Christina & Brandon’s Longwood Gardens Engagement session was perfecto! I know the gardens well, and I am typically there a few times a year with couples. Late fall and spring are fantastic times of the year for sessions there.
We went right around an hour before sunset, which offers the most incredible light for Longwood Gardens engagement sessions. Also, I always tell my brides to wear comfortable shoes or bring sandals with them because we are going to put a serious amount of steps on their FitBit.
To keep it lighthearted and fun there are always some fun people to get a quick photobomb with when shooting there. We grabbed a foreign couple that did not speak much English, and I think we scared them because they walked away real quick after taking two photographs. It is always a good time no matter where we are.
One of my favorite areas at Longwood Gardens is the open field to the far right. It is beautiful, and there is such a beautiful open space. In the fall all the trees in sight turn different shades of oranges, yellows, and reds. Also, there are all these paths that you can walk around. Be careful though because they do go on for almost a mile so it can suck up your session time.
They have a beautiful GTKY album that we made from their session, and they also have a black and white canvas Wall Art piece from their session. I can’t wait for their wedding this fall at The Carriage House in New Jersey. Then they will be off to their Sandals honeymoon in beautiful Antigua! (Don’t forget that I am also a Sandals Certified Specialist.) It is going to be a fun one!
Photographed mostly with Contax 645 and Kodak Portra 400, and Fujifilm Acros 100. Scans by Richard Photo Lab.
Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania opened in 1906 after Pierre du Pont purchased the property to save a grove of trees that had been marked for logging. Today it spans 1,083 acres, with over 11,000 types of plants, a 4-acre conservatory, and 20 outdoor gardens. The ponds in the far meadow section are one of the most remarkable spots in the fall: every red, orange, and yellow in the tree canopy reflects perfectly off the still water, and the window for peak color is just a week or two. For more engagement and wedding locations throughout the Philadelphia region, see the best Philadelphia wedding venues.
Longwood Gardens Engagement session in the fall
The fall colors at Longwood Gardens are spectacular. They really show up by the two larger pond areas. Each fall color is duplicated with the reflection of the water. There is a short window every fall to achieve these beautiful backgrounds so keep an eye out and get there right away!
Yes please keep your selfie stick in this photobomb!