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A Fresh Perspective on an Atlanta Icon | Jenny & James’ Fall Engagement Session

November 19, 2025 0 Engagements, Piedmont Park
Creative low-angle portrait of Jenny and James with their motorcycles against cloudy fall skies

Piedmont Park is one of Atlanta’s most photographed locations; sunsets, skylines, and sweeping greens that draw countless couples year after year. And while it may be familiar terrain for us, each engagement session gives us an opportunity to see it completely anew. Jenny and James’ fall engagement session was the perfect reminder that when two people bring their personality, passion, and story to the space, the park transforms. It becomes their backdrop, their adventure, their moment in time.

And in this case? That adventure started on two motorcycles.

Motorcycles, Cloudy Skies, and the Start of Something Epic

James has a deep love for motorcycles—so starting the session with both of them riding into Piedmont Park on their bikes set the tone for the entire shoot. His bright yellow Honda was especially eye-catching, adding an unexpected pop of color against the moody, early-evening clouds.

We embraced that atmosphere from the start. Cloudy skies can be unpredictable, especially in the fall, but they also create soft, cinematic light that’s perfect for bold, editorial-style portraits. So we leaned into it–positioning the bikes in open spaces, experimenting with silhouettes, reflections, and low-angle compositions to build images that felt more personal than your typical Piedmont Park engagement session. The bikes weren’t just props–they were part of their story.

Moody portrait of the couple during overcast skies at the start of their engagement session
James standing next to his yellow motorcycle while Jenny flirting with him during their session.
James sitting on his yellow motorcycle while Jenny embraces him during their session.
Close-up detail shot of the motorcycle mirrors during Jenny and James’ engagement session.
Jenny and James embrace in background against moody skies with motorcycles in the foreground

Reimagining Piedmont Park for an Adventurous Couple

Even though we photograph many engagement sessions at Piedmont Park, our goal is always the same: make it feel one-of-a-kind for each couple. No repetition. No copy-and-paste moments. For Jenny and James we intentionally avoided the well-known, overly photographed corners and opted instead for unique vantage points—angles that emphasize connection, movement, and the surrounding textures of fall.

From tree-lined paths wanting to show their full fall color, to hidden bends overlooking the skyline, to open greens where the motorcycles added structure and personality, we looked for ways to make the familiar feel unexpected. That’s the beauty of this park: with the right creative direction, it becomes a blank canvas every time.

When the Clouds Parted — Fall Sunlight That Changed Everything

Golden hour sunlight breaking through the clouds while Jenny and James walk through Piedmont Park.

Just when we all thought the session would stay cool and overcast, the clouds suddenly broke open. The sun burst through in warm, golden waves, turning the entire landscape into something special. This is the kind of moment photographers dream of, unpredictable, but absolutely unforgettable when it happens.

Jenny and James lit up right along with the sky. We shifted gears quickly (a benefit of years shooting in this park!), making the most of that last-minute sunset glow before it slipped away. The light gave us luminous, romantic portraits with the skyline behind them—a completely different feel from the bold motorcycle images we began with.

It was the perfect balance of soft and edgy, editorial and effortless.

Jenny and James walking down path at Piedmont Park engagement session
couple embrace along tree lined fall foliage and lakeside at Piedmont Park
Editorial-style engagement photo of the couple framed by the trees at Piedmont Park.
couple laughing along lake during fall engagement session at Piedmont Park
Fun and playful photos of Jenny and James during fall engagement session at Piedmont Park

After Dark — Artistic Night Portraits to Close the Session

As the sun dipped beyond the horizon, we weren’t done just yet. Piedmont Park at night takes on a new rhythm, quiet, reflective, full of depth. We transitioned into a more artistic, intimate frames, capturing the city lights twinkling through the trees and using controlled lighting to create drama, cinematic portraits.

These are always some of our favorite frames of any session. There’s boldness to nighttime photography that aligns beautifully with couples who love adventure—and Jenny and James were fully in the moment, soaking in the last minutes of their session together.

engaged couple silhouette against moody golden hour skies
Romantic portrait of the couple framed by trees and soft evening light.
Editorial-style portrait of Jenny and James taken along a quiet path in the park.
Artsy and creative close-up photo of couple between large burgundy fall leaves at Piedmont Park

A Session That Was Uniquely Theirs

What made this Piedmont Park engagement session unforgettable wasn’t just the location or the weather or the bikes—it was the way Jenny and James made the experience their own. They brought energy, excitement, and a story worth telling, which allowed us to create images that feel personal, elevated, and genuinely reflective of their relationship.

At Viridian Images Photography, our goal is always to go beyond the expected. Even in the most iconic Atlanta locations, we strive to craft something new–something bold, artistic, and deeply connected to the couple in front of our cameras.

Jenny and James’ session was the perfect example of that spirit. Want to see more? Take a look at the highlight reel.

Ready to Plan Your Unforgettable Engagement Session?

Whether you’re dreaming of an adventurous session that feels true to your story or you’re searching for a creative, editorial approach to your wedding photography, we’d love to connect. At Viridian Images Photography, every couple receives an intentional, tailored experience designed to feel effortless, elevated, and deeply personal.

If Jenny and James’ session inspired you, reach out and let’s begin crafting something uniquely yours. We can’t wait to hear your story.

Arabia Mountain Engagement Session | Stormy Skies and Diamorpha Blooms

April 24, 2025 0 Engagements
couple looking off distance at sunset top of mountain storm clouds

A Spring Engagement Session at Arabia Mountain

If you’re dreaming of a unique and cinematic backdrop for your engagement photos, Arabia Mountain in the springtime might be your perfect choice. When we met up with Emily and Charles for their session, the mountain’s otherworldly rockscape was painted with the vivid red of blooming Diamorpha. Add in the drama of gathering storm clouds and the magic of sunbeams breaking through — and we had the kind of setting that every photographer dreams about.

A Love Story told Through Light and Weather

As we started the session, the sky was already heavy with the promise of a spring storm. The wind picked up, giving movement to Emily’s dress and hair — elements that made their images feel alive and emotionally charged. The clouds created a natural softbox, giving their portraits a rich, moody tone. Then, just as we reached one of the rocky peaks, the clouds parted. Light streamed through in golden ribbons, spotlighting them in one of the most romantic moments of the day.

Golden hour sunbeams shinning through storm clouds onto couple during their spring engagement session at Arabia Mountain
Engaged couple standing on Mountain as storm clouds gather in the distance, creating a dramatic and romantic atmosphere
Engaged couple silhouetted at the top of Mountain with moody skies during spring engagement session
Storm clouds shape the golden hour sun on top of Mountain during engagement photo shoot
Intimate moment during spring engagement session during golden hour stormy skies on top of granite Mountain

The Beauty of Arabia Mountain in the Spring

Springtime at Arabia Mountain is a short-lived treasure. The granite outcroppings come to life with the fiery blooms of Diamorpha — a tiny succulent that turns the landscape into a surreal, red-tinted dreamscape. We took full advantage of the bloom, capturing intimate portraits of Emily and Charles surrounded by nature’s natural confetti.

Red Diamorpha succulents blooming on Arabia Mountain with engaged couple in the background
couple lying on granite rock surrounded by red diamorpha succulents during engagement session
Couple sitting close on the rocky landscape with Diamorpha succulents in the foreground at Arabia Mountain spring engagement photoshoot

How Weather Created a Mood-Driven Photo Experience

Most couples might worry when clouds roll in, but as photographers, we know that unpredictable weather often leads to unforgettable images. The combination of overcast softness and sun flares added texture, contrast, and emotion to every frame. These aren’t just engagement photos — they’re a cinematic love story set to the rhythms of nature.

Styling That Compliments the Landscape

Emily and Charles chose perfectly for the environment. Emily wore a flowing neutral-toned dress that echoed the earthy hues of Arabia Mountain, while Charles kept it classic and relaxed. Their wardrobe allowed them to stand out without taking away from the stunning natural setting.

Bride-to-be's dress caught in the wind on a stormy spring day during engagement shoot
Couple facing each other during engagement session at Arabia Mountain
Engaged couple embrace against rocky landscape of Arabia Mountain
Wide shot of groom-to-be running towards bride against blue skies and clouds during spring engagement shoot on top of Arabia Mountain
Groom-to-be running towards bride on top of granite Mountain during spring engagement shoot
Couple on rocky surface of Arabia Mountain again blue skies during engagement shoot
Wide shot of small couple against big sky on top of granite Mountain during spring engagement session
Editorial-style photos during engagement session at top of Mountain
Fun loving moment of couple laughing during spring engagement shoot on top of Mountain
Couple standing on granite Mountain as storm clouds gather in the distance, creating a dramatic scene
Couple standing on the rocky landscape of Arabia Mountain during their spring engagement photoshoot
Couple walking hand in hand across granite terrain with panoramic spring views
Couple dancing among patches of grass and flora on top of granite terrain during spring engagement photoshoot
Couple dancing while wind picks up dress at the top of Arabia Mountain during springtime engagement shoot.
Romantic photo of couple holding each other with trees filling the background in the distance
Wind-swept moment and sun drenched light during engagement session
Closeup of couple embracing with ring shot during engagement session while storm clouds gather
Hair flowing by the wind of couple hugging on top of a Mountain during spring engagement shoot
Romantic photo of couple during spring engagement shoot against fiery skies after storm
Afternoon sun fills storm clouds with couple reflected in nearby pond at Arabia Mountain spring engagement photoshoot
Romantic embrace of engaged couple during spring session

Creating a Memorable Experience, Not Just Photos

What made this engagement session so special wasn’t just the incredible scenery or lighting — it was how Emily and Charles embraced the moment. From laughing against the wind to leaning into the quiet stillness as the sun dipped below the horizon, they were present with each other. And that’s where the real magic lives — in their connection.

FAQ About Arabia Mountain Engagement Sessions

When is the best time to photograph an engagement session at Arabia Mountain?

Spring is especially beautiful due to the blooming Diamorpha (March—early April), but sunrise or sunset year-round offers the best light and minimal crowds.

Do you need a permit to shoot at Arabia Mountain?

Currently, no photography permit is required for casual portrait sessions. However, always check the Arabia Mountain Heritage Area Alliance website before planning, as regulations can change.

Is Arabia Mountain difficult to hike for a session?

The trail to the best photo spots is relatively easy, about a 1-mile hike with mild elevation. Comfortable shoes are recommended, especially if you’re planning an outfit change!

What should I wear for a session here?

Neutral or earth-toned outfits tend to photograph best and complement the surroundings. Avoid patterns that compete with the natural textures of the granite and flora.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re dreaming of a moody, romantic shoot or want to catch nature’s magic at its peak, Arabia Mountain offers something truly special. Emily and Charles’ engagement session is poof that sometimes, the most unpredictable days lead to the most unforgettable images.

Want to see a little highlight reel from their session? We know you do!

Engagement photos at Cator Woolford — Atlanta, GA | Fatima and Sunny

June 27, 2023 0 Cator Woolford, Engagements
romantic couple shoot through elephant ear leaves

Nestled in the heart of Druid Hills, the Cator Woolford Gardens offers a rare glimpse into 1920s Atlanta. This lush oasis is one of the few viable estates still standing in the city today, and is virtually untouched by city sprawl. Once the home of Cator Woolford, a principal founder of what is now known as Equifax, the Italian-style gardens serve as an amazing backdrop for Fatima and Sunny’s engagement photos infused with decades of classic beauty and Southern charm.

couple smiling captured through magnolia leaves
smiling southeast asian couple bashful along with ring shot captured from above
epic staircase photo of power couple captured from below
elegant southeastasian couple strolling through garden pathway
southeast asian couple in formalwear along garden path
groom whispering to bride from behind dressed in formalwear at cator woolford garden
southeast asian couple holding hands back to back between elephant ear leaves

Thank you Fatima and Sunny for an amazing afternoon photographing your engagement session at Cator Woolford.

Engagement photos at Ponce City Market — Atlanta, GA | Kristen and Seth

January 4, 2023 0 Engagements, Ponce City Market
romantic couple against stairwell

Ponce City Market is the “go to” location for locals and visitors alike to get a sense of what is Atlanta. Also it’s a great place to go have your engagement photos taken if you’re looking for an indoor place on a rainy day.

Although Ponce City Market is a busy location (located in the Old Fourth Ward neighborhood along the Atlanta BeltLine, across from Historic Fourth Ward Park, and walking distance from Virginia-Highland, Poncey-Highland, and Midtown), if you know the area and its unique nooks and crannies well, it can yield a lot of creative images. As photographers, we need to quickly think on our feet for this to happen and for couples like Kristen and Seth to have an amazing experience. Enjoy our lovely couple’s engagement session at Ponce City Market!

Taking advantage of the unique murals along the way.

Finding a quiet stairway for some alone time in a busy place as Ponce City Market.

Atlanta is full of artists and we get so excited when new ones show up and how we can play along.

Come bring us along for your engagement photos and experience what we and Atlanta have to offer. You will be asking where “did the time go”?

Emory University Engagement Photos — Atlanta, GA | Nadine and Reza

August 26, 2022 0 Engagements
boy and girl walking down street yellow stripe

An engagement for the books!

There’s a great love story about to be told. It’s a story of love/hate and it goes a little something like this. Nadine and Reza met through a mutual friend at Emory. It was the first day of classes of junior year and actually walking between classes through campus. It didn’t start off well as Nadine recalls but her friend suggested they ask Reza to help them with homework, something happened. Could they actually bond over something as simple as similar music style? Nadine accepted a date with Reza and they went out for dinner, ice skating and star gazing via a star projector on the ceiling. Seven years later, here they are!

What better place for their engagement session than where it all started. And we can’t agree more.

couple passing each other on street looking back
couple meet middle of street yellow stripe
couple foreground facing each other initial and heart drawn on chalkboard
boy sitting classroom staring at girl
couple about to kiss in classroom auditorium
couple hug between lobby pillars
man kisses woman closeup

How did Reza propose?

In November, Reza whisked Nadine away to Chateau Elan for two nights as a “decoy” to make her think that’s where he would propose. As they headed back to Atlanta, Reza rented out the ice skating rink where they had their first date, flew her family in from Los Angeles and proposed to her on their 6 year anniversary. Nadine described it as incredible.

couple portrait among ferns
backlit portraits among ferns kissing
couple hugging from behind through ferns
couple coming out of mathematics building at emory

What are you most excited about for your wedding?

Nadine said she most excited to see their friends and family from all around the US and Canada come together for the first time and celebrate with them. And then they’re REALLY excited to escape it all and go on their honeymoon adventure! Where could that be?

Doesn’t this scene give you a little Harry and Meghan vibe?

couple sitting on marble stairs outside of mathematics building emory
creative reflection between arches outside mathematics building
couple hugging front of carlos museum
couple walking sidewalk carlos museum emory

Has this session got you wanting more? Check out a little video slideshow.

How was your overall engagement session experience with Viridian Images Photography?

Nadine confessed they have so little time where they get to hang out for 2-3 hours uninterrupted so for them it was an amazing bonding experience at minimum. “We really loved your energy and patience with us.” She continued saying “your ‘photographer’s mind’ was always churning and you were so creative with us and the final photos are truly incredible”. Awwww, words like these makes us work that much harder for all our couples. This is exactly what our aim is.

Nadine and Reza, you two are an absolutely unbelievable couple and we can’t wait to photograph your wedding at the Four Seasons Atlanta.

Stone Mountain Park Engagement Photos — Atlanta, GA | Emily and Jimmy

June 18, 2020 0 Engagements
couple having fun covered bridge

Stone Mountain Park is usually crawling with tourists and locals on a spring afternoon. However, with rain in the forecast the park was surprisingly empty as we decided to move forward and meet up with Emily and Jimmy for their long-awaited engagement photo session.

With 3200 acres of scenic views, a colorful shopping and dining village, a covered bridge, a historic old mill and of course, the mountain; this is one of the best locations for an engagement shoot in Atlanta. Not to mention a great place for wedding photography overall.

We had already spent some time getting to know this couple before today’s session and it was clear from the start, they had an unbreakable connection. How they met is an interesting story.

Jimmy messaged Emily on eharmony.com and she agreed to meet up for a coffee date. They immediately hit if off. She laughed at all his stories and Jimmy was simply thankful to have met a southern gal. Later that day when Jimmy got back home; he changed his eharmony profile and never looked back. They dated for several weeks before officially becoming a couple and the rest is history. We hope you enjoy this spring engagement session in Atlanta, Georgia. Please be sure to check out our Facebook and Instagram for updates on the latest with Viridian Images Photography, Atlanta’s premier wedding photography. If you’re recently engaged and ready to create unique images for your wedding journey; contact us now to secure your dates!

romantic engagement portrait on ledge stone mountain park
romantic, playful couple portrait stone mountain park atlanta engagement
couple walking under cherry tree holding hands engagement photo stone mountain park
romantic, intimate, sultry couple photo engagement stone mountain park
couple on stone wall in stone mountain park engagement photo
couple smiling flowering trees in stone mountain park atlanta engagement photo
couple hugging through flowering trees in stone mountain park engagement photo
romantic couple flower bush in stone mountain park engagement photo
couple swaying front of red barn door in stone mountain park engagement photo
couple romantic hugging front of red barn door in stone mountain park engagement photo
bride smiling at groom red barn door in stone mountain park engagement photo atlanta
creative couple bride looking at groom foreground, background in atlanta stone mountain park engagement photo
couple reflection barn in atlanta stone mountain park engagement photo
couple hugging brick arches smiling in atlanta stone mountain park engagement photo
couple laughing down stairs in stone mountain park atlanta engagement photo
shoe closeup on covered bridge in stone mountain park atlanta engagement photo
couple playful keeping balance covered bridge in atlanta stone mountain park engagement photo
romantic couple face to face covered bridge in atlanta stone mountain park engagement photo
romantic couple through covered bridge in stone mountain park engagement photo
silhouette black and white couple looking at each other covered bridge in atlanta stone mountain park engagement photo
couple reflection covered bridge in stone mountain park atlanta engagement photo
couple sitting on stone stairs dusk in stone mountain park atlanta engagement photo
creative photo couple back to back on stone stairs engagement photo in stone mountain park atlanta
couple back to back on stone stairs in stone mountain park atlanta engagement photo
couple laughing back to back on stone stairs engagement photo session stone mountain park atlanta
couple walking along stone path atlanta stone mountain park engagement photo
couple hugging water wheel lake in atlanta stone mountain park engagement photo

Athens GA Engagement | Andrew + Danielle

June 13, 2017 0 Engagements

Puppy Love

Andrew and Danielle first met their junior year of college. A few of their common interests include raising puppies for the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind, marching in the University of Georgia‘s Redcoat Marching Band, and were both science majors.

They started attending monthly puppy training classes together and arranged play dates for their dogs before classes. Once the new semester began, they started spending more and more time together. They arranged to take the same classes and attend the same social events. They continued together after graduation. In 2015, Danielle and Andrew moved to Florida where Andrew began training service dogs for veterans and Danielle entered her Master’s program at Jacksonville University.

While deciding on where they wanted to have their engagement photos taken, they realized there really wasn’t any better place than where it all began. We visited the Georgia Botanical Garden in Athens, passed by a very special park by the lake where they spent most of their free time, then traveled back to their beloved UGA to bring it all back. Congratulations Andrew and Danielle. We can’t wait to photograph your wedding in the North Georgia mountains in the fall.

They are just so cute together.

They had so much fun going back to campus and visiting a few of their special spots.

Even after so many years, they were still nervous crossing the arch.

Roswell GA Engagement | Marc + Meghan

May 26, 2017 0 Engagements

They met…

Marc and Meghan first met in a Marketing class at Georgia College. Meghan was sitting in the front row, and when Marc walked into the classroom, he proceeded to sit down right next to her. Marc then introduced himself with a wide grin and let her know he doesn’t normally like to sit in the front row. That class sparked their friendship that grew into something very special.

After about a year of very close friendship, Marc had been wanting to take Meghan to dinner, so he asked her on a few dates. Not wanting to lose the close friendship they loved so much, she politely declined. However, that didn’t stop Marc from asking her out again. In May of 2013, Marc asked again and she finally agreed to dinner. Marc took her to Piccolo’s Italian Steakhouse. After that date Meghan was just kicking herself for not saying yes sooner, since she realized then how much she cared for Marc and was really falling in LOVE with him. Many more dates followed, and have been more madly in love with each other ever since!Roswell Mill GA Sweet Kiss

Aren’t they the cutest?

Marc and Meghan are just naturals in front of the camera.

The Proposal

After almost three years of dating Marc knew he found the girl he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. It hit him while he was golfing with some friends after they jokingly asked when he was going to “pop the question.” He laughed it off, but then thought, he was really going to marry this girl! A couple weeks later he went to pick out the perfect wedding ring. Meghan loves surprises, so he had to pick out the perfect ring without any help so she wouldn’t find out.

For the next few weeks Marc planned the perfect rooftop proposal at a downtown club in Atlanta. Everything was on schedule until the day of the proposal…Marc received a call at 10 am that he could no longer use their roof.

On April 8th, 2016 while Meghan thought he was at the gym, Marc was frantically driving all over Atlanta to find the perfect spot. Around 1 pm that day Marc remembered another Midtown club with a rooftop terrace! He called the manager and told him his situation and they agreed to keep the club open for an extra hour for Marc to propose. Upon arrival, there was only a bartender, manager and one or two other people at the club. Meghan thought it was strange how empty it was for a Friday, but the bartender played it off casually and told her their table was being prepared in the other room. They were asked to wait out on the terrace. It was an extremely windy day and Meghan had asked if they should go inside to wait. Marc convinced her to stay outside and they got some champagne.

A few minutes later the manager came out and set a cake on their table while they were enjoying the beautiful Atlanta skyline. Meghan tried to let him know that they didn’t order any food, and suddenly looked down and saw “Will you Marry Me”…by the time she turned back around and Marc was on one knee asking her to marry him.

 

I know you want to see more. Click below for a video slideshow from their Roswell Mill engagement session.

We are so excited to see you two again in a few months along with your closest family and friends as you dedicate your lives to each other. Congratulations!

 

Stone Mountain Park, GA Engagement | Eddy and Diandra

October 15, 2016 0 Engagements

We love when our previous couples refer us to their friends. Eddy was a best man at Alex and Yaqui’s wedding we photographed back in 2015. When it was time for him to take the leap into marriage he remembered us and how great we were with his best friend that he had to quickly find out if we were available. We’re so happy to hear that. We want every one of our couples to feel like we are friends and always have their best interest in mind. Thank you Eddy and Diandra for trusting us. Can’t wait for your wedding in April. In the meantime, enjoy their engagement session taking place at Stone Mountain Park.peeking through leaves at couple in stone mountain peeking through leaves at hand at stone mountain park piggy back at stone mountain park

Aren’t they just adorable? They loved playing with each other. No complaints here. walking side by side at stone mountain park couple looking out onto lake at stone mountain park shot under bridge in stone mountain park

They look adorable and felt so comfortable with each other.couple under covered bridge in stone mountain park couple beside covered bridge in stone mountain park

A lovely end to a beautiful fall afternoon at Stone Mountain.couple together near lake at stone mountain park

Check out our video slideshow from this session.

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