KASSIDY + BRENT // ENGAGEMENT SESSION // TUSCALOOSA, AL


Planning a Tuscaloosa Engagement Session

When Kassidy first reached out about engagement photos, she mentioned they both work for The University of Alabama and were hoping to incorporate campus into their session. They also loved an urban scene as well as the beauty of the Riverwalk. So we settled on a three-location afternoon: Just Love Coffee, the Riverwalk, and Marr's Spring on campus.


In our planning emails, Kassidy admitted being nervous about our session, which felt important to mention here, because this is a normal experience for most. Having your photo taken isn't natural or typical in daily life (unless maybe you're a celebrity). I reassured her that the first 15 minutes might feel awkward, but that's totally normal. It's a warm-up period where we get to know each other, and I use simple movement-based prompts to get my couples laughing and relaxed as quickly as possible.


Just Love Coffee Cafe

We met at Just Love Coffee at 2:45 PM on a Sunday afternoon. When I arrived, the cafe was busier than expected - students were back for the semester. I asked the barista about photographing inside and they were incredibly gracious, especially considering they were about to close at 4pm. We knocked out some quick indoor shots before heading outside.

Two people sit by large windows in a cafe sharing conversation and coffee in natural sunlight.
A couple sharing an intimate black and white moment together indoors.
A hand reaches for a beverage on a round table by a window with sunlight streaming in.
Abstract black and white motion blur photograph with soft focus and artistic composition.
A cozy coffee shop interior with customers seated at tables near large windows on a sunny day.
A silhouetted couple sitting by large windows in a casual indoor setting.
A series of cafe scenes showing two people engaged in animated conversation by sunlit windows.
A couple sharing an intimate moment by a window in a restaurant booth during sunset.
A couple shares a joyful moment indoors, with one wearing a denim jacket and floral dress.
Close-up of contrasting footwear showing floral dress, burgundy pants, and red heels against gray sneakers.
A couple sits at outdoor tables having a candid conversation in a series of connected photos showing different angles.
Two people having coffee at a cafe table with disposable cups and a black round table surface.
Two people enjoy coffee and conversation at an outdoor cafe patio with metal tables and chairs on a sunny day.

Riverwalk Engagement Photos

The afternoon light was absolutely fantastic. This is why I love scheduling early afternoon engagement sessions in winter - you get that beautiful golden hour glow without it being too dark. From Just Love, we headed down to the Tuscaloosa Riverwalk. I specifically love shooting under the Highway 69 bridge near sunset as it creates this beautiful juxtaposition between urban concrete and nature. The bridge blocks the sun just enough so it's not too bright, but light streams through the gaps beautifully.


Kassidy and Brent have this simmering, subtle passion for each other. They weren't overly affectionate or showy, but you could feel the genuine connection between them. We all hit our stride about 20 minutes in, the session flowed so naturally from that point forward.

A playful couple in casual attire posing on a wooden deck during a photo session.
Skateboarder performs a sequence of tricks on a concrete ledge at a waterfront skate spot during sunset.
A couple in casual attire sharing an intimate moment outdoors during golden hour.
A couple sits together on a concrete ledge overlooking a waterfront on a sunny afternoon.
A couple sits together on a wooden bench overlooking a bridge and river during golden hour.
Couple walking along a riverside path with bridges and buildings in the background during sunset.
A couple dances together on a concrete patio with a bridge visible in the background during sunset.
Dancing figures spin and twirl under an overpass during an outdoor photoshoot at dusk.
Two people share an intimate moment on a bridge walkway at sunset.
Close-up view of denim jacket and red plaid shirt against railing overlooking river at sunset.
Close-up of hands with engagement rings resting on a red and white checkered blanket.
Two people share an intimate dance moment beneath a bridge structure at sunset.
A couple sharing a romantic moment while sitting on a concrete surface during a photo shoot.
A couple shares an intimate moment outdoors, with one wearing a denim jacket and the other in a red plaid shirt.
A romantic sunset photoshoot on a concrete pier overlooking a serene waterfront.
A couple embraces while standing on a concrete walkway near a bridge structure.
An empty concrete patio area with bridge infrastructure visible overhead during evening light.
A couple stands together under a bridge structure near the water on an overcast day.
A couple walks hand in hand along a path with a metal bridge and bare trees in the background.
A couple walking together on a path wearing coordinating red and white outfits on a sunny day.
A couple walks together on a path through a scenic park with bare trees and a lake in the background.
A black and white photo capturing a tender moment between two people in a park setting.
A couple shares an intimate black and white moment outdoors while wearing casual winter attire.
A couple dances and laughs together on a path in a park during sunset.
A black and white photo of a couple in casual attire standing together on a path with bare trees in background.
An intimate black and white close-up portrait of a couple sharing a tender moment together.
Close-up profile shots showing denim jacket and plaid shirt details against a natural outdoor background.
Two people walk together along a riverside path on a winter afternoon.
A romantic outdoor photoshoot featuring a couple in coordinating casual outfits.

Marr's Spring on University of Alabama Campus

Our final location was Marr's Spring on the University of Alabama campus. I had scouted this location a few days before at sunset to check the lighting, and it did not disappoint. The spring and surrounding trees photograph beautifully, even in January when the landscape can be a bit more brown. I was having such a good time with these two that I ended up going over on their session time. This is what happens when you genuinely enjoy spending time with your clients - the creative energy just flows and you don't want to stop.


One sweet detail Kassidy shared during the session - they're planning to elope at some point, but wanted engagement photos to share their news with family and friends. I love when couples do what's right for them, whether that's a big wedding or an intimate elopement.

Two people walking together on a paved path through a park during autumn with fallen leaves on the ground.
A couple stands together on a wooden bridge in a park, wearing coordinating plaid and floral outfits.
A couple shares a tender moment on a wooden bridge at sunset, with her wearing a floral dress and him in a plaid shirt.
Romantic couple embraces on wooden bridge pathway surrounded by trees at dusk.
A couple wearing burgundy plaid and floral prints share joyful laughter while standing outdoors under trees.
Couple in coordinating red and white outfits share an intimate moment on a park pathway.
Couple poses together on stone-walled pathway during golden hour in an urban park setting.
A romantic couple in buffalo plaid and floral attire share tender moments in a black and white photo series.
Couple in plaid shirt and floral dress share intimate moments during sunset photo session in park.
A black and white photo captures a couple sharing a joyful embrace outdoors.
A couple shares tender moments in a series of romantic sunset photos wearing red plaid and floral prints.
A couple in floral dress and plaid shirt share playful moments among autumn trees at sunset.
A couple embraces and laughs together while standing in a park with fallen leaves during golden hour.
Couple walking together on winding park path during golden hour with bare winter trees.
A couple poses by a lake at sunset, with sunlight filtering through trees behind them.

Tuscaloosa Engagement Photography

Sessions like this are exactly what I'm hoping to book more of - couples who want beautiful photos but also value the experience of the session itself. If you're looking for Tuscaloosa engagement photography that feels natural and unhurried, I'd love to photograph your session.


Popular Tuscaloosa engagement session locations include the Riverwalk, University of Alabama campus, Capitol Park, the Arboretum, The Federal Building, Lake Nicol, Lake Harris, and local coffee shops like Just Love Coffee. I'm always happy to scout locations and provide recommendations based on your style.


Congratulations Kassidy and Brent - I can't wait to see what your elopement looks like!


Looking for a Tuscaloosa engagement photographer? Contact me here to start planning your session.