Engagement photos are one of my favorite parts of being a Lafayette wedding photographer. These sessions are relaxed, fun, and all about celebrating your love story.

Plus, they’re perfect practice for your wedding day. You’ll learn how you move together in front of the camera. No pressure, just pure joy.

Let’s plan an engagement session that feels totally like you.

Choose the Right Location

Lafayette has amazing spots for engagement photos. Here are my top picks:

Downtown Lafayette – Brick buildings, colorful murals, and that classic Southern charm. Perfect for couples who love urban vibes.

Jungle Gardens on Avery Island – Spanish moss, ancient oak trees, and peaceful lagoons. Go here if you want fairytale romance.

Rip Van Winkle Gardens – Manicured gardens with stunning backdrops year-round. Great for classic, timeless photos.

UL Alumni Center grounds – Beautiful architecture and open spaces. Ideal if you’re UL grads or just love the campus feel.

Vermilionville Historic Village – Authentic Cajun culture and rustic buildings. Perfect for couples who want Louisiana history in their photos.

Photographer’s tip: Think about lighting when choosing your spot. Some locations work better in morning light, others shine at sunset.

Pick the Best Time of Day

Golden hour wins every time. That’s the hour before sunset when light is warm and glowing. Your skin looks amazing, and everything feels magical.

Morning sessions work too. The light is softer and there are fewer crowds. Great if you’re not night owls.

Skip midday sun. Harsh light creates unflattering shadows and makes you squint. Not cute.

Photographer’s tip: I always check the weather and adjust timing if needed. Louisiana weather can be tricky!

Plan Your Outfits

Coordinate, don’t match. Pick colors that work together but aren’t identical. Think navy and cream, or sage green and tan.

Neutral tones photograph beautifully. Soft blues, creams, and earthy colors never go out of style.

Avoid busy patterns. Small florals or subtle stripes are fine. Big logos or bright graphics pull focus from your faces.

Bring layers. A jacket or cardigan adds variety to your photos.

Photographer’s tip: Pack a backup outfit. Sometimes we find the perfect spot that calls for a different vibe.

Bring Personal Touches

Make your session about your relationship:

• Champagne to pop and toast your engagement
• A cozy blanket for snuggle shots
• Your dog (if they’re well-behaved!)
• Something that tells your story – maybe crawfish if you had your first date at a boil

Photographer’s tip: The best engagement photos happen when you forget about posing and just enjoy each other.

Relax & Have Fun

Engagement sessions should feel like a date with a photographer tagging along.

Trust my prompts. I’ll guide you through everything. Walk toward me. Dance a little. Laugh at something silly.

Movement always looks more natural than standing still.

Photographer’s tip: Bring snacks and water. Louisiana heat is real, and I want you comfortable the whole time.

FAQs about Engagement Sessions in Lafayette

Q: When should we take engagement photos? A: About 6-12 months before your wedding. This gives you time to use them for save-the-dates or wedding websites.

Q: How long does an engagement session last? A: Usually 1-2 hours. More time if we’re hitting multiple locations.

Q: Can we include multiple locations? A: Absolutely! Just plan extra time for travel between spots.

Q: What if it rains? A: We’ll reschedule. Louisiana weather is unpredictable, so I always have backup dates ready.

Q: Do you help with posing? A: Yes! I’ll guide you through everything. Most couples feel awkward at first, but we’ll find your natural rhythm.

Final Thoughts

The best engagement sessions happen when you focus on each other, not the camera.

These photos are more than pretty pictures. They’re memories of this exciting time in your relationship.

Trust the process. Laugh together. Let your personalities shine.

Ready for Engagement Photos That Feel Like You?

If you’re ready to book an engagement session in Lafayette and want photos that feel like you, let’s chat. I love helping couples feel comfortable and natural in front of the camera.

Contact me today to start planning your perfect engagement session.