I was thrilled to finally meet Ariel and Elliott and their English Springer Spaniel Moose in person for their engagement session at the William Paca House and Garden in Annapolis. As an Annapolis wedding photographer, it’s always great when a couple chooses a wedding venue in the capital city for their engagement photos. Ariel had initially wanted to have her wedding at the Paca House but realized it was a little too small for their needs.

Upon arriving at the Paca Garden, we learned that dogs are not allowed on the garden property so my husband John stayed back with Moose until we were ready for him. He didn’t mind since we too have our own English Springer Spaniel named Ginnie.

We first started in the Flower Parterre section which was bursting with striking floral blooms of pink, gold, and lavender. Ariel’s white lace dress perfectly accompanied the colorful floral backdrop and Elliott’s blue checked blazer was also a great combination.

I felt that Ariel’s ring would look great perched on one of the tall Fuschia flower sprigs and after a few tries, my idea worked!

Annapolis Wedding Photographer Engagement Posing Tip

I always like to keep my couples moving and walking because that’s when real interactions and expressions usually occur and this was exactly what happened with Ariel and Elliott. As I followed them through the garden, walking up and down the stone steps toward the Summer House or walking casually across the Chippendale-style bridge over the fish-shaped pond, they shared sweet and tender hugs, laughs, and giggles.

The Summer House is the focal point of the gardens so I really wanted to be sure to capture some moments there.

The afternoon light was perfect for these close-ups of the two of them.

I also grabbed a few sweet moments as Ariel and Elliott strolled through the Muscadine grape vines in the Kitchen Garden.

There really wasn’t any part of the entire Paca Garden that didn’t provide the best backdrop and lighting for these two! It truly is a remarkable outdoor wedding venue in Annapolis.

And then it was time to meet up with Moose who had been patiently waiting for his parents to come back. We spent the last part of their session strolling along the historic streets of Annapolis and taking advantage of the Fall decorations that were around the town.

Ariel and Elliott’s engagement session was so wonderful and easy-going and it was such a pleasure spending time with this beautiful couple (and of course Moose!) to document their love for each other. As I look at their amazing engagement photos, I couldn’t be more excited to photograph their upcoming wedding next June at the Kent Island Resort!