Caroline & Pierce’s Scott’s Addition Engagement Session | RVA Wedding Photography
When we think about the perfect Richmond engagement session, Caroline and Pierce’s day in Scott’s Addition is exactly what comes to mind. It had everything—warmth, laughter, a pup who happily stole the spotlight, vibrant murals, local drinks, and of course, that golden RVA sunset. As Charlottesville wedding photographers, we always love traveling a bit east to Richmond, especially for sessions in neighborhoods as colorful and full of character as Scott’s Addition. This area has such an energy to it—murals around every corner, breweries and cideries tucked into old warehouses, and a mix of modern and historic charm that feels distinctly RVA.
Caroline and Pierce wanted their engagement session to reflect their life together in Richmond, which is always our favorite kind of shoot—personal, meaningful, and rooted in the places that already feel like home to them. They live in Scott’s Addition, so the neighborhood was the natural backdrop for telling their story.
A Cozy Start at Home
We began the afternoon at Caroline and Pierce’s condo, which is inside a restored warehouse. As soon as we walked in, we were struck by how much character the space had. High ceilings, wood features, and even a skylight gave us beautiful, natural light to work with. It felt like the kind of space that perfectly reflects Richmond’s mix of historic and modern.
Caroline and Pierce wanted to start with photos that captured what life feels like in their own space. That meant cozy moments in the kitchen, where their pup happily joined in. If you’ve followed our work, you know we’re always thrilled when couples bring their dogs along to sessions. Dogs have a way of lightening the mood and making everything feel more natural. This pup was no exception- he trotted into the photos with that adorable “this is my house too” energy and immediately became a star of the session.
We love that these first photos were so relaxed and real. Caroline and Pierce weren’t posing for the camera as much as they were simply enjoying their time together in a space that felt like them. That’s what engagement sessions are all about, documenting those in-between moments that show who you are as a couple.
Exploring Scott’s Addition
After capturing some sweet moments at home, we headed outside to explore the streets of Scott’s Addition. This neighborhood has transformed so much over the years, but what makes it so photogenic now is its mix of industrial textures, vintage architecture, and of course, the murals.
Every few blocks we found another piece of RVA street art, bold and colorful backdrops that gave each set of photos a totally different vibe. From abstract patterns to huge painted figures, the murals are a big part of what makes engagement sessions in Richmond so unique. When couples lead us to their favorite spots, the photos always feel more personal and connected.
Between the murals and the industrial-style streets, we were spoiled for variety. Caroline and Pierce’s playful energy really came through here—they were laughing, holding hands, and enjoying the process instead of worrying about posing. That ease is what makes photos feel alive.
A Stop at Buskey Hard Cider
From the very beginning of planning their engagement session, Caroline and Pierce knew they wanted to include Buskey Hard Cider. This spot holds a special place in their story, it was one of the first places they went together when they started dating, and it has become one of their favorite hangouts in the neighborhood.
We love when couples incorporate places with personal meaning into their engagement photos. It makes the images more than just pretty pictures—it turns them into a visual scrapbook of your love story. For Caroline and Pierce, Buskey was exactly that.
When we arrived, the bartender welcomed us with the kind of kindness Richmond is known for and even encouraged us to take photos inside. We couldn’t have asked for better hospitality! The industrial-meets-cozy feel of the cidery gave us another completely different setting to work with.
Caroline and Pierce changed into their second outfits before this stop, which we always recommend when couples want variety in their session. The new look paired perfectly with the cidery vibe—casual but chic, a little dressed up without feeling too formal. With ciders in hand, we captured some of our favorite images of the day. There was something so genuine about photographing them enjoying drinks in a place they love, laughing with each other, and toasting to the future.
Chasing the Sunset
After finishing up at Buskey, we continued our walk through Scott’s Addition as the sun started to dip lower in the sky. Golden hour in Richmond is always worth waiting for, and this evening didn’t disappoint. The light softened the brick and concrete surroundings and gave everything a warm, romantic glow.
Our last stop was the huge “Greetings from Richmond, VA” mural, which felt like the perfect way to end the session. It’s one of those iconic RVA backdrops that immediately tells the story of where you are. With the sunset light spilling across the mural, Caroline and Pierce shared a few quiet moments together while we photographed from a distance. The images from this part of the evening felt both cinematic and intimate—big city energy paired with small, personal moments.
Why We Love Scott’s Addition Engagement Sessions
Scott’s Addition is one of our favorite spots for engagement sessions in RVA for so many reasons. The murals offer endless variety, the breweries and cideries give couples a chance to relax and have fun, and the mix of historic warehouses and modern renovations means you can capture both an edgy, urban look and cozy, romantic moments.
But what makes it truly special is when couples like Caroline and Pierce choose it because it’s personal to them. Their home, their neighborhood, their favorite cidery—every part of this session was woven into their real life together. And that’s what we love most about engagement photography. It’s not about staging something that looks perfect, it’s about capturing the places and moments that already matter to you.
Planning Your Own Richmond Engagement Session
If you’re dreaming about your own RVA engagement session, here are a few ideas to make it meaningful:
- Start at home. There’s something so special about photographing couples in their own space. It feels natural and authentic, and it adds a personal touch that no public location can replicate.
- Bring your pup. We’re always here for an engagement session with a dog! They bring so much joy (and unpredictability) to the photos.
- Pick a favorite mural. Richmond murals are iconic, and no two are alike. Choosing one that means something to you can anchor your session in the city you love.
- Stop for a drink. Whether it’s hard cider, a favorite brewery, or a coffee shop, grabbing a drink together during your shoot keeps the mood relaxed and gives you a natural activity for photos.
- Chase the light. Golden hour in RVA is worth planning around. That soft glow adds magic to every photo.
Caroline and Pierce’s Scott’s Addition engagement session was everything we love about RVA photography: meaningful locations, colorful murals, sweet moments with their pup, and the chance to end the day with sunset light spilling across the city. From their warehouse condo to Buskey Hard Cider to the “Greetings from Richmond” mural, every stop told part of their story.
If you’re planning your own engagement session in Richmond, we’d love to help you bring it to life. Whether you want to explore Scott’s Addition, stroll through the Fan, or head down to the river, we’ll help you create photos that feel true to you.
To see more of our work, visit us at lumieredesoiweddings.com. You can also follow along on Instagram @lumieredesoiweddings or on Facebook at facebook.com/lumieredesoiweddings.
If Caroline and Pierce’s story inspires you, reach out—we’d love to photograph your engagement session in Richmond, Charlottesville, or anywhere in Virginia.