Green Spring Gardens

When Caitlyn and Jonathan reached out to me about photographing their wedding, I was immediately excited — not only because they’re a lovely couple, but also because I already knew Caitlyn’s mom. After a quick call, it was clear we were a great fit. Caitlyn shared that she wanted wedding and engagement photos that felt true to life, natural, and documentary-style, with true-to-color editing and relaxed, authentic moments.

Since they wanted a more nature-focused backdrop and Jonathan works on a beautiful farm near Richmond, we decided to meet in the middle while Caitlyn was visiting her mom. We chose Green Spring Gardens in Alexandria, Virginia for their engagement photo shoot — a hidden gem that offered spring blooms, golden sunset light, and nostalgic meaning for Caitlyn, who visited there often as a child.

If you're planning an engagement photo shoot at Green Spring Gardens, note that you must reserve a photo permit online in advance. The staff is wonderful, and checking in at the visitor center is easy — as a photographer, I was given a wristband and we were good to go!

We scheduled the session during golden hour to take advantage of that dreamy, backlit glow that makes every moment feel even more romantic. My sessions typically follow a loop — we walk the location in a big circle, which helps everyone stay relaxed, adds variety to the backgrounds, and creates space for natural, unposed connection.

We started at the top of the gardens under some stunning white cherry blossoms — not the chaos of the Tidal Basin in D.C., but a peaceful setting that offered the same seasonal magic with way less stress. From there, we wandered along the trails, chasing the light and finding some tucked-away spots, including an old blue house that made the perfect backdrop for some intentional blur photos (yes, those artsy blurry shots that are super on trend right now — and some of my personal favorites from the session!).

We ended the evening near the pond, dancing under the trees and catching a surprise bloom of Virginia bluebells and the most magical root-covered tree that looked straight out of a fairytale.

Caitlyn and Jonathan’s engagement photo shoot was relaxed, real, and full of laughter — exactly the kind of storytelling I love to capture.

If you’re searching for engagement photographers near me, looking for natural-style engagement photos, or planning an engagement photo shoot in Northern Virginia, I’d love to help. Whether you’re drawn to cherry blossoms, golden light, or a location with personal meaning, I’ll guide you every step of the way.