A couple embraces in a sunlit bamboo forest. The man in a dark suit and the woman in a floral dress stand surrounded by tall bamboo stalks, creating a serene and romantic setting. Sunlight filters through the trees.

Engagements

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October 26, 2021

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duke gardens engagement photography – jessica & calvin

On the afternoon of March 13th 2020, I was at Duke Gardens getting ready to photograph a proposal that was about to take place on the iconic red bridge. While I was waiting for the couple to get there, I checked my phone and got an email stating that the gardens were closing indefinitely that day due to the Covid pandemic that was beginning to unleash here in the US. I would never have guessed that the gardens wouldn’t reopen for photography till 16 months later.

When July 2021 rolled around and the gardens finally reopened, it was so great to be able to photograph there again. You can see why in the photos from Jessica & Calvin’s recent Duke Gardens engagement photography session below: there are so many great places to find to shoot in and the golden hour light can be magical to work with. As a member photographer, I photograph there several times a month so it was definitely great to be finally be back after so long.

Congrats to Jessica & Calvin! I’m looking forward to photographing their wedding in the spring! Here are just a few of my faves from their Duke Gardens engagement photography session.

A woman in a dark velvet dress with pink and red floral patterns stands on a leaf-covered path in a forest. Sunlight filters through the trees, creating a warm glow around her. She smiles while looking to the side.
A person in a blue blazer and light blue shirt is smiling against a blurred, leafy background.
A couple sits on a wooden bench surrounded by lush greenery. They are smiling and looking into each others eyes, holding hands. The woman is wearing a floral dress, and the man is in a navy suit. The setting is tranquil and natural.
A couple stands embraced in a field, surrounded by lush greenery and tall, wispy pink grass. They gaze at each other affectionately, with sunlight filtering through the foliage in the background.
A couple sits together in a lush garden, surrounded by tall grass and greenery. They are smiling and enjoying the sunny day, with soft sunlight filtering through the plants.
A couple embraces in a lush, sunlit setting with tropical greenery. They stand close, smiling with foreheads touching. The woman wears a floral dress, and the man is in a blue suit, both appearing content and joyful.
A couple embraces and smiles at the camera, surrounded by lush green banana trees in a sunny forest. The woman wears a floral dress, and the man is in a blue jacket. The setting is bright and verdant.
A couple stands facing each other, smiling amidst a serene bamboo forest. The sunlight filters through the trees, casting a soft glow. The woman wears a floral dress, and the man is in a blue blazer and dark pants.
A couple embraces in a sunlit bamboo forest. The man in a dark suit and the woman in a floral dress stand surrounded by tall bamboo stalks, creating a serene and romantic setting. Sunlight filters through the trees.
A couple stands embracing in a serene bamboo forest. They gently press their foreheads together, eyes closed, wearing elegant clothing. Sunlight filters through the trees, casting dappled shadows on the ground.
A couple is kissing amidst lush greenery. The woman is wearing a patterned dress and earrings, while the man is in a suit. Bright sunlight filters through the leaves, creating a dreamy and romantic atmosphere.
A couple stands on a garden path, surrounded by lush greenery. The man, in a suit, and the woman, in a green lace dress and heels, are close, gazing into each others eyes. The background features various trees and trimmed bushes.
A couple stands on a stone pathway surrounded by lush greenery and neatly trimmed hedges in a garden. The man wears a teal suit and the woman a dark green dress. They face each other, the setting serene and romantic.
A couple stands in a lush garden pathway, surrounded by manicured bushes and tropical plants. The woman in a green dress leans on the man in a suit. An arched wooden structure is in the background, and the sunlight filters through the trees.
A couple stands close, gazing at each other lovingly near a fountain. Sunlight creates a warm, glowing effect, with trees in the background. The man wears a suit, and the woman is in a dark dress and heels. The scene is romantic and serene.
A couple embraces in front of a fountain in a park. The sun sets in the background, casting a warm glow and creating lens flares. Both look at the camera, radiating happiness. The scene is peaceful and romantic.
A couple stands on a sunny balcony. The man in a suit hugs the woman, who wears a green lace dress. Both are smiling with greenery blurred in the background. Sunlight creates a soft, warm glow around them.
A couple stands together on a sunlit park path surrounded by lush greenery. The man is wearing a blue suit, and the woman is in a dark green dress. They gaze at each other lovingly, with trees and plants lining the path.
A couple holds hands, walking on a tree-lined path during golden hour. The sun creates a warm, glowing backdrop, casting soft light over the scene. The path is surrounded by lush greenery and fallen leaves.
A couple stands on a forest path at sunset, with tall trees surrounding them. The sun creates a warm glow and lens flare, casting a romantic atmosphere. The couple appears to be embracing amid the serene natural setting.
A couple stands closely, surrounded by lush green foliage. They gaze into each other’s eyes, with the woman smiling and the man holding her gently. The setting is serene and filled with vibrant leaves.
A couple stands outdoors, smiling and facing each other. The man is wearing a blue suit, and the woman is in a green lace dress. They are surrounded by lush greenery, creating a warm and joyful atmosphere.
A couple embraces lovingly on a sunlit path in a lush park. The woman, in a dark green dress, and the man, in a blue suit, gaze into each others eyes. The background features trees and a warm, glowing sunset.
A couple walks hand in hand down a tree-lined path in a park. The woman is wearing a green dress, and the man is in a suit. They are surrounded by lush greenery and large planters. The atmosphere is serene and romantic.
A couple gently touches foreheads, embracing on a sunlit path. The woman wears a dark green lace dress, and the man is in a blue suit. Soft dappled sunlight filters through the trees, creating a warm, romantic atmosphere.

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