Inspired by New York City, classic films, and a proposal straight out of a rom com

The UF college campus provided the perfect backdrop for Andrea and Todd's Gainesville engagement session, but the inspiration behind these photos started long before I ever picked up a camera. Their story is one that makes perfect sense once you learn how they met. Andrea was the choreographer and Todd was the stage manager on a theatre production, where they first got to know each other while working behind the scenes. Today, they still share a deep love of theatre, movies, travel, and discovering great restaurants together.

When we began planning their engagement session, it quickly became clear that they didn't want photos that felt trendy or overly posed. Instead, they were drawn to imagery that felt timeless and cinematic. They described their vision as loving, vintage, elegant, and romantic, photographs that could have been still frames pulled directly from a favorite film. With that goal in mind, we approached their Gainesville engagement session less like a traditional photo shoot and more like documenting two people spending time together.

Rather than focusing on elaborate props or complicated setups, we leaned into movement, connection, and the small interactions that already exist between them. The way Todd looks at Andrea when she's talking. The quiet moments between conversations. The feeling of walking side-by-side toward wherever comes next. Those moments felt especially fitting for a couple whose relationship began through theatre and whose proposal was inspired by one of cinema's most beloved love stories.

One of my favorite things about engagement sessions is that they give couples an opportunity to celebrate this season of life without the timelines and logistics that naturally come with a wedding day. There's space to slow down, enjoy the experience, and create photographs that reflect who you are right now.

For Andrea and Todd, that meant creating images that felt true to their shared interests and the life they've built together. Their love of New York City, classic films, theatre, travel, and meaningful experiences all influenced the direction of this session, even when those elements weren't literally present in the frame.

If you're planning your own Gainesville engagement session or looking for a wedding photographer who will help create images that feel personal to your relationship, I'd love to connect. Contact us to learn more about our engagement and wedding photography services.