I’ve photographed a lot of engagement sessions, and I can say that this was one of my all time favorites! Beya and Kelly opted for to do their engagement photos in Philadelphia at Longwood Gardens. Beya thoughtfully planned to have a classic car. Best of all, she surprised Kelly with an emotional counterproposal! 

Fall Engagement Photos with a Surprise Proposal

I met up with Beya and Kelly in November to take their engagement photos in Philadelphia. November can be a tricky month for photos because the weather is a bit less predictable than earlier in the fall. We lucked out and got some fall color despite the cool wet weather leading up to our session. You can see some splashes of orange and gold in the background of many of the photos. 

We started Beya and Kelly’s engagement at Longwood Gardens. Longwood Gardens is a popular spot for engagement photos, and it’s easy to see why. The grounds and greenhouses are just gorgeous. The du Pont family bought the land in the early 20th century and established gardens with elaborate architectural pieces and extensive greenhouses. Walking around feels like being in another world.

Often people who choose Longwood Gardens for their engagement photos in Philadelphia want to do photos in the greenhouses. They’re beautiful, but I loved doing something different with Beya and Kelly. We walked around the arches and walkways outside. They have the feeling of an Italian villa. These photos could just as easily have been taken in Tuscany as Pennsylvania.

If you like the idea of a Longwood Gardens engagement session, here are a few things to keep in mind.

• As of March 2025, the venue only allows outdoor sessions.
• Photo sessions require a permit and reservation. The permit costs $250.
• Your photographer will have to show proof of insurance.

You can learn more about the rules around photography sessions at Longwood Gardens here.

Longwood Gardens is in Kennett Square, about an hour outside of Philadelphia. It’s a bit of a trip but so worth the experience.

An Editorial Session at Longwood Gardens

We spent a lot of time walking around the grounds. Beya and Kelly were game for some more editorial posing. That worked really well with the architecture and the late autumn atmosphere.

I love that Beya wore a veil for these engagement photos in Philadelphia. This gallery almost looks like an elopement. We got to try out some of the photos and poses that Beya and Kelly might want on their wedding day. The photo of Beya and Kelly kissing under the veil is classic. 

Beya did such a good job making sure everything was in place for this session. She even rented a classic car for some more editorial photos. The car makes their engagement photos look almost like a magazine spread. I can’t tell you enough how much fun we had making the most of the car for the photoshoot! 

Kelly thought that we were just doing engagement photos in Philadelphia. She didn’t know Beya had other plans – a counterproposal! Beya and I arranged it ahead of time so that, when it was the perfect time, she’d grab the ring. 

The whole experience was so sweet and sentimental. Kelly really had no idea that Beya was planning a proposal. Now they both have rings to wear leading up to their wedding. Beya’s thoughtfulness blew us away. I felt really lucky to get to document it all.

More Ideas for Engagement Photos in Philadelphia

Want some more ideas for your Philly engagement photos? This city is full of incredible places to document your love. Here are some of my favorites.

Longwood Gardens

Yes, I know this whole blog post was about a Longwood session, but hear me out. Longwood Gardens is stunning in the spring. The romance kicks up about ten notches. Check out this flower-filled engagement session.

Fishtown

If you want that vibrant city energy in your photos, Fishtown is ideal. It’s full of funky restaurants, shops, and murals. You can turn your dream laidback afternoon into an engagement session like this one. 

Old City

Old City gives classic historic Philly. The lovely parks, grand architecture, and cobblestone streets have an irresistible charm. It’s beautiful anytime of year, but I especially love it for spring sessions like this one. 

Would you like me to photograph your engagement photos in Philadelphia? I’m a New Jersey wedding photographer who will document your love with joyful, eclectic images. Inquire with me!