Location, Location, Location

You have just been proposed to and you’re flying high. He did it with such perfection you almost wonder how he pulled it off. Now you are entering the season of “engagement” and one of the first things you want to do is get those engagement photos done while the weather is just right. This means a little planning on your part and that can be a little overwhelming, especially when you know all the planning you have ahead of you when it comes to the actual wedding! Now you have to plan your engagement session?! How unfair…No worries friend, I am here to ease that stress. I know exactly where to start and it all comes down to 3 simple questions. If you can answer these then I guarantee you a wonderful, stress free, and FUN engagement season! Ready? Let’s get started!

The First Thing you want to do is pick a Location. You location speaks to who you are as a couple so if you can decide between these three categories, you can really narrow down this search fast

Pick a Category

1. Urban

2. Natural

3. Home

Which one are you initially drawn to? Which one do you usually find yourselves naturally located? Where are you two the most comfortable? Try answering these questions using 1 of those 3 categories

Now you need to decide on what kind of vibe are you looking for

Vibes

Urban Vibes

-downtown historic vibe

-busy city vibe

Natural Vibes

Controlled natural vibe

Wild natural vibe

Home Vibes

-Backyard/Neighborhood vibes

-Cozy homey vibes

That’s it! Once you can decide your Categories and your Vibes, choosing your location will be easy.

Here are some of my favorite location suggestions below based on those vibes

My Suggestions

Urban Downtown Session Vibes:

Downtown Frederick– This is an absolutely gorgeous location! There are fountains, pathways and great architecture, plus the character of all the shops makes from some nice variety

Ellicott City– This has the downtown elements as well as the natural elements. So you get a little bit of both this way! There’s Great Architecture and it’s definitely someplace I wouldn’t mind exploring some more

Historic Downtown Annapolis– This is one of my favorite places! There are beautiful murals, cobblestone streets, a waterfront down the way, and fantastic architecture! There’s also a garden in the area that we might be able to visit as well.

Downtown Rockville– An old movie theater sign, fun street art, fountains, and a great park that stays green year round!! This is a great place for a fun shoot with some unique locations

RIO– This is such a Fun location Full of Character and I must admit I’m DYING to shoot here! Start with a ride on the carousel together, walk the paths and find yourself in the perfect place for a picnic. Just across is a lake with fountains and ornate bridges. parking garages overlook the area so some great overhead shots can be had too! Plus there’s outside eateries and shops lining the walkway.

See more of a downtown urban session here

Urban City Session Vibes:

Baltimore– The Harbor makes for a beautiful backdrop and there are so many places to go to get different angle. The inner harbor is nice and swanky but truly beautiful, there are museums and shopping centers that we could use too. And then there’s Historic Fell’s Point which is a nice mix of the urban vibes.

Washington DC– This is a classy location. A quick metro ride in and we have access to all these big white columns and old architecture.

Frederick Overlook- This is just off of 270 as you are entering Frederick. This has kinda been on my “want to try” list because it is literally overlooking ALL of Frederick!

Controlled Natural Session Vibes

Brookside Gardens– One of my FAV spots to shoot. Giant willow trees, a small pond, and a rose garden! This place is kept up nicely and its constantly changing so we have tons of options! Plus there is a greenhouse

Blue Dreams USA– This is a newer location that I discovered. It’s a lavender farm overlooking a mountain view. It’s truly gorgeous and definitely on my wish list

Greenhouses- There are so many gardening stores with Beautiful greenhouses, we just pick one and shoot there. It’s a great rainy day alternative too

Gramercy Mansion– A gorgeous garden AND a mansion? Score!

Rawlings Conservatory– An Inside Garden! Need I say more?

Glenview Mansion– Want to add a hint of elegance and class to the scene? High white columns, Big windows, fun mazes, and a gorgeous porch should do the trick! Just out of Rockville, so if you’re feeling up to it, this would be perfectly paired with a downtown session first!

London Town- Closer to Annapolis, this is a garden overlooking the ocean! There are multiple gazebos and balconies, gorgeous roses in the summer and in the spring, its a pink beauty!

There are so many more, so if this is something you want to do, just let me know and I’ll keep researching.

See more from a garden engagement session here

 Wild Natural Session Vibes

Pataspco– There is so much to be had here. A small waterfall, the iconic bridge, or just overall trees and paths. If you are looking for a nice shady session with unique/edgy elements this is the place

Great Falls– This is the biggest waterfall in MD/VA and this would be a session mainly for the views! If you are outdoorsy people then it will involve some climbing for truly EPIC shots!

Cunningham– This place has a beautiful quiet lake area with a great fall-esque vibe going and then a beautiful TALL waterfall as well.

Calvert Cliffs– Located in Lusby, this is a great place for an element of exotic when it comes to Maryland. Large cliffs, rolling ocean and soft sand. Adventurous couples will want to do this!

Rockburn Branch Park- This is a great little park for sunrise sessions! Lots of open space and tree coverage for variation. A bright white washed wall and tree lined walkways really highlight those sun highlights. See a sunrise session here

See a Fall Sunrise session here

Neighborhood Session Vibes

Your Neighborhood- Nothing speaks to me more about a couple than the neighborhood they live in! Show me all your favorite spots, tell me the stories!

Elkhorn Lake- This is my neighborhood lake. Great walking paths, open space, a clear blue lake and a rushing dam as you go further.

Centennial Lake- This is great for a lakeside session. The reflections and sunsets are incredible! There’s also a great bridge further down that would make a great spot!

See a backyard/neighborhood session here

Homey Session Vibes

Your home- Lifestyle session (completely candid)- These are probably my favorite because it is so natural and real. It’s you!

Want more Engagement Session Inspiration? Check out my tips for your engagement session outfits here

Want some ideas for places to go after the session? Check out these Best Places to go in Maryland article!