Engagement Session at Belle Isle & Legend Brewing Co. in Richmond VA | Sarah Kane Photography

After a long two weeks of winter (oh my friends up north are scowling at me right now) it was nice to get out and hike through the beautiful trails at Belle Isle in the great RVA! Perfect place for an engagement session! With the wacky weather Richmond had been having I wasn't sure if Allison & Dave's engagement session was going to happen or not. Both fingers were crossed for nice weather because these two love birds were traveling South from the DC area, so bad weather wasn't an optoin. We really didn't have time for Mother Nature's reindeer games.

It turned out to be an absolutely beautiful day and I was so happy to finally meet Allison & Dave in person!  Since they were not living in Richmond we had only corresponded through email,  it was so nice to put faces to names.  All of my wedding experiences include an engagement session because I could not imagine meeting a couple for the first time at their wedding!! I had an amazing time getting to know Allison & Dave.  They are such a sweet couple! We started off at the river hoping to get some nice shots along the rocks, but the river was not in the mood. With all of the snow melting the river was so high and in such a rage that you couldn't even see any of the rocks!  Even if you could there was no way I was heading out there or letting Allison or Dave head out there to be swept away!  Not to fear though there are plenty of other absolutely a-mazing backdrops throughout the park!

The first thing you see before even entering the park is the Pedestrian Bridge that crosses over the river. It is so massive and is suspended by wires.  It's likely a civil engineer's dream bridge and it just so  happens that Dave is an engineer and was impressed by the bridge! This was their first time at Belle Isle, it's always fun to experience the park with newbies!  After we made our way around the trails Allison & Dave did a quick wardrobe change into their running clothes.  They met in college on the track team, so I thought it was very cool that they chose to incorporate their love of running into their session!

Last and possibly best stop of the day was Legend Brewing Co. in Richmond. Another thing Allison & Dave like to do is visit breweries and Legend in the perfect place to bring someone visiting Richmond.  They have a great deck that overlooks the city, not to mention the ridiculous amounts of award winning micro brews and delicious food!! Richmonders, if you haven't been to Legend Brewing Co.  you must go there!! The manager & staff at Legends was so welcoming and accommodating to us!  Jason, the manager on duty, was beyond nice and even let us into the brewery! It was the perfect end to the perfect day!  Once I packed up my gear I left Allison & Dave to enjoy more beer and a fabulous lunch without me hanging around like the paparazzi!  I'm so excited for Allison & Dave's wedding this fall. I know it's going to be spectacular! 

That bridge is a-mazing!! 

Now let's go have some micro brews!

How cool is this? We got to go into the brewery!! 

Huge thank you to Legend Brewing Co. for welcoming us and being so cool!!

Kayte & Patrick | Engagement at Forest Hill Park in Richmond VA | Sarah Kane Photography

Fall is absolutely my favorite time of year. I love the changing leaves and the cool breezes. Kayte & Patrick's engagement session at Forest Hill Park was the perfect location for their autumn engagement session. The leaves at the top of the park were at their peak and so vibrant! Kayte & Patrick dressed in their wedding colors which stood out amazingly amidst of all the beautiful colors of the trees! Forest Hill Park has easily become my new favorite location to photograph in the fall.

We started the session out at the top of the hill where the leaves on the trees were breathtaking. They looked like a painting.  We then worked our way down to the lake. Kayte & Patrick were awesome to photograph. They shared such a special connection and were very easy going and laid back. I love that when Kayte's shoes were starting to hurt she kicked them off and walked barefoot, she climbed up on a rock in her dress and when I suggested they head on down into the creek (which was freezing cold)  Kayte & Patrick obliged without hesitation!

I had such a good evening with Kayte & Patrick for their engagement session. We couldn't have asked for better weather which is awesome because we had to reschedule their first session due to rain. It's a good thing we did though because the leaves would not have been nearly as vibrant. It was a very low key night and I hope Kayte & Patrick enjoyed it as much as I did. I'm really looking forward to their wedding next year. I'm even more excited because their two small children will be in the wedding. They are going to attempt to have the 3 year old pull the baby in a wagon. This is going to be awesome! I love seeing what kids will do and no matter what they end up doing they brighten the day even more. Especially when they don't cooperate and decide to do their own thing. It always makes for great pictures and an even more memorable experience. Congratulations Kayte & Patrick. I cannot wait to capture all of the moments of your special day!

Whitney & Jeremiah | Engagement at University of Richmond | Sarah Kane Photography

Another great engagement session with a fun couple!  Whitney & Jeremiah chose the University of Richmond for their engagement shoot because that is where Jeremiah proposed! I love when my couples choose a location that has special meaning and I'd say that is pretty special. The University of Richmond is a great place for an engagement session. Any session really because no matter where you go there is beautiful scenery all around you! Lots of trees to get the perfect light peeking through.

Whitney & Jeremiah met at church, but Jeremiah noticed Whitney long before they officially met. In Whitney's words he was stalking her for over 6 months before he finally introduced himself. He became known as the "creeper guy", but Jeremiah is anything but creepy. It's so cute to hear them tell the story. They are such a fun and down-to-earth couple! Whitney & Jeremiah had me laughing throughout our entire session! They were definitely not afraid to be silly and those pictures often create the most natural look. It's not the silliness I try to capture it's the moment of genuine laughter right after!

Engagement sessions allow me the chance to learn more about my couples and for my couples to get a better feel of how I work, so on their wedding day they are more relaxed and comfortable. I learned many things about Whitney & Jeremiah for example Jeremiah is an avid fisherman. I love that they incorporated this into their session and even made a cute sign!

I learned that Whitney is a dancer and dabbles in film photography (huge respect for film users). I also learned something quit fascinating about her. She raises and shows pigeons. I had never even heard of this before! Who knew there were various breeds of pigeons?

At the very end of our session I gave Jeremiah my other camera (well we actually made a camera because my back up was in the car) I gave him my vintage camera and a lens and he did an excellent job of making it look just like a camera. I made Whitney do dramatic poses for him. She claimed to not be very good at it, but I would like to disagree! She pretty much nailed it. Congratulations Whitney & Jeremiah, I cannot wait for your wedding next April! Much love and happiness to you both!

Look at that light!

Would you look at those eyes?

This is the exact spot where Jeremiah proposed!

Jeremiah was happy with the next shot!

Look at her work it, Jeremiah is workin it too!

Alicia & Drew | Engagement at Midlothian Mines Park | Sarah Kane Photography

Another gorgeous day for an engagement session at Midlothian Mines Park! I've lived in Midlothian for 6 years now and this was my first photo session at the park. Can you believe that? Sometimes we are blind to the obvious, but I am so glad Alicia chose this park because it is a great location for an engagement session or any kind of session really!

This was a special engagement session because Alicia brought along her 2 very sweet and beautiful daughters for some family pictures as well. It was so nice to see the love this new family shared and meet the girls before Alicia & Drew's wedding. It's obvious the girls adore Drew and Drew adores them just as much!

Anna and Reese were so funny! They were not shy at all in front of the camera and knew how to work their inner divas. Anything I asked them to do they were game. Anna is the perfect big sister. She was so sweet with her little sister Reese. I hope my boys are as sweet to each other when they are their age!  Apparently though the sweetness turns a little bitter during a long car ride to Florida, which I can understand.  Anything beyond 4 hours in the car for me and I'm not as sweet either!

Not only were they darling, but they had some ideas of their own too.  Reese ran under a beautiful tree and struck a pose. She found an amazing spot with perfect light! Reese was also very excited to walk through the tunnel and we promised that at the end of the session we would walk through the tunnel and see if we can find a few more spots for pictures. Turned out the tunnel was an awesome place for pictures! When I snapped the family picture in the light of the tunnel and took a quick peek at my camera screen my stomach got butterflies (yes that still happens to me when I get really excited about a picture)! Reese found another perfect spot once again.

I cannot tell you how excited I am to for Alicia & Drew's wedding in September! It's going to be a small, intimate and romantic wedding at The Mill at Fine Creek. A beautiful venue, a beautiful couple and two beautiful young ladies. How could the pictures not be AMAZING?!  Congratulations Alicia, Drew, Anna & Reese!!

View Alicia & Drew's Wedding Images Here

Lindsay & Thad Engagement in Richmond Va | Canal Walk | Sarah Kane Photography

Who would have ever thought that in late July we would have such beautiful, cool, low humidity weather? It was the perfect evening for Lindsay & Thad's engagement session in Richmond VA along the canal. They were a fun, down-to-earth, and amazing couple! I'm very excited for Lindsay & Thad's September wedding at the Petersburg Country Club! No doubt it will be just as beautiful an event as their engagement session was.

I know I've said this time and time again, but I have been so fortunate to work with very relaxed, good spirited couples who completely trust my vision and are willing to go off the beaten path sometimes with me and the results are always the same. Nothing shy of A-Mazing!!! Lindsay didn't think twice about kicking off her shoes and climbing out onto some rocks. She didn't even hesitate when I asked her to balance and walk along the railroad tracks with her heels on! I must say I was very impressed. Anything I asked them to do or try they were more than willing. Like when I was walking by what looked like a pile of dirt blown into the corner of some stairs and asked Lindsay to hand over her ring. Oh yes I was planning on putting it into the pile of dirt. She took it off and gladly gave it to me and I'm so glad she did! You'll see the results in the pictures below.

Lindsay also had some ideas of her own along the way which I love! I have been to the Canal Walk countless times and love that I found some new spots that turned out to be great backdrops for a photo shoot.

I'm also looking forward to meeting Savannah, Thad's 10-year-old daughter, and getting her in front of my camera.  Kids are always so much fun to photograph at weddings and I'm told she is a natural and really loves turning on the charm when the camera is out. Sounds like my kinda gal!  

Congratulations Lindsay & Thad, here's hoping for the same beautiful, cool low humidity weather we had for your engagement session!

Thanks Lindsay for trusting me with your ring and my idea to stick it in what looked like a pile of dirt!

Emily & Travis Engagement | VMFA | Great Shiplock Park Richmond | Sarah Kane Photography

I've been asked on occasion why I include a complimentary engagement session in my wedding experience and the answer is simple, I don't want the wedding to be the first time I am interacting with my couples. As a photographer I am involved in every aspect of the wedding day and am entrusted in photographing very intimate moment. I feel so much more connected to my couples when I've had a chance to get to know them a bit and I feel it not only helps the couple to relax, but it helps me capture emotions when I feel that connection.

Engagement sessions are just all around fun for me and my couples! It's a chance to take a break from the stress of wedding planning, relax and have fun with each other. I regret not getting engagement photos when I was married for many reasons. The biggest reason though is I don't have any quality pictures of just me and my husband outside of our wedding day.  I want to give my couples the full wedding experience without them having to worry about spending more money by adding an engagement session. When things start to add up it's something many opt to eliminate and I feel it's too important to cut out.

The engagement session was especially important for Emily &Travis seeing as they live out of town and we've never actually met in person until then. Our initial meeting was via Skype and although it's more personal than a phone call it's just not the same as meeting in person. Turns out Emily's mother lives in my neighborhood and Emily & Travis were kind enough to invite me and my family to their neighborhood block party for a cook out right before our session. It was so nice, I was able to spend a little bit of time with Emily & Travis before we started taking pictures as well as meet Emily's mom and two brothers! Since photographers spend a lot of weekends and evenings away from family Emily thought it would be nice if I was able to have dinner with my family before we left. How sweet is that? I know I say this time and time again, but I truly am so fortunate and grateful to work with such amazing people! 

Emily & Travis were just as adorable in person as they were on video! They both have such a peaceful way about them. They are all around sweet and the story of how they met just adds to the sweetness. Emily & Travis went to the same college and met each other while traveling through the Middle East and Europe. In every country they fell deeper in love. Now that's the kind of story you only hear about in the movies, so romantic!

I love when my couples choose their own locations especially when it's a place I've never been! Emily grew up in Richmond and after a more formal session at the VMFA we headed over to Great Shiplock Park for some casual pictures. This was my first time at the park and am excited to add it to my list of locations! Although we were racing the sun we managed to get some great pictures before we lost the light completely. We almost didn't get into the park. Rocket's Landing was having a Memorial day celebration and the parking lot was closed. The nice police officer let us go in and check for a spot and as luck would have it we found one! The best part of the night, as we were leaving, was the view of fireworks. Many unplanned events occurred that evening which could have really put a damper on things, but in the end it turned out just perfect! Things happen for a reason. Emily & Travis thank you for a wonderful evening and for being so flexible and calm! I cannot wait for your wedding!  

View Emily & Travis's Wedding Here!

Jenny & Danny Engagement | Hanover VA | Sarah Kane Photography

Horses, barn, and a field of tiny yellow flowers. What more does a photographer need to be in heaven? Throw in an awesome laid back couple and you have yourself a mighty fine night for an engagement shoot!  I have really lucked out this season with my couples. I must attract very easy going people! 

 When I pulled in and saw the back drop that I was about to photograph I wanted to drop my camera (ok set it down ever so gently) and begin twirling through those flowers singing "the hills are alive" (one of my all time favorite movies by the way).  Instead I composed myself and just took it all in quietly. I wonder what Jenny & Danny would have done if I had pulled a Fraulein Maria on them? Anyway, it was a gorgeous night, a spectacular setting and yet another amazing couple! Oh I almost forgot, Sky, my furry new friend. All it took was a pocket full of treats and we were pals! I'm very excited for Jenny & Danny's wedding in October which will be at another beautiful barn! No doubt the scenery will be as breath taking as their engagement session! 

Kaitlin & Brian | Engagement at Maymont Richmond Va | Sarah Kane Photography

Even though we happened to pick the first hot day of the season Kaitlin & Brian's engagement session turned out to be beautiful! We started things off at Kaitlin & Brian's home in Richmond with their 2 babies Sully and Oliver. There's nothing quite like a welcome from a big loving dog who thinks he's a lap dog! I was kissed from head to toe! Sully and Oliver the cat were both  dressed for pictures sporting the cutest little bow ties. I couldn't believe how cooperative they were!

Kaitlin & Brian's yard was absolutely beautiful! Brian built a gorgeous deck himself and did all of the landscaping. It was very impressive!  Perfect for a photo shoot right down to the newly hatched baby birds snuggled in their nest. We could have done the entire session right in their back yard, but we headed over to Maymont, one of Richmond's greatest treasures, for some more formal pictures.

I have been so amazed this season by how wonderful my couples have been.  Kaitlin & Brian are no exception! They were fun and so easy to  work with.  I love engagement sessions so much, they make me even more excited for the actual wedding!  There is no doubt that Kaitlin & Brian's wedding this October will be filled with nothing but joy and love and I simply cannot wait! 

Time to play!

There's nothing better than snuggling in a hammock with someone you love!

Uh oh!!

Oh yes he did and nobody fell out of the hammock! Amazing...

Jeannine & Bryan | Sunday Park Midlothian VA | Sarah Kane Photography

Another gorgeous day at Sunday Park in Midlothian with an adorable couple! Not only did we have perfect weather, but the light was spectacular as well.  This was my first official shoot with my infamous snow! I didn't tell Jeannine and Bryan what I had planned, but when I showed up with my mistletoe and snow in a bag I was excited to learn that they are huge fans of snow and Christmas! In fact they are self-admitting Christmas fanatics and really go all out with decorating which made me even happier.  They were dressed in the perfect colors too. Jeannine's tights covered in little black bows were absolutely adorable!  I love when everything just comes together.  They were so cute during our session and especially at the end when I pulled out my "Bag O' Snow".  I love how a little bit of magic from your childhood can turn grown adults into giddy carefree kids again. It was a happy day for all and I had so much fun. Thanks for indulging me Jeannine and Bryan!

Rachel & Chance Engaged | Sunday Park Midlothian VA | Sarah Kane Photography

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Meet Rachel and Chance!  It was so nice getting to know them. They are new to Richmond and I jump at the opportunity to introduce people to all of the cool things that I love about this awesome city!  Although I'm not a native to the area, in the six years I've been here, I've completely fallen in love.  Being an on location photographer has allowed me to see so much that this city has to offer.

Just South of Richmond is the quaint and peaceful Sunday Park in Midlothian. This is the place to go when you need to escape the busy life of city living. The best time to be at Sunday Park is an hour before sunset.  The golden light creates such a romantic scene.  It's like being surrounded by a thousand burning candles.  If you really want to tip the romance meter then have dinner at The Boat House, on the deck, overlooking the reservoir.  You will fall in love all over again!

This was quite the perfect place for an engagement session!   With the mild winter we've had  the weather was great and that golden light I mentioned  was really setting the mood. Rachel and Chance fit the scene just like they were cast in a movie.  They were such a laid back and natural couple that it felt like they belonged right there in the moment.  I'm so glad they found me and I wish them the best as they start a new journey together here in Richmond. I hope they fall in love with it as much as I have!