Uptown Charlotte Classy Engagement
There’s something special about engagement sessions in the city. While I often find myself photographing couples in the mountains or more nature-filled settings, getting to switch it up with an urban backdrop is always an exciting change of pace. Jackie & Kevin’s Uptown Charlotte engagement session was the perfect example of how city shoots can feel both modern and timeless, while still capturing the effortless romance between two people in love.
Jackie originally found me through her soon-to-be sister-in-law, Shannon, who also happens to be a friend of mine (shoutout to Shannon—thank you!). From the very beginning, Jackie had a strong vision for what she wanted their engagement session to feel like. She wanted something chic, elevated, and editorial yet still true to them as a couple. She was also completely open to my creative direction, trusting me to bring her vision to life in the best way possible. That level of trust is truly a photographer’s dream because it allows space for the most natural, effortless moments to unfold.
Starting in the Heart of the City
We met up in Uptown Charlotte with a plan. I always encourage my couples to be intentional with their engagement session locations—choosing places that feel special, that align with their personalities, and that will create a cohesive visual story. Jackie and Kevin did exactly that. Every location we chose had a unique charm that complemented their style and vision, giving us the perfect mix of elegance, romance, and city vibes.
Our first stop was outside La Belle Helene, a beautifully designed French brasserie in Uptown. One of my favorite elements here is the stunning light installation on the ceiling, which made for the most incredible, softly glowing backdrop. The warm tones and romantic lighting set the mood for the session right away. We spent some time capturing relaxed, intimate moments, letting Jackie & Kevin settle into the session before heading off to our next location.
From there, we took a slow walk through the city, stopping whenever we found the perfect little pockets of light and architecture. This is one of my favorite ways to photograph engagement sessions in an urban setting—wandering and allowing the environment to inspire us in the moment. Some of the best, most effortless shots happen when couples aren’t overthinking it, but rather just enjoying the experience and being present with each other.
Chic, Timeless Elegance
Once we had everything we wanted at our first location, we all hopped into one car and drove to our next spot—the government buildings in Uptown Charlotte. If you’re someone who loves a classic, European-inspired aesthetic, this is the place to go. The tall, stately columns and elegant stone details provided a completely different feel from our first location, bringing a level of sophistication and grandeur to their session.
One of the biggest advantages of shooting here? It was a Sunday, which meant the area was completely empty. No distractions, no crowds—just Jackie & Kevin soaking up this moment together. This part of the session had a bit of an editorial feel, and I loved how their energy shifted into something even more refined and romantic as they moved through the space.
At this point, Jackie and Kevin did a quick outfit change before we moved to our next destination. I always encourage my couples to consider a wardrobe change during their engagement session because it adds variety and allows for a new level of creativity. For their second look, they leaned into something a little more celebratory—and what better way to celebrate an engagement than with champagne?
A Toast to Forever
Our next stop was The Crunkleton, a beautifully designed cocktail bar with an upscale yet cozy atmosphere. We grabbed a some seats at the bar, and Jackie & Kevin shared a champagne toast—because, truly, what better way to mark such a special milestone? Engagement sessions aren’t just about the photos themselves; they’re about creating memories. Taking a moment to sip champagne together, soak it all in, and just enjoy being engaged made this part of the session feel extra special.
One of the things I love most about working with couples like Jackie & Kevin is that they fully embraced the idea of making this session their own. They weren’t afraid to incorporate elements that felt true to them, and they weren’t concerned with what anyone else might think. If you’re planning your engagement session, let this be your reminder: do whatever makes you happy. Don’t worry about trends, don’t stress about what’s expected—just create an experience that feels like you.
Ending with a Cityscape View
For the grand finale, we headed to the top of a parking garage to capture the Charlotte skyline at sunset. If you’ve never considered a rooftop or parking garage for your engagement photos, let this session change your mind! The clean, minimalistic setting kept the focus entirely on Jackie & Kevin, while the city lights and skyline added a dramatic, cinematic feel to their final shots.
As we were wrapping up, Jackie had one final request—she wanted a few shots wearing a veil with her last outfit. And my answer? Absolutely. Who says veils are just for wedding days? The way it caught the wind and added movement to the images was pure magic, and it was such a fun, unexpected way to close out the session.
Looking Ahead
I left this session feeling so excited for Jackie & Kevin’s wedding this summer. The energy they brought to their engagement session was incredible, and I just know their wedding day is going to be an unforgettable celebration of love. And yes, you best believe that Shannon and I will be out on that dance floor celebrating with them all night long!
Planning Your Own Engagement Session?
If you’re thinking about doing your engagement session in Uptown Charlotte, let’s chat! Whether you want something sophisticated and chic, romantic and intimate, or modern and stylish, there are so many incredible locations to choose from. And most importantly, I want to help you create a session that reflects who you are—not just another box to check off, but a true reflection of your love story.
