I love a good garden engagement session and this one with Sarah and Nick is no exception! They requested a Meadowlark Botanical Gardens engagement session because they enjoyed going on dates to the gardens. This makes it the perfect personal and beautiful choice.

I’ve photographed at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens before –

• Christy and Kyle’s wedding reception at Meadowlark’s Atrium venue
• Evelyn and Alvin’s fall microwedding in the lakefront gazebo
• Lucy and J’s winter wedding featuring portraits around Meadowlark’s Winter Walk of Lights

In fact, I named Meadowlark one of the best wedding venues in Northern Virginia. But I hadn’t photographed a Meadowlark Botanical Gardens engagement session yet. Sarah and Nick’s session crossed that off my bucket list!

When Nick and Sarah initially reached out to me to photograph their wedding + engagement session, I was thrilled. The pair are members of the Youth Apostles and Women Youth Apostles respectively, which are Catholic organizations for those with a special charism of bringing Christ to youth. I have photographed the weddings of other Youth Apostles + Women Youth Apostles in the past, including Rebekah and Dominic’s wedding last summer and my close friend Sara’s wedding last spring. Suffice to say, I love the YAs/WoYAs!

We were fortunate to have beautiful weather, and some pretty blooms forming around the gardens. Meadowlark requires a photo permit during a specified time slot that does not allow for golden hour sessions (unless you booked a wedding at The Atrium where you have unlimited use of the grounds). It was bright and sunny but that just made for more vibrant photos! I especially loved photographing the pair in front of the greenhouse. The leading lines and modern style contrast nicely against the greenery in the background. It’s one of my favorite landmarks for a Meadowlark Botanical Gardens engagement session!

Sarah and Nick will be getting married at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Herndon, followed by a reception at a nearby hotel. I can’t wait to celebrate with them soon!