This session was a little different for me because Victoria isn’t a new client—and she’s not exactly a stranger, either. We actually went to high school together! We weren’t super close back then (I was definitely one of those quiet, small-circle people with maybe three friends total), but I still remembered her kind personality and warm smile.
Fast forward a few years, and she’s trusted me with capturing some really special moments. I’ve photographed her daughter’s kindergarten graduation session—which turned into the sweetest mommy-and-me shoot—and also a styled elopement session she did with James at Sweetwater Park. So when she reached out to officially book me for her wedding, I was so excited.
Their engagement session took place at their wedding venue, the stunning Castle at Wildwood Gardens in Waco, Georgia. I had seen photos of the venue online, but seeing it in person? Even more breathtaking. The fairytale architecture, the romantic stone details—it felt straight out of a storybook.
Victoria came in with a clear, creative vision (which is one of my favorite things about working with her!). She and James have this adorable throwback photo from high school of them using little “cup phones”—those string-and-cup toys kids use to pretend they’re talking on the phone. For their engagement session, she wanted to recreate that moment, but with a sophisticated twist. She and her Nana made the most beautiful version of the cups—decorated with pearls and elegant details—a perfect blend of sentimental and chic.
She also brought a calendar marked with their wedding date, along with a small vintage desk that I usually keep for styled shoots. (Fun fact: the desk decided to rebel that day—some moisture had caused the wood to swell and crack a bit—but you’d never know from the photos. They still turned out absolutely beautiful!)
One of the key moments she wanted was a short video clip where she circles their date on the calendar and then walks away hand in hand with James. We did a few takes to get it just right—because if there’s one thing about Victoria, it’s that she knows exactly what she wants. And honestly, that’s one of the things I admire most about her. She has a vision, and she makes sure it comes to life—and the results are always stunning.
Throughout the shoot, there was a light drizzle hanging in the air, and I kept nervously glancing at the sky, half-expecting the rain to pour. But the weather held out just enough for us to capture everything she wanted. We even got to explore the back area of the castle, which was covered and beautifully styled with twinkling lights, draped florals, and stone pathways that gave total Alice in Wonderland vibes.
Victoria and James are such naturals together. Their chemistry is effortless, and even though she’d occasionally laugh and say she didn’t know how to pose—trust me, she absolutely does. She’s a natural in front of the camera, and together, they make every frame come alive.
These photos are truly some of my favorites—romantic, whimsical, and perfectly them. I can’t wait to return to this venue next year to capture their wedding day. If their engagement session was any hint of what’s to come, it’s going to be nothing short of magical.
