Golden Hour Romance at Maymont Park | Jonaé & Erin’s Richmond Engagement Session
When we first met Jonaé and Erin, we could tell right away that their connection was something special. The way they laughed together, finished each other’s sentences, and shared quiet, knowing smiles, it’s the kind of chemistry that makes photographing couples feel effortless. Their engagement session at Maymont Park in Richmond, VA was everything we love about RVA: timeless beauty, a hint of adventure, and golden light that wrapped around them like a warm embrace.
For this session, we wanted to tell their love story in a way that felt natural and true to them—unposed, genuine, and full of quiet moments in between. Maymont, with its winding paths and beautifully designed gardens, offered the perfect blend of elegance and playfulness for these two.
Exploring Maymont Park in RVA
If you’ve ever wandered through Maymont Park, you know it’s a dream for photographers and couples alike. The property stretches across 100 acres in the heart of Richmond, with a mix of sweeping lawns, stone bridges, waterfalls, and historic architecture. It’s one of those places where every turn offers a new backdrop, and on this particular day, the light seemed to follow us everywhere we went.
We started the session in the Italian Garden, one of the park’s most iconic locations. With its tiered fountains, symmetrical walkways, and views overlooking the James River, it’s hard not to feel a bit transported. Jonaé and Erin arrived hand in hand, perfectly styled and glowing with excitement. Their first outfit was dressy but comfortable—something that let them move freely and still looked effortlessly chic.
We encouraged them to walk slowly through the pathways, stopping now and then to admire the flowers or steal a kiss. Sometimes, we don’t even have to direct our couples much; we just follow along, capturing the quiet in-between moments. That’s exactly how it was with these two. There’s a gentleness to the way Erin looks at Jonaé, and a spark in the way Jonaé makes Erin laugh. Watching them interact felt like seeing a private love language unfold right in front of our lenses.
The Italian Garden Magic
As we made our way toward the stone balustrades, the sun began to dip lower in the sky, softening into that golden hue photographers dream of. We played with the light filtering through the trees, using it to highlight the textures of the garden and the warmth between them.
After capturing a few portraits around the columns and archways, we made our way down to the lower paths where roses and greenery framed every shot. Maymont’s Italian Garden has such a timeless quality—it feels like a little slice of Europe hidden in the heart of RVA.
The Japanese Garden is one of our favorite parts of Maymont Park. It’s peaceful and full of small surprises—winding paths, bamboo groves, and a waterfall that makes you forget you’re in the middle of a city. We followed them across the arched bridge, where the water reflected the warm tones of the sky. The light at this point was absolute perfection—golden, hazy, and gentle.
We asked them to simply walk, talk, and take it all in. The two of them fell into step naturally, their hands brushing, the kind of easy rhythm that comes from years of knowing one another. We love capturing that kind of comfort—the quiet, grounded love that doesn’t need to perform for the camera.
The Rings
Before we wrapped up the session, we took a few close-up shots of their engagement rings. Both rings were beautifully chosen and unique—just like the two of them. Amanda balanced them carefully in a spruce tree, catching the sunset as it filtered through the needles. There’s something so symbolic about photographing rings in a place like Maymont—where nature, architecture, and love all come together.
Golden Light and Golden Hearts
As the evening settled in, we walked back toward the open lawns where the last bits of sunlight lingered. The sky turned a soft orange and pink, casting everything in warm tones that felt like they were made just for them.
Sometimes the most beautiful photos come when we stop trying to make them happen. Jonaé and Erin’s engagement session was full of those in-between moments—the quiet laughter, the unspoken love, the way they simply fit and enjoy each other's company.
Why We Love Engagement Sessions in Richmond
Every time we shoot in Richmond, we’re reminded why it’s one of our favorite cities for engagement sessions. RVA has this perfect mix of history, art, and nature—all within a few minutes of each other. From the cobblestone streets of downtown to the gardens of Maymont, there’s no shortage of character and charm.
For couples like Jonaé and Erin, Maymont offered a space that felt both intimate and grand. It’s the kind of place that invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and just enjoy being together. Whether we’re photographing engagements, elopements, or weddings, we always look for those spaces that feel true to the couple’s story.
Maymont, with its layered gardens and golden light, is the perfect canvas for love stories like theirs.
A Few Tips for Your Own Maymont Park Engagement Session
If you’re thinking about planning your own engagement session in Maymont Park, here are a few things we’ve learned from photographing there over the years:
1. Plan around the light.
Maymont is beautiful any time of day, but there’s something truly magical about the golden hour right before sunset. The gardens glow, the air feels still, and the colors come alive.
2. Bring comfortable shoes (at least at first).
Between the Italian and Japanese Gardens, there’s a lot of walking—stairs, gravel paths, and a few steep areas. We always recommend starting in comfy shoes and switching to heels or dress shoes once you’re in place.
3. Outfits that complement the setting.
Soft, neutral tones photograph beautifully here, especially against the greenery and stone textures. But if you love a bold color, the Italian Garden’s clean lines make a perfect backdrop for it.
4. Make it personal.
Whether it’s bringing a picnic blanket, a bottle of prosecco, or even your favorite vinyl record for a few shots—personal touches always make your photos feel more you.
5. Don’t rush.
Maymont is best enjoyed slowly. Take your time to explore, laugh, and let the experience unfold. Some of the best photos happen when you least expect them.
Closing Thoughts
As we packed up our gear and watched the last bit of light fade behind the trees, we couldn’t help but feel grateful for the day. Sessions like this remind us why we do what we do—to capture stories that feel real, joyful, and deeply human.
Jonaé and Erin’s Maymont Park engagement session was everything we love about photographing in Richmond, VA: lush gardens, glowing sunset light, and a couple whose love speaks louder than words. We left that evening smiling, already excited to document the next chapter of their story.
If you’re newly engaged and looking for a space that feels both timeless and romantic, Maymont Park is a gem we can’t recommend enough. And if you’re dreaming up your own session in RVA, we’d love to help you plan something that feels uniquely you.
You can see more of our work or reach out to start planning your engagement session at lumieredesoiweddings.com.
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