Not every engagement session needs to be soft, golden, and straight out of a romance movie. Sometimes, we need a little drama, a little edge, and a whole lot of personality.

Ashley and Greg have booked me for their 2027 wedding at Montaluce Winery in North Georgia, a venue that practically defines classic romance. So, when it came time to plan their engagement session, they wanted to go in a completely different direction. Think retro details, indie-film energy, and photographs that felt equal parts classy, romantic, and unapologetically creative.

Enter the Plaza Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia.

Ashley and Greg traveled all the way from New York to work with me on this session, and the second we stepped inside the historic theater, I knew we were in for something special. The vintage interiors and moody atmosphere gave us the perfect backdrop for images that felt like stills from an independent film. We balanced timeless portraits with experimental compositions, playful moments, and a few delightfully edgy frames.

One of the sweetest parts of this session was hearing Ashley and Greg talk about how much they loved my artistic vision. They kept telling me that my art was their favorite part of working with me, which, if we’re being honest, was a pretty excellent ego boost. It’s such a privilege to work with couples who trust me to create something unexpected rather than simply recreate what they’ve already seen on Pinterest.

Ashley’s parents came along for the adventure, too, and fully embraced their roles as our unofficial production crew. They helped us throw popcorn for some playful shots and captured behind-the-scenes footage while I worked. I felt ridiculously spoiled having an entire little team cheering us on.

And then came one of my favorite moments of the day: recreating a Nosferatu poster hanging inside the theater. With Ashley reclining in Greg’s lap, he leaned down toward her neck, mirroring the dramatic, almost gothic composition of the original poster. Romantic? Yes. A little spooky? Absolutely. Completely them? Without a doubt.

We wrapped up the session in the theater’s lobby photo booth, where Ashley and Greg squeezed in a few pictures together. I even managed to capture some frames of her parents in the booth, which felt like the perfect little ending to a day filled with laughter and creativity.

This is what I love about engagement sessions. They don’t have to be a preview of your wedding day. They can be their own little world, inspired by your favorite films, your shared sense of humor, or simply the art you want hanging on your walls.

I cannot wait to celebrate these two again at Montaluce in 2027. If this session is any indication, their wedding day is going to be EPIC.

If you’re a bit edgy a little bit bold and want something more unique than engagement photos in a field – I might be a good fit for you. You can inquire HERE.