Couple sharing a quiet moment on a garden bench during a romantic engagement session.

Engagement sessions are all about celebrating the joy of being together and creating images that feel genuine, timeless, and true to you. 

ENgagement Sessions

Louisville Engagement Photographers

Engaged couple piggybacking at Falls of the Ohio with bridge at sunset

Beyond the Wedding Website

A Session That Feels Like You

More Than Just Pretty Photos

Engaged couple piggybacking at fossil beds with bridge at sunset

Why Have an Engagement Session?

An engagement session is about more than just pretty photos.It's a chance for you to get comfortable in front of the camera well before your wedding day. Most couples feel a little nervous at first, and that’s completely normal! Spending this time together helps you get familiar with how I guide and pose, so portraits on the wedding day feel relaxed and easy.

Because the session isn’t tied to a wedding timeline, we can choose a location and pace that feels natural to you, whether that means incorporating a meaningful place or simply having space to slow down and enjoy the experience.
 As a local Louisville engagement photographer, I can help you choose a location that fits your style, whether that’s a favorite spot, a meaningful place, or somewhere new you might not have considered.

Engagement photos also tend to show up in more places than couples expect. Many use them for save the date cards, wedding websites, guest books, and custom signage on the wedding day. They’re also perfect for framed prints in your home, albums, or gifts for family

An engagement session is about more than just pretty photos.It's a chance for you to get comfortable in front of the camera well before your wedding day. Most couples feel a little nervous at first, and that’s completely normal! Spending this time together helps you get familiar with how I guide and pose, so portraits on the wedding day feel relaxed and easy.

Because the session isn’t tied to a wedding timeline, we can choose a location and pace that feels natural to you, whether that means incorporating a meaningful place or simply having space to slow down and enjoy the experience.
 As a local Louisville engagement photographer, I can help you choose a location that fits your style, whether that’s a favorite spot, a meaningful place, or somewhere new you might not have considered.

Engagement photos also tend to show up in more places than couples expect. Many use them for save the date cards, wedding websites, guest books, and custom signage on the wedding day. They’re also perfect for framed prints in your home, albums, or gifts for family

Hi, I’m Lauren!
As a Louisville wedding photographer, I've been photographing since 2010 and have shot over 300 weddings. I'm an unashamed cat lady and lover of gardening. When I'm not photographing weddings you can finding me trying to make something grow, watching my cats slap each other or planning my next trip. 

Meet Lauren

Louisville

Specializing Colorful, candid & timeless photography

Your Louisville Engagement Photographer

Couple sharing a kiss in the middle of a downtown street during an engagement session.

Engagement sessions are all about celebrating the joy of being together and creating images that feel genuine, timeless, and true to you. 

It's all about forever

My Philosophy

- Rachel

We absolutely loved our photos and had an amazing experience.

Pictures turned out like a fairytale!

in your louisville Engagement Session

What's Included

Your engagement session includes up to an hour of photography at the location of your choice, so there’s plenty of time to explore, take breaks if we need them, and let your session unfold naturally.

Most couples tell me they’re nervous about being in front of the camera (I feel the same way!), but it doesn’t take long before those nerves disappear. We keep things relaxed, chat as we walk, and focus less on perfect poses and more on creating photographs that feel like you.

Engagement Session

Couple laughing together at a neighborhood bar during a casual engagement session.

Planning Support & Guidance

More than just choosing a date and location.

I’ll help you plan an engagement session that feels like you. Whether you’re envisioning a scenic park, downtown Louisville, your favorite coffee shop, or somewhere that’s meaningful to your relationship, I’ll help you choose the right location, time of day, and outfits for the look you’re after.

Before your session, you’ll receive planning resources with tips on what to wear, how to prepare, and what to expect, so you can show up feeling confident and simply enjoy the experience.

Bride and groom exchange vows during an outdoor wedding ceremony on a front porch.

Black & White Versions of All Images

Some moments simply feel different in black and white. Without the distraction of color, the emotion takes center stage.

Every image in your gallery includes both a color and black and white version, giving you the freedom to enjoy your photographs in whichever style you love most.

African American couple embraces on an urban overlook during a romantic engagement session.

Online Gallery & Print Release

Your engagement photos are delivered in a private online gallery with a minimum of 30 professionally edited images. From there, you can download your favorites, share them with family and friends, and order professional prints.

You’ll also receive a personal print release, giving you the freedom to print your photographs wherever you’d like. These aren’t images that should live on your phone. They’re meant to be displayed.

Engagement ring in focus as a couple embraces during a warm sunset engagement session.

SAVE THE DATES & INVITATIONS

Your engagement photos deserve more than a spot on your phone. They’re perfect for save the dates, wedding invitations, thank you cards, and other personalized stationery.

As part of your session, you’ll receive an exclusive discount code for Basic Invite, making it easy to design beautiful paper products featuring your favorite images.

Couple smiling at each other while walking across a bridge during an engagement session.

$600

Every engagement session includes thoughtful planning, up to an hour of photography, professionally edited images, and a personalized online gallery. From choosing the right location to helping you feel comfortable in front of the camera, I’ll guide you through the entire experience so all you have to do is enjoy your time together.

The Investment

Planning a surprise proposal?

$500

  • Pre-session Consult/Planning
  • 25-45 Minute Session
  • Hi – Res Digital download of images
  • Print Release

Proposal

$675

  • Pre-session Consult/Planning
  • 45-60 Minute Session
  • Hi – Res Digital download of images
  • Print Release

Proposal + Engagement Session

Surprise proposal by river with bridge in background in Louisville

Louisville Proposal Pricing

What happens after the proposal?

What's the plan?

This is it. The moment you’ve been thinking about, planning for, and getting excited about. The question, the reaction, the split second where everything changes. It goes by fast, and you only get one chance to capture it. 


From there, I help you turn your idea into an actual plan. We’ll choose a location that fits what you’re envisioning, whether that’s somewhere scenic, more private, or a place that already means something to you. If you’re not sure where to start, I can suggest locations that photograph well and make sense for the time of day.

I also help you think through the timing, the light, and exactly where everything will happen. If needed, I’ll scout the location ahead of time so we can avoid crowds and choose the best spot. That way, when you arrive, you’re not second guessing anything.

We’ll go over how the proposal will unfold so you know where to stand, where I’ll be, and how to keep everything a surprise. You’ll have a clear plan, but it will still feel natural and in the moment.


After the proposal, you can keep things simple or turn it into more of a session. Some people just want the proposal documented. Others choose to continue into an engagement session right after, which gives you time to take it in, celebrate, and get more photos while everything is still fresh.

Will you marry me?

Man proposing on one knee at Louisville Belvedere with fountain backdrop

From here, I’ll guide you through engagement session prep, timeline planning, and all the details that help your wedding day feel smooth and like you.

Start Planning

04

Once you’re ready, I’ll send over your contract and invoice. A signed contract and retainer officially reserve your date

Make It Official

03

We’ll set up a time to talk through your plans, answer your questions, and make sure we’re a good fit. I’ll help you think through coverage, timeline ideas, and what makes the most sense for your day.

Schedule a Call

02

Fill out the contact form and tell me about your date, venue, and what you’re envisioning. The more detail you share, the better.

Contact me

01

Ready to Get Started?

Here’s What Happens Next

Engagement galleries vary in size, but they typically include 50+ edited images. From your gallery, you’ll get to select 30 favorites to keep, with the option to purchase additional images if you’d like even more. Every selected image comes with a print release, so you can print them yourself or conveniently order professional-quality prints directly through your gallery.

How many photos are typically included and can we print the photos ourselves?

Yes. I love when couples include their pets. I recommend bringing a friend or family member to help once we’ve finished those photos so we can easily transition into portraits of just the two of you.

Can we include our pets?


Some locations require a photography permit or fee, especially private estates, parks or gardens. If you’re unsure, just tell me where you’re considering and I’ll help you figure it out before we finalize plans.

Do we need a permit for certain locations?

If rain is in the forecast, we’ll either reschedule or adjust the location or timing. I always keep an eye on the weather and stay in touch the week of your session so we can make the best call together. Light rain can be beautiful, but if it’s heavy or stormy, we simply move it.


What if it rains?

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse in lectus convallis, tristique arcu sed, pellentesque nulla. Donec quis commodo ante. Donec aliquam auctor dui, vel vulputate odio.

Can we order prints and albums?


To reserve your engagement session date, the first step is to reach out using the contact form below. Once we connect, I’ll send over a contract along with an invoice for the 35% non-refundable retainer. The remaining balance is due one week before your session.

We love your work and we’re ready to book! What’s the next step?

I typically add a travel fee for engagement sessions outside of a 30-mile radius from my home base in near Louisville. Fees vary depending on the location, so feel free to ask for details if your session spot is a little farther out.
Fees vary depending on location so ask us for more details.

When do you charge travel fees?

Most couples schedule their session 6 to 12 months before the wedding, especially if they need photos for save the dates. Spring and fall book quickly, so earlier is always better if you have a specific season in mind.

How far out do we need to book?


Couple sharing a forehead kiss beside a fountain during an engagement session.

Questions

Frequently asked

- AALAYAH

From start to finish, she made the entire experience 

enjoyable and stress-free."

Couple sitting on the front steps of a historic mansion during an engagement session in Louisville.

Ready to make it official? I’d love to help you capture this exciting season of your lives! The next step is filling out the contact form below. I’ll send over availability, answer any questions you have, and help you choose the perfect location for your session.

your engagement session

Let's Plan

contact@padbl.com

I can't wait to meet you!

Photographing weddings, engagements, and life’s biggest milestones throughout Louisville, Kentucky and beyond.

I’d love to hear what you have in mind for your engagement session. Whether you already have the perfect location picked out or you’re looking for ideas, tell me a little about yourselves and what you’re envisioning. I’ll be in touch soon with availability and the next steps.

Inquire
Bridal portrait by stained glass windows with a cathedral veil.