So, late last month I got the chance to photograph this fab couple for their Duke Gardens engagement photography session. Lauralee, Taylor and their cute pooch, Poppy, joined me one evening for a couple of libations at Geer St. Garden where we chatted and got to know each other a little bit. From there, we headed out for an autumn-themed engagement shoot around the gardens. The sunlight was beautiful and the chemistry between Lauralee and Taylor was amazing. Poppy was petty amazing too! :)
Here are just a few faves from the session. Golden hour certainly lived up to its name!
![duke gardens engagement photography - lauralee & taylor A smiling couple poses outdoors in soft, natural light. The woman wears an off-shoulder top, and the man has a checkered shirt and dark vest. Blurred trees and sunlight create a warm, inviting background.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Duke-Gardens-Engagement-Session-Lauralee-Taylor-7.jpg)
![duke gardens engagement photography - lauralee & taylor A couple stands facing each other in front of a blurred natural background. The woman wears a white sweater, and the man wears a black vest over a plaid shirt. They appear to be in a playful and affectionate moment, holding hands.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Duke-Gardens-Engagement-Session-Lauralee-Taylor-4.jpg)
![duke gardens engagement photography - lauralee & taylor A couple stands closely in a bamboo forest, smiling and gazing into each others eyes. The woman wears a light-colored jacket, and the man wears a checkered shirt with a dark vest. The background features tall bamboo stalks. The image is in black and white.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Duke-Gardens-Engagement-Session-Lauralee-Taylor-2.jpg)
![duke gardens engagement photography - lauralee & taylor A couple stands together in a bamboo forest, smiling at the camera. The woman holds a small, fluffy brown dog. She wears a white sweater, and the man wears a blue vest over a plaid shirt. The setting is calm and natural.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Duke-Gardens-Engagement-Session-Lauralee-Taylor-3.jpg)
![duke gardens engagement photography - lauralee & taylor A couple stands outdoors, embracing and smiling at each other. The woman wears a white off-shoulder sweater, and the man wears a checkered shirt with a vest. Sunlight filters through the trees in the background, creating a warm, serene atmosphere.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Duke-Gardens-Engagement-Session-Lauralee-Taylor-5.jpg)
![duke gardens engagement photography - lauralee & taylor A black and white photo of a couple embracing. The man gently rests his head on the womans forehead, while she wraps a hand around his neck. They both appear content and serene, surrounded by blurred, natural scenery.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Duke-Gardens-Engagement-Session-Lauralee-Taylor-8.jpg)
![duke gardens engagement photography - lauralee & taylor A couple embraces and kisses in front of a picturesque fountain, surrounded by lush greenery. The sun sets in the background, casting a warm glow and creating a romantic atmosphere.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Duke-Gardens-Engagement-Session-Lauralee-Taylor-9.jpg)
![duke gardens engagement photography - lauralee & taylor A couple embraces in front of a flowing fountain with an angel statue on top. The sun shines through trees in the background, casting a warm glow around them. The man wears a plaid shirt and the woman a white off-shoulder sweater.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Duke-Gardens-Engagement-Session-Lauralee-Taylor-10.jpg)
![duke gardens engagement photography - lauralee & taylor A couple embraces on a tree-lined path in a garden, surrounded by lush greenery and potted plants. The sunlight filters through the leaves, casting a warm glow over the scene.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Duke-Gardens-Engagement-Session-Lauralee-Taylor-11.jpg)
![duke gardens engagement photography - lauralee & taylor A black and white photo of a couple embracing. The woman is looking at the man with a smile, and they are surrounded by soft foliage and gentle sunlight filtering through the trees.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Duke-Gardens-Engagement-Session-Lauralee-Taylor-12.jpg)
![duke gardens engagement photography - lauralee & taylor A couple stands closely, smiling at each other in a sunlit garden. The woman is wearing a white dress, and the man is in a plaid shirt with a dark vest. Lush greenery and soft sunlight create a romantic atmosphere in the background.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Duke-Gardens-Engagement-Session-Lauralee-Taylor-13.jpg)
![duke gardens engagement photography - lauralee & taylor A black and white photo of a couple embracing outdoors. The woman, with long hair, looks downward while the man, wearing a checkered shirt and vest, closes his eyes and leans his head against hers. Sunlight filters through the trees, creating a soft glow.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Duke-Gardens-Engagement-Session-Lauralee-Taylor-14.jpg)
![duke gardens engagement photography - lauralee & taylor A black and white image of a couple walking hand in hand along a stone pathway in a lush garden. Tall trees and various plants surround them, creating a serene and peaceful atmosphere. The scene captures a moment of togetherness and tranquility.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Duke-Gardens-Engagement-Session-Lauralee-Taylor-16.jpg)
![duke gardens engagement photography - lauralee & taylor Silhouette of a couple facing each other against a bright sky at sunset. They stand close together, surrounded by vine-covered branches, creating a romantic and peaceful scene.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Duke-Gardens-Engagement-Session-Lauralee-Taylor-17.jpg)
![duke gardens engagement photography - lauralee & taylor A couple sits on a blanket, kissing, with their dog lying beside them. They are in a grassy area surrounded by tall ornamental grasses. The image is in black and white.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Duke-Gardens-Engagement-Session-Lauralee-Taylor-18.jpg)
![duke gardens engagement photography - lauralee & taylor A couple embraces romantically while standing on stepping stones over a tranquil pond. The surrounding greenery and tall trees provide a serene, natural backdrop, with the water reflecting their image.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Duke-Gardens-Engagement-Session-Lauralee-Taylor-19.jpg)
![duke gardens engagement photography - lauralee & taylor A couple holding hands, walking on stepping stones across a pond surrounded by lush greenery. The setting sun casts a warm glow through the trees, reflecting on the water.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Duke-Gardens-Engagement-Session-Lauralee-Taylor-20.jpg)
![duke gardens engagement photography - lauralee & taylor A woman with long blonde hair smiles while wearing a white off-shoulder sweater. She is sitting outdoors with a background of blurred greenery and pink flowers. The sunlight creates a warm and inviting atmosphere.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Duke-Gardens-Engagement-Session-Lauralee-Taylor-21.jpg)
![duke gardens engagement photography - lauralee & taylor A man stands outdoors, leaning slightly against a railing. He is wearing a checkered shirt and a quilted vest. The setting is dimly lit, with a dark, out-of-focus background, suggesting trees or foliage. He has his hands in his vest pockets.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Duke-Gardens-Engagement-Session-Lauralee-Taylor-22.jpg)
![duke gardens engagement photography - lauralee & taylor A couple stands wrapped in a checkered blanket, smiling at each other amidst autumn foliage. The woman wears a white sweater, and the man is in a dark sweater, creating a cozy and warm atmosphere.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Duke-Gardens-Engagement-Session-Lauralee-Taylor-23.jpg)
![duke gardens engagement photography - lauralee & taylor A black and white portrait of a person with short hair, wearing a plaid shirt. The background is blurred, focusing on the persons expression.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Duke-Gardens-Engagement-Session-Lauralee-Taylor-24.jpg)
![duke gardens engagement photography - lauralee & taylor Black and white portrait of a woman with long hair wearing a strapless top and hoop earrings. She gazes directly at the camera with a neutral expression, set against a blurred background.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Duke-Gardens-Engagement-Session-Lauralee-Taylor-25.jpg)
![duke gardens engagement photography - lauralee & taylor A couple sits closely on a stone bench surrounded by lush foliage in a garden setting. The image has a dreamy, soft focus with reddish tones and shaded greenery, enhancing the romantic atmosphere.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Duke-Gardens-Engagement-Session-Lauralee-Taylor-15.jpg)
![duke gardens engagement photography - lauralee & taylor A smiling woman holds a fluffy dog in front of her, while a man stands behind with his hand on her shoulder. Both are outdoors with a blurred natural background. The image is in black and white.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Duke-Gardens-Engagement-Session-Lauralee-Taylor-1.jpg)