Fall Engagement Session at Charlotte Area Botanical Garden

Ethan and Rylee’s Charlotte garden engagement session was one of those magical afternoons that reminds me exactly why I love what I do as a wedding photographer in North Carolina. These two met online, fell in love fast, and after just a year together, they already feel like they’ve lived five. They’ll be tying the knot next year at Camelot Meadows (one of my favorite venues!) and I seriously can’t wait for their big day!

For their engagement photo shoot they were looking for something close to Belmont, NC, where they live. We crossed off the usual (albiet gorgeous) suspects – Marshall Park, McGill Rose Garden, and Lake Norman. We decided on Daniel Stowe Conservancy (recently renamed from Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens), one of my go-to locations for couples who want that romantic, storybook feel and beautiful blooms pretty much all year around. Even though Ethan and Rylee are both from the Charlotte area, it was their first time visiting the gardens, which made it even more special. There’s something about watching a couple walk into the gardens for the first time. It’s shockingly beautiful at Daniel Stowe! Their eyes always light up when they see the fountains, the paths lined with flowers, and the orchid conservatory filled with color and life (and the most amazing succulent arches!).

We originally had to reschedule due to rain (thanks, Carolina weather!), but the new date turned out to be a beautiful day. The sun peeked through rolling clouds, the fall colors were showing off, and it honestly couldn’t have been more perfect. Every corner of Daniel Stowe offered a variety of backdrops: from the elegant garden arches to the open fields and hidden walkways. It’s one of those places where it’s hard to stay in one spot for long because there’s beauty everywhere you turn.

As a portrait photographer, I love how versatile Daniel Stowe is. You can go from a formal, floral setting to something that feels more natural and wild, almost like a wildflower engagement session, all within a few steps. Ethan and Rylee laughed with each other the entire time, making the session feel so easy and genuine. Their kind of connection is the kind that makes my job so easy!

When we started our photo session, we planned to catch the best light, and since early morning is a little too early with the time change, we opted for an evening session that gave us some gorgeous sunset glow. The gardens were quiet, and we had so much space to explore. Just the three of us with the sound of leaves crunching underfoot. I loved capturing their engagement photos among the golden trees and soft, colorful blooms.

If you’re recently engaged and looking for inspiration for your own Charlotte garden engagement session, I can’t recommend Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens enough. Whether it’s your first time visiting or your hundredth, there’s something new to discover every season. The Charlotte area has no shortage of stunning locations, but Daniel Stowe will always hold a special place in my heart (and now theirs too).

I had so much fun with these two, and I’m already counting down the days until I get to capture their wedding day at Camelot Meadows next year! Now please enjoy some of my favorites from Rylee and Ethan’s engagement session!