Chrysler Museum Engagement Session Norfolk, Virginia

When I first met these two, I knew instantly that they were something special. Creative, thoughtful, and deeply connected, they bring such an intentional energy to everything they do. Next year we will be celebrating their beautiful marriage at a Renaissance Faire–themed wedding, which I absolutely cannot wait to photograph. They bring an incredible amount of joy to each other, and it’s impossible not to see.

We started their session at the Chrysler Museum of Art in Norfolk, VA, a spot that felt so fitting with its beautiful architecture, soft light, and bold, contemporary art installations. It gave us the perfect blend of editorial and relaxed moments—which, if you know me, is my dream combo. We wrapped up the evening the best way possible: grabbing Guinness and pizza at a local bar, still laughing and chatting well after the photos were done.

Scroll through for some of my favorite frames from the day, and maybe a few ideas for your own engagement session, too!

Couple standing together at the Chrysler Museum in Norfolk, VA, framed between stone columns with vibrant, multicolored fabric art installations suspended from the ceiling above. The woman wears a white blouse and floral skirt; the man wears a blush
Close-up of the back of the groom’s head as the bride rests her hand tenderly on his neck, showing off her pear-shaped engagement ring and blue manicure. Colorful fabric art at the Chrysler Museum blurs in the background.
Couple stands arm-in-arm in front of a classic still-life floral painting inside the Chrysler Museum of Art in Norfolk, VA, sharing a quiet, contemplative moment during their engagement session.
Couple’s silhouettes blurred in the foreground with their foreheads touching, framed against a dramatic Hudson River School-style landscape painting framed in red velvet drapes inside the Chrysler Museum.
Black and white close-up portrait of a couple mid-conversation, with the groom tenderly holding the bride’s face. Her expression is soft and engaged as she looks into his eyes.
Groom poses in front of a large, dramatic painting at the Chrysler Museum, playfully pointing to a glowing figure in the clouds. He wears a blush pink sweater and brown pants, adding a touch of whimsy to the refined space.
Statue of a nude woman in the foreground with a blurred couple holding hands and admiring a vibrant, abstract rainbow-colored mural in the background at the Chrysler Museum’s modern art wing.
Extreme close-up of the couple’s eyes side-by-side in direct sunlight. The groom has a blue eye and septum piercing; the bride has a warm brown eye, green and yellow hair, and a gold nose ring.
Slice of pepperoni pizza being pulled from a metal tray at Cogan’s Pizza in Norfolk, VA. Gooey cheese stretches dramatically, and the bride’s hand, with blue sparkly nails and engagement ring, is mid-action.
Pear-shaped engagement ring placed delicately on a slice of pepperoni pizza, nestled between melted cheese and crispy crust on a pizza pan at Cogan’s Pizza in Norfolk, VA.
A joyful couple at Cogan’s Pizza bar in Norfolk, VA. The woman, smiling widely, wears a green and black plaid dress and headband, holding a pint of Guinness. Her partner, with a long red beard and glasses, looks at her lovingly. The dim lighting and
A close-up of a pint of dark Guinness beer on a wooden table with two engagement rings gently resting in the foam. One is a pear-shaped diamond ring and the other is a gold band. The soft swirl of the foam contrasts with the sparkle of the diamonds,
An engaged couple stands at a pool table inside Cogan’s Pizza bar in Norfolk, VA. Behind them is a vintage-style “Talking Heads” painting of a chimpanzee. The woman leans slightly on the table while the man stands beside her, both dressed in dark coz
A couple poses close together in front of a wall covered in colorful stickers inside Cogan’s Pizza. The woman adjusts her glasses while resting a hand with her engagement ring on the man’s chest. Her expression is playfully serious as the man gazes a
A dramatic and edgy portrait of a couple sitting at a pool table under green bar lights at Cogan’s Pizza. They both look directly at the camera with straight faces, surrounded by walls covered in band stickers. The angle peeks through the billiard ta
A black and white photo of a couple standing close inside Cogan’s Pizza, surrounded by retro stickers and posters on the bar’s back wall. The man is slightly blurred as he turns toward the woman, who looks at him with a loving, soft expression. The g

Tips: What to Wear for Your Engagement Session (and Feel Like You)

Still wondering what to wear for your engagement session? Here are a few tips I like to share with my couples:

  • Start with comfort. You should feel good in your body. If something pinches, rides up, or makes you feel stiff, skip it. Confidence always photographs better than a trend.

  • Choose outfits that reflect your everyday style—just elevated a notch. Think “your best self” version. If you’re a jeans-and-tee kind of person, consider upgrading to well-fitted denim and a structured jacket or silk top. If you’re more vintage or alt, bring it on.

  • Mix it up. If you opt for the standard engagement session, we’ll have time for two outfits. Bring two! Something a little more formal and something casual or cozy for a more laid-back setting. It gives you variety in your final gallery and keeps the energy fresh.

  • Match the vibe, not just each other. Instead of trying to be matchy-matchy, coordinate your color palettes and formality levels. Earth tones always photograph beautifully, and bold accessories or textures add interest.

  • Think ahead about locations. If we’re starting in an elegant space like a museum and ending in a bar or outdoors, plan clothing that transitions well—or plan a quick outfit swap along the way. I have a changing tent that comes in handy for when we’re out and about in the world!

  • Don’t forget your hands. Your ring will likely get a close-up or two, so make sure your nails are clean or polished. This goes for any gender—hands are part of the story. If you’re not a polish person, that’s totally fine! Just throw some lotion on (:

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