If you’re dreaming of a timeless, casual engagement session in St. Augustine, Florida, where cobblestone streets meet Spanish-style architecture and dreamy soft light fills the air, Melanie and James’ downtown session is full of inspiration. This sweet couple wanted a location that felt meaningful, a little historic, and effortlessly beautiful. The place they call home (St. Augustine) was the perfect match.
We explored some of the most charming streets in Florida’s oldest city, including the iconic Palm Row, tucked just off the busier pedestrian paths. With its ivy-covered houses, forest green shutters, and bumpy brick roads, Palm Row is one of my favorite hidden gems for engagement photos in St. Augustine. It feels like you’ve stepped into a European village and it’s always quiet enough for couples to really settle in and have fun with one another.
Melanie and James had such an effortlessly cool ease about them. You can tell they’re best friends first. From the way they laughed as we wandered through the side streets to the soft, quiet moments captured on the brick roads, their love was relaxed, genuine, and deeply connected. That’s something I always aim to bring out in my couples sessions… Photos that feel like you, not just back to back poses.
Why St. Augustine is the Perfect Engagement Session Location
St. Augustine is one of the best places in Florida for an engagement session if you want a mix of vintage architecture and coastal charm. Whether you’re a local or planning a destination wedding nearby, the city offers so many options for romantic backdrops:
- Historic streets like Palm Row and Aviles Street
- Spanish-style facades and textured stone walls
- Ivy-lined alleyways and hidden gardens
- The Bridge of Lions and nearby waterfront views at the Downtown Marina
- Golden hour light streaming through mossy oak trees
We kept things simple and organic for engagement/couples session, allowing them to explore together naturally and just soak in the moment. There’s something so romantic about getting lost in this city with the one you love. It’s intimate, historic, and so photogenic without ever feeling forced.
What to Wear for a Downtown St. Augustine Engagement Session
Melanie chose a backless brown tank top from Zara paired with loose fitting white jeans and sandals that perfectly complimented the soft light and colors of downtown. James kept it classic with a striped button-up and blue jeans, classy yet casual enough to feel like them. My biggest tip for any engagement session in St. Augustine is to dress comfortably but intentionally. Think about how your outfit will look against old stone walls, warm-toned buildings, or in the dappled light under oak trees.
If you’re unsure of what to wear, I’m always happy to help with outfit styling that will photograph beautifully while staying true to your personal vibe.
Planning Your St. Augustine Couples Session
Whether you’re newly engaged, celebrating an anniversary, or just want beautiful photos to document this season of life, St. Augustine is a beautiful backdrop for it all. I recommend planning your session about two hours before sunset for the most flattering light. With any downtown engagement session, buildings tend to block a lot of light so you don’t want to start any later than that.
Some additional things to consider when planning your St. Augustine engagement session:
- Weekdays tend to be quieter in the historic district. If your availability is limited to weekends, plan for a morning session!
- Make sure you’re not scheduling your session during an event (or the nights of lights in the winter time if you can help it)
- Consider grabbing a drink or dinner after your session. There are so many cute restaurants, wine bars, and date night spots nearby (ask me for recommendations!).
Let’s Create Together!
If you’re an engaged couple dreaming of an engagement session in St. Augustine, I’d love to capture this new season of your life! Whether we’re wandering through hidden alleyways, laughing our way through Palm Row, or pausing for a quiet moment under the oaks, your session should feel meaningful, fun, and full of heart.
You can check out more from Melanie & James’ downtown St. Augustine couples session here.
Ready to plan your own session in St. Augustine? Get in touch here and let’s talk about creating photos that feel like memories.
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