Oakland Cemetery for engagement photos? I know, right?! Who would suggest that place? …me! I would! Anyone who has lived inside Atlanta for any amount of time has some familiarity with Oakland Cemetery. The grounds are absolutely stunning. Not only is Oakland Cemetery one of the largest green spaces in Atlanta, it also sits on six acres!
So, now you must be wondering who would agree to celebrate their love in a cemetery? How about 2 people who met during their Museum Studies master program. That’s who!
This site was kind of last-minute decision. Wanting to photograph here has been on my radar for quite some time, but yes, it does take the right kind of people to agree to it. I had a family session a few weeks earlier who trusted me enough to agree to have their annual portraits done here - but Oakland Cemetery was having their winter event that same day, so we changed locations.
When talking to Ella and Rachyl about what scene they wanted to use for their engagement photos they asked if I had some favorite locations which I did reply with my go to spots that I love. They picked one and then asked if I had any places that I had wanted to photograph at. Now this is the question that gets asked and when answered most of the time the couple will stick to their first pick, but that wasn’t the case here!
When I told Rachyl about Oakland she was probably more excited than me which made me even more excited. Rachyl and Ella had gone on several dates to Oakland Cemetery with one of the date being Clue Town Books! If you are not familiar with Clue Town Books click on the name. I linked their webpage for you.
The most important part of the engagement session is to find a place that fits your couple. I always send multiple location ideas that all vary in feel. From our conversations I will come up with at least 4 locations I think they would enjoy. These engagement session locations can range from a park to a parking deck and as you see here or a cemetery! The engagement session is supposed to be fun and relaxing. Even if the Bills are playing a big game day of your engagement session, I will encourage you to watch said game as we change locations.
Using the engagement session as a time to get to know each other before the wedding day and for some couples it is the first time we are meeting in real life. Now, having an engagement session is not a necessary activity when hiring a wedding photographer, but it can be a fun one! Not all of my wedding packages include an engagement session, but an engagement session can be added on at any time!
And of course with COVID being present, I will do everything to make you comfortable during your session. Just because the times are dark doesn’t mean we can’t still celebrate love! During your session, I will wear my mask so you don’t have to. I also come with hand sanitizer and social distance from you.
If you want, we will take a mask photo to document the current times, but to also show off the adorable masks your mom made!