Engagement sessions are such a beautiful way to tell your unique love story before the big day. Today, I want to share a Springtime picnic-themed engagement shoot at Uplands Park in Victoria, BC—a perfect backdrop for couples wanting to highlight their unique bond amid the natural beauty of Vancouver Island. Whether you’re looking for inspiration for your own engagement photos or you’re just getting started planning, this blog will take you through every heartwarming detail of this session.

VERY Important Note: These photos were taken during the Camas flower bloom in April. It’s important that we always remember our roles as stewards of the environment. These wild flowers and their delicate blooms are not just pretty to look at, but integral parts of our local ecosystem. Always remember to stay on designated paths and refrain from stepping directly into the Camas fields. Instead, get creative with your angles so you can make it look like you’re in the meadow, while remaining on the path – like we did for this shoot! By preserving their habitat, we ensure that not only do we get to admire their beauty, but future generations can too 💜

Why Uplands Park?

Uplands Park is a hidden gem in Victoria, BC—a place where lush greenery meets open, rocky meadows. In mid to late April the landscape is carpeted with the beautiful purple of Camas flowers (to learn more about Camas flowers and the traditional Indigenous uses of these delicate blooms, please click here). This location has a sense of whimsy and romance, perfect for engagement shoots. It’s ideal for brides-to-be who want an intimate, yet nature-filled setting that radiates love and light.

This atmosphere provided an enchanting setting for our couple, Katie and Ronan, who wanted their engagement photos to reflect the relaxed, joyful essence of their relationship.

A Picnic with a Personal Touch

Katie and Ronan decided on a picnic theme for their engagement shoot, creating a vibe that was both cozy and romantic. The couple brought a woven picnic basket filled with their favorite snacks, a soft blanket to sit on, and a bottle of bubbly.

Elements That Made This Picnic Shoot Special:

• Natural Color Palette: The picnic was styled with soft hues of cream, sage, and light blue, blending perfectly with the park’s surroundings. These colors kept the shoot elegant and harmonious with the environment.
• Wardrobe Choices: Katie chose a flowing dress that added a sense of movement, while Ronan wore a casual button-up and chinos, keeping things relaxed. Their outfits complemented each other beautifully, creating a cohesive look that was visually appealing without overshadowing each other.
• Props and Details: They included personal touches, such as their favorite drink and long-stemmed glasses, which made the picnic feel celebratory. Small details like bringing books to read together really enhanced the romantic mood—something that really captured who they are as a couple.

✨ P.S. If you love this picnic engagement shoot, you might also enjoy another picnic session I photographed at Dallas Road Beach with Nicole and Laura. Their session had its own unique charm, with stunning coastal views and plenty of heartfelt moments. Check it out here.

Tips for Planning Your Engagement Shoot

If you’re planning an engagement session, here are a few tips inspired by Katie and Ronan’s picnic-themed shoot that you can incorporate into your own.

1. Choose a Location with Meaning

Think about a location that resonates with both of you. Whether it’s where you had your first date, a favorite hiking trail, or a spot like Uplands Park that embodies your love for nature, choosing a meaningful place will make your photos even more special. Uplands Park worked wonderfully for Katie and Ronan because it echoed their love for the outdoors and quiet quality time together.

2. Personalize Your Props

Incorporate items that are meaningful to you both. The picnic basket, bubbly, and books added a personal flair to Katie and Ronan’s shoot. Think about what you could bring that would showcase your story—perhaps it’s a game you both love, a cozy blanket you always cuddle under, or even your favorite snacks. These personal elements will help tell your story in an authentic way.

3. Embrace Comfort and Movement

When choosing outfits, remember that comfort is key. Flowing dresses, like Katie’s, bring a sense of movement that looks incredible in photographs. Be sure to choose clothing that you feel comfortable in so that you can move freely and genuinely express yourselves during the shoot.

4. Time of Day Matters

For the best lighting, opt for a golden hour session—an hour or so before sunset or just after sunrise. The light is soft, golden, and incredibly flattering, which is perfect for creating that dreamy look. Katie and Ronan’s session took place in the evening, just as the sun began to dip toward the horizon, giving their photos a warm glow.

Choosing a Theme for Your Engagement Photos

Interested in something unique, but not necessarily a picnic? Selecting a theme for your engagement photos is a wonderful opportunity to showcase your unique love story. Here are some considerations to help you choose a theme that resonates with you:

1. Reflect on Shared Interests

• Hobbies and Activities: Incorporate activities you both enjoy, such as hiking, cooking, or reading. This adds a personal touch and highlights your shared passions.
• Favorite Locations: Choose settings that hold significance, like the café where you met or a beloved park, to add sentimental value to your photos.

2. Consider the Season

• Seasonal Themes: Align your theme with the season of your shoot. A cozy winter session with hot cocoa or a vibrant spring shoot amidst blooming flowers can enhance the visual appeal.

3. Align with Wedding Style

• Consistency: If you have a specific wedding theme, reflecting it in your engagement photos can create a cohesive narrative from engagement to wedding day. On the other hand, you could also opt for an opposing theme, so that you have lots of variety between your engagement and wedding pictures.

4. Embrace Creativity

• Unique Concepts: Don’t shy away from creative ideas like reenacting scenes from a favorite movie or incorporating elements from a shared niche hobby. This can make your photos stand out and truly represent your relationship.

Behind-the-Scenes Moments

Some of the sweetest moments captured were in between the planned poses. Katie and Ronan spent time genuinely laughing, enjoying their picnic snacks, and reading side-by-side. These unscripted moments brought out their natural chemistry and resulted in photos filled with authentic emotion. A big takeaway from this session is to let yourselves be in the moment; the more natural the interactions, the better the photos.

Other FAQs: Engagement Shoots at Uplands Park

Q: What should we bring for a picnic-themed engagement shoot?

A: I recommend bringing items that resonate with your relationship. A classic picnic basket, a soft blanket, some favorite foods, and a special beverage are great starters. These can add even more personality to your photos.

Q: What should we wear for an outdoor engagement session?

A: Neutral tones that complement nature, like creams, blushes, or greens, are always a great choice. Be sure your outfits are comfortable enough for sitting on the ground and walking around, especially in places like Uplands Park, where you may explore different areas during the shoot.

Q: How can we make our session feel unique?

A: Personalize it! The more of your story you include, the more meaningful your photos will be. Think about props, outfits, or activities that mean something to both of you—like a favorite drink, a pet, or even writing love letters to read aloud during the shoot.

Creating Your Own Picnic-Themed Engagement Session

Katie and Ronan’s session at Uplands Park is a perfect example of how a simple concept can create magical moments. The key is to plan a shoot that feels right for you. Choose props, outfits, and a location that speak to your relationship and love story. By doing this, you’ll feel comfortable, confident, and ready to have fun—which always leads to the most incredible photos.

If you’re planning an engagement shoot and looking for inspiration or a photographer to help bring your vision to life, I’d love to chat with you. Your love story is beautiful and deserves to be told in a way that’s uniquely yours. Let’s make it happen!