Engagement photography session, avenue of the oaks, spring hill college


When I got an inquiry email from Alyssa on Tuesday, March 18th asking my availability to shoot at the Avenue of the Oaks at Spring Hill College I was beyond excited... My response was "Can I say YES YES YES more??"


I walked through Spring Hill's Avenue of the Oaks years ago with a girl friend I was visiting. I remember on that visit, which we went solely to admire the stunning street, just how many photographers were shooting photos. I was not shooting professionally then, I didn't even live in the state of Alabama then, but I was determined to come back one day and shoot here. When you see these images, you will 1000% understand why.


Alyssa wanted to get these done during her spring break, which timed up well with me as I had a fairly open weekend (more on that coming in a separate blog post). She also wanted to ensure that we drew John, her fiancé, out of his shell. She wanted a mix of posed and candid styles. Mainly, she really wanted to capture the beauty of the oaks. I couldn't get this session booked fast enough. I sent over a quote with the mileage fee built in, she agreed, and we set the session for Sunday, March 23rd.


Sunday rolls around and I am on my way there with my family in tow from a quick impromptu Orange Beach trip. I always try to arrive to a session early, unless I have back to back sessions preventing this. I arrived 20 mins early, but Alyssa and John had already been there for 25 minutes! I am continually impressed by my clients, y'all!


Some general session notes, it was fairly overcast when I arrived, which was a bummer. However, periodically the clouds would thin, which really helped brighten and warm up the oaks. I was so grateful! Also, this street is BUSY. There are photographers everywhere and cars do actually use this street to get onto campus so you have to be careful. I got some quick tips from a local photographer in the parking lot, which was very kind of her to share.


The session started fairly normal - we are all a little nervous. I am always a little anxious because I want a fantastic session and my clients are usually nervous because, let's face it, most people don't like having their picture taken. This session is no exception to those rules. However, it was evident to me fairly quickly that these two were naturals and we all lightened up almost immediately. Alyssa said they had taken professional photos together once before. They nailed every prompt I threw at them. The only exception being, I very poorly guided them through how to do a dip. Which is something I want to add - if you are not getting something, in my opinion, it is 100% on your photographer. If I cannot confidently guide you through a pose, I shouldn't be asking you to do the pose. I take full accountability for a pose or a prompt not working. I think clear direction and guidance is a must in your photographer. I was able to remedy the situation later in the session after sneaking a quick YouTube video while Alyssa changed outfits.


The session was just a dream. There is so much to work with here to build interesting composition into your images, not just on the Avenue itself. This campus offers many other options for photos that we didn't even pursue. Alyssa and John also completely trusted me in my process, which made for such a truly enjoyable session. I do anticipate I will have future sessions here. If I'm not careful I am going to get coined 'the tree photographer' because I am always looking for ways to incorporate trees in my compositions.


Can I just say I LOVE LOVE LOVE engagement sessions? There is so much tender affection and excitement that gets brought to an engagement session. Their love radiates from these photos. There are like 50 more pictures I want to share from this session, too. It was SO good. However, out of respect for the client's wishes, I am only sharing those she has shared herself so far. I will add photos later, once she has been able to print and then mail out her save the dates.


Thank you, Alyssa and John, for the opportunity!


This post was originally published on 03/26/25 but was republished on 7/14/25 when I migrated to a new site. I also added more photos :)

Couple stands together on path beneath canopy of oak trees and pink azaleas.
Couple enjoying moment together under large oak trees with blooming azaleas.
A couple walks together under oak trees on grass with pink azalea flowers blooming in the background.
Two people stroll hand in hand beneath sprawling oak trees with pink azaleas in the distance.
A couple in casual attire walking together under a canopy of oak trees with scattered flowers in the background.
A playful moment captured between two people laughing under oak trees.
Two people dancing playfully on grass beneath oak trees.
A couple sharing a romantic embrace under oak trees in a park setting.
Two people dancing joyfully under oak trees with pink flowers in the background.
A couple walks along a path under oak trees on a sunny day.
Two people playfully giving piggyback rides on a path under oak trees.
A cheerful piggyback ride moment captured under oak trees in a park setting.
Playful couple engages in piggyback ride along tree-lined path with blue shirt and floral dress.
Dancing couple in light blue and floral print outfits share sweet moments under oak trees.
Romantic couple dance and embrace on path beneath blooming trees.
Couple in coordinating blue outfits share intimate moments under oak trees.
Sweet couple embraces while posing under sprawling oak trees.
Intimate couple sharing tender kisses under oak trees wearing coordinated casual outfits.
Couple in blue and floral outfits share romantic moments under trees.
Tender embrace between couple in casual wear under sprawling oak branches.
Couple in matching outfits dance playfully on tree-lined path.
Couple in coordinated outfits share playful moments on path beneath oak trees.
A couple poses outdoors in coordinated blue outfits during a romantic photoshoot.
A couple sits close together on gray steps, smiling at the camera.
A couple shares a relaxed moment sitting on outdoor stairs of a white building.
A couple shares an intimate moment while sitting on dark steps outdoors.
A couple stands between white columns on a porch during a sunny day.
A couple embraces between white columns during an outdoor photoshoot.
A couple stands by green shutters during a casual outdoor portrait session.
A playful couple holds hands back-to-back in a garden setting.
A couple holds hands and laughs together in a sunny outdoor setting.
An intimate moment between a couple during an outdoor portrait session.
A romantic outdoor shoot in a garden showing a couple in casual attire kissing and embracing.
A couple poses and shares affectionate moments in a sunny outdoor garden setting.
A couple shares a fun dip-style dance move in a grassy outdoor setting.