Libby Hill Park Engagement Session with Belle Isle Views

A Sunset Libby Hill Park Engagement Session in Richmond

Ashley and Hayden’s Libby Hill Park engagement session unfolded during a warm October sunset, giving us the perfect blend of glowy light, gentle breezes, and Richmond skyline views. Their evening began by the James River at Belle Isle and ended atop one of the city’s most iconic overlooks, creating a gallery that felt personal, effortless, and beautifully true to them.

From the very beginning, they knew they wanted a mix of Richmond’s natural and industrial character—a balance of movement and stillness that reflected their relationship. Because of that vision, a Richmond engagement session that combined Belle Isle with Libby Hill felt like the ideal pairing. The first paragraph of their story began along the river; the final chapter opened above the city they call home.

Why a Libby Hill Park Engagement Session Is Such a Timeless Choice

Libby Hill Park is one of Richmond’s most beloved spots for engagement photos, and it’s easy to understand why. The sweeping skyline, soft hillside light, and romantic overlook make it a perfect place for couples wanting a classic yet relaxed setting. As a Richmond engagement photographer, I’ve photographed many sessions here, and each one feels distinct because the park shifts beautifully with the seasons and the sunset.

For Ashley and Hayden, pairing their Libby Hill engagement session with Belle Isle gave them the best of both worlds. Belle Isle offered water, texture, and movement—ideal for candid, interactive moments—while Libby Hill brought the romance, the glow, and the signature city views. Together, these locations created a thoughtful blend of scenery that showcased Richmond exactly the way they experience it.

A Pizza Picnic Inspired by Their Favorite Memory

One of the most memorable elements of their Libby Hill Park engagement session came at the very end. As the sun dipped behind the skyline, we set up a cozy pizza picnic—an idea rooted in one of their favorite memories together: sharing deep-dish pizza in Chicago. To honor that moment, we picked up wood-fired pepperoni pizza from Fire & Hops in Carytown and paired it with a picnic basket of flowers that hinted at the floral-filled wedding day they’re planning.

This intentional detail gave the session an effortless, sentimental rhythm. They relaxed, laughed, shared slices, and leaned into the moment. I photographed part of the picnic on a playful point-and-shoot film camera with a flash, adding a fun, nostalgic layer to the evening. Those film images truly feel like little time capsules.

What Helped Their Session Feel Seamless

Before any engagement session, I use a tailored planning questionnaire to help couples feel comfortable, seen, and prepared. Ashley and Hayden mentioned early on that they sometimes feel awkward on camera—a concern many couples share. Because we handled logistics and comfort preferences ahead of time, their Belle Isle engagement session and Libby Hill moments flowed naturally and easily.

This preparation gave me insight into their personalities, love languages, and sentimental details like the pizza memory. It also meant their posing experience felt guided yet relaxed—just enough direction to feel confident while still feeling authentically themselves. When couples can settle into the moment, the imagery becomes more genuine, joyful, and connected.

Film, Sunlight, and the Beauty of Early Autumn in Richmond

The weather during this Libby Hill Park engagement session could not have been better. October in Virginia often brings warm days, cool breezes, and soft cloud coverage that creates a golden, glowing atmosphere. The James River sparkled, the skyline warmed, and every transition—from Belle Isle to Libby Hill—felt intentional and cohesive.

Using a mix of digital photography, natural light, and point-and-shoot film allowed us to capture their story with both clarity and nostalgia. The resulting gallery carries a timeless, early-fall energy that still feels bright and summery, making it one of my favorite Richmond evenings from the season.

Planning Your Own Libby Hill Park Engagement Session

If you’re dreaming of an engagement session rooted in both scenery and sentiment, a Libby Hill Park engagement session is always a beautiful choice. Many couples pair Libby Hill with other meaningful locations throughout the city—like Belle Isle, the VMFA, or destinations highlighted in my Richmond engagement session guides.

Richmond offers so many opportunities to personalize your experience, whether through locations, outfits, props, or sentimental touches like Ashley and Hayden’s pizza picnic. When your session reflects the heart of your relationship, the images become heirlooms—timeless on their own, sentimental when known.

Ready to Hire a Richmond Wedding Photographer for Your Wedding or Engagement Session

If you’re beginning to plan your own engagement photos, I would love to help you create something meaningful, refined, and deeply personal. You can inquire with a Richmond wedding photographer to begin designing a session that feels intentionally crafted for your story.