The Barn at Reynolda Village is happy to welcome guest blogger, Elsa Judkins of Elsa Judkins Photography. Elsa is the creative genius behind hundreds of amazing images of The Barn at Reynolda Village and Reynolda Gardens. We are grateful for this terrific blog and hope you enjoy these helpful tips! All photos below are courtesy of Elsa. Check out Elsa’s site for timeless, true to color photography.
If you’re planning an engagement session in Winston Salem, there is nowhere quite as picturesque as Reynolda Gardens! With blooming florals, a stunning conservatory, and a historic art museum, it’s a dream location for couples and photographers alike. To help you make the most of your engagement photo experience, here are our top 5 tips for planning the perfect engagement session at Reynolda Gardens.
1. Visit the Gardens Ahead of Time
Before your engagement session, take a walk through Reynolda Gardens with your fiancé or your photographer. Exploring the space ahead of time helps you get a feel for the area. You can see how the lighting looks and choose which backdrops you love the most. Visiting early can also help calm any nerves before your session.
2. Choose the Best Time of Day for Lighting
Lighting is one of the most important factors in creating beautiful engagement photos. Typically couples love shooting for golden hour, either one hour after sunrise or one hour before sunset, for that glowy look. Be mindful of cloudy days and the time change.
3. Take Your Time
One of the best parts about Reynolda Gardens is that there are so many incredible backdrops. You not only have the flower gardens and the conservatory, you also have the Reynolda House Museum of American Art, the fields, The Barn at Reynolda Village, a gazebo in Reynolda Village, the boathouse, and the waterfall. You may not be able to cram all of these spots into one session, so take your time at each spot, making sure to get the best photos instead of just trying to rush off to the next location.
Tip: Don’t forget to book your session on the Reynolda Gardens website. They allow for 1.5 hours of photography, which is plenty of time to include a few location changes and maybe even an outfit change.
4. Coordinate Your Outfits with the Season and Setting
Be sure to choose outfits that help you and your partner stand out, but also match the setting of the gardens. For example, soft pastels work well in spring, while rich earth tones suit more for fall. Flowy dresses and neutral colors always photograph well against the garden’s natural backdrop. Your photographer can help you plan a look that complements both you and the setting.
5. Capture a Close-Up of Your Engagement Ring in the Flowers
Don’t forget the details! The gardens are filled with seasonal blooms that make the perfect setting for an engagement ring photo. Ask your photographer to capture a close up of your ring resting on a flower. This is also a great way to show off your ring on your wedding website or save-the-date announcements.
Plan Your Engagement Session at Reynolda Gardens
Whether you’re a Winston local or traveling in for a special shoot, Reynolda Gardens offers one of the most romantic backdrops in North Carolina for proposals, engagement sessions, and weddings. With its natural beauty, historic architecture, and endless photo opportunities, it’s the perfect place to capture your next chapter together.
Fun Fact: Couples who book their wedding in Reynolda are given a complimentary engagement session. (Permit fee waived - Photographer is additional)
Ready to plan your celebration at The Barn at Reynolda Village? Give us a call at 336.758. BARN or send an email to tabatha@reynoldabarn.com. Find prices and packages on our website and enjoy beautiful images on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook. Hope to see you soon!