Engagement Session at Furman University in Greenville, SC

Garden-Themed Engagement Session in Greenville, SC

Zach and Kayla, y’all. Wow. Step inside the sweetest, garden-themed engagement session in Greenville, SC. If this session is any indication of how their wedding will be, I am NOT READY FOR IT. Just kidding. I totally am. And, I guarantee they will hear me say “oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh” during every shot at their wedding, too… But, can you blame me? Kayla and I talked about what her and Zach wanted from these photos before our session. Our goal was to take a romantic, approach. We wanted it to be whimsical, romantic, fun, & true to them at the same time.

This is why we landed on the Rose Garden at Furman University. The winding sidewalks and rose-filled garden set the tone for the rest of the shoot. Not only that, but my old friend, the rain, even made an appearance, which we were initially trying to avoid. Don’t you love those happy accidents? 

How The Engagement Session Started

Kayla and Zach both wanted some direction for this shoot. They had actually told me they weren’t great in front of the camera right before the session started. (LOL. Jokes on ME because they were actually SO good in front of the camera, I had easily 2,000 amazing pictures to edit.) I decided I would give them natural prompts to have fun with. I wanted their love to be so evident in the photos and for their personalities to come out. We were at Furman in Greenville for over an hour.

Prompts For Bringing The Romance

A few of my favorite prompts landed them hand in hand, exploring the rose garden. Zach held her up as she stopped and smelled the roses (pun intended). They practically played tag running down the brick pathways. Smooches were a must, of course. There were many. They ran into each other’s arms and swung each other around practicing their dancing. They laughed a lot – a personal fave of mine to document.

Something specific I love to do during my sessions, especially ones where I’m emphasizing the romance, is get photos as if I’m not there. You know all those sweet hand holds and forehead kisses when no one is looking? The giddy smiles and quick, frequent glances at the new bling on the left hand? We incorporated a lot of that. Even during transitional moments between photo prompts, I made sure to snap away. Those moments they didn’t expect to have photos from? Some of our favorites from the day. I wanted them to be so in the moment with each other, to feel so much love from this season they’re living. The excitement of a wedding and a marriage and life with your best friend.

Getting To Know Each Other

Another way we were able to document their love so clearly was through genuinely getting to know them as a couple. I wanted to hear all about the proposal and their family and friends’ reactions. Kayla & Zach told me about the nerves before and what they were thinking in the moment. I wanted them to fully relive their best moment yet. When couples reminisce, they bring all those emotions and excitement to the front. They put the awkward “I’m posing for a picture” feeling behind them and begin thinking about each other. SO. We talked about it. We talked about all of it. I got to know them even more than I already did – their history, their plans for their upcoming wedding, their unique love, what makes one laugh, how Zach looks at Kayla when she’s talking – everything.  And, they made. it so easy to document.

The Importance of an Engagement Session

Engagement sessions are one of the most important parts of the entire wedding photography experience, and that’s exactly why I include a complimentary engagement session in all my wedding and elopement packages. It’s not just an extra bonus—it’s a strategic part of how I approach wedding photography. The engagement session is an opportunity for us to connect and build a rapport before your big day, and there are so many benefits to it.

Benefits of an Included Engagement Session

First and foremost, it’s a chance for me to get to know you both as a couple, which is invaluable. Every couple has their own unique dynamic, and the engagement session allows me to observe how you interact with each other. Are you playful and goofy, or more reserved and romantic? Do you naturally gravitate toward big, sweeping gestures of affection, or do you prefer quieter, more intimate moments? Understanding these subtleties helps me tailor your wedding day photography so that it truly reflects your personalities and love story.

From your perspective, the engagement session is also an opportunity to get comfortable in front of the camera. Many couples have never had professional photos taken together, and being in front of the lens can sometimes feel a little awkward or intimidating at first. This session is a no-pressure way to break the ice and help you feel more relaxed by the time the wedding day arrives. It also gives you a sneak peek into how I work and what to expect during your wedding, so there are no surprises, and you can feel at ease.

Beyond that, the engagement session allows you to see the results firsthand before the big day. You’ll get a feel for how my style translates to your unique chemistry as a couple, and you’ll have a set of beautiful images to cherish, use for save-the-dates, or even display at your wedding.

Ultimately, I believe engagement sessions are essential for making sure your wedding day photography is as seamless and authentic as possible. It’s about building trust, understanding your story, and ensuring that when it comes time to capture your wedding day, everything feels natural, personal, and just right for you.

Check Out The Photos From Their Engagement Session

Check out some of my favorite shots from their engagement session in Greenville, SC. Each image tells a part of their story, from playful moments to sweet exchanges, all set against the beautiful backdrop of Furman University’s Rose Garden.

Enjoy!

xx Mae

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