A couple stands together outdoors, smiling, with the man hugging the woman from behind. They are surrounded by vibrant autumn foliage with red leaves in the background.

Engagements

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January 24, 2012

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duke gardens engagement session – jacquie and erik

Back in November, I got together with Jacquie and Erik for their engagement session at The Sarah P. Duke Gardens in Durham. It was a gorgeous sunny morning in Durham and we took some time to walk around the gardens and get some pictures with the autumn colours of the garden providing a beautiful backdrop for our images.

Jacquie and Erik are a lovely couple who are both studying together for their PhD at Duke – hence the choice of location. I had a lot of fun with them and I’m very much looking forward to seeing them again for their wedding at Duke Chapel in September. Their reception will also be held in these same gardens, so it’s going to be good to get back here to complete the shoot after they become man and wife!

The Sarah P. Duke gardens are very beautiful indeed at this time of year and so we weren’t the only ones out enjoying the scenery that day. One of the main challenges we faced was to obtain some nice, spontaneous photos that did not have a lot of people milling around in the background enjoying the flowers. We took our time and relaxed and our patience was rewarded with what I think are some really nice photos. Here are just some of my favourites from the day.

A couple stands together outdoors, smiling, with the man hugging the woman from behind. They are surrounded by vibrant autumn foliage with red leaves in the background.
A couple stands closely with foreheads touching, surrounded by vibrant red-orange foliage and trees in the background. The sunlight casts a warm glow, creating a serene and intimate autumn scene.
A young couple sits together outdoors with autumn foliage in the background. The woman smiles gently, while the man leans in, appearing happy and content. They are dressed casually in long-sleeve shirts.
A black and white photo of a couple sitting close together, surrounded by blurred foliage. The woman gazes down, and the man leans in with his eyes closed, creating an intimate and peaceful scene.
A woman with long brown hair smiles at the camera, standing in front of a blurred garden background with pink and green plants. She is wearing a brown top.
A couple sits closely together outdoors, smiling at the camera. The woman has long hair and wears a draped top, while the man has short hair and wears a striped sweater. The background features sunlight filtering through trees, creating a serene setting.
A black-and-white portrait of a smiling person with short, light-colored hair wearing a striped sweater. The background is blurred, creating a soft bokeh effect.
A man and woman sit on a blanket in a park covered with fallen leaves, looking at each other. The woman wears brown boots and a green sweater, while the man wears a striped sweater. Sunlight filters through the trees, creating a warm, autumn atmosphere.
A couple sitting on a leafy ground, smiling at the camera. They are wearing casual clothes and embracing each other. The background is filled with blurred trees and rocks, creating a peaceful outdoor setting.
A couple sits outdoors, with the man gently embracing the woman from behind. She gazes downward with a thoughtful expression. The sunlight casts a soft, warm glow on their faces, creating a serene and intimate atmosphere.
A woman with long brown hair smiles softly while standing outdoors. The background is filled with soft-focus pink and purple flowers, creating a dreamy atmosphere.
A black and white image shows a couple walking on a wooden boardwalk along a tranquil lake surrounded by dense trees. The water is calm, and the couple appears to be engaged in a conversation while enjoying the natural scenery.
A couple stands by a serene lake surrounded by autumn trees with vibrant orange, red, and yellow leaves. They are embracing and smiling, while a red bridge is visible in the background. The ground is covered with fallen leaves.
A couple stands by a tranquil lake, embracing tenderly. The woman leans her head on the mans shoulder, eyes closed. The scene is captured in black and white, with a soft focus on the serene water and blurred background scenery.
A black and white photo of a couple on a wooden bridge. The man stands behind the woman, gently resting his arm on her shoulder. They both look content and are surrounded by a blurred natural background.
A couple stands on a wooden bridge surrounded by vibrant autumn foliage. The woman, wearing a brown top, leans on the railing with a smile, while the man stands slightly behind her, smiling. Golden leaves create a warm background.
A heron stands gracefully on a patch of lily pads in a pond, surrounded by water reflecting autumn colors. A single purple water lily blooms nearby. The scene captures a serene, natural setting.
A woman and a man stand on a bridge in a park, smiling at each other. The background features autumnal trees with golden leaves, creating a warm, serene atmosphere.

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