Who would have that Mercer Botanic Gardens would be the PERFECT place for a winter engagement session! But is was!!!
I’m a little bit jealous of Anna, she is in the marching band at my alma mater! She gets to go to every football game with a great seat! WHAT! If you know me, you know college football is my love language. What I wouldn’t give to see my “boys in blue” play every game in person!!!
MERCER BOTANIC GARDENS ENGAGEMENT SESSION
Justin and Anna are just the most adorable couple ever! So in love and it just radiated all throughout their engagement session at Mercer Botanic Gardens. They had a whirlwind romance and I’m obsessed with their story! They are both from the same city, but didn’t know each other. Within days of getting home from a 2 year mission for his church, they were dating and the rest is history!
Their engagement story
Their engagement story is the best! This is in Anna’s words: “He proposed on Labor Day weekend. I’m in the BYU Marching Band and I got back from the Las Vegas football game mid-afternoon on Sunday. Me and Justin had planned a little getaway to his grandparents in Cedar, so immediately when I returned to BYU I hopped into his truck and we drove down to Cedar. It was so nice to getaway. I got to see his grandparents again, and we went hiking in a national park.
“After our hike, he told me that he was gonna go introduce me to some of his old mission companions and watch the sunset – then, we were gonna go to this steakhouse in the mountains. I was so excited – and completely oblivious. We went up to Sunset View in Cedar Breaks (one of the best places to watch the sunset) and 2 guys from his mission were waiting there. Again, I was so oblivious – literally, one of them brought a camera and was taking pictures of the scenery. Right at the climax of the sunset, he got down on one knee and proposed. I was completely surprised, and I very excitedly accepted.”
Since their wedding was coming up in early spring and they were out of state college students, we had to plan their session while they were home for Christmas. Anna wanted a garden and I wanted to make it happen.
PLAN YOUR WINTER ENGAGEMENT SESSION
When most people think of winter engagement photos, they imagine snowy mountains, cozy cabins, and bundled-up sessions surrounded by pine trees. But in Florida, winter looks a little different! We don’t usually get snow, and while the temperatures are cooler, the landscapes are less green than in spring or summer.
So, how do you plan a dreamy, romantic engagement session in Florida during the winter months? With just a little thought and intentional planning, you can create stunning photos you’ll love for a lifetime.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT LOCATION: LIKE MERCER BOTANIC GARDENS
One of the most important parts of a winter session in Florida is the location. Since gardens and natural areas may not be as lush and colorful, I love finding spots that still offer visual interest. Look for:
- Evergreen trees – They keep their color year-round and add a pop of green to your photos.
- Beautiful architecture – Stone walls, bridges, gazebos, and historic buildings can provide a timeless backdrop.
- Seasonal gardens – Even in winter, many gardens have textures, tall grasses, or early blooms that photograph beautifully.
If you’re dreaming of that natural feel like my sweet couple did, don’t worry—it’s absolutely possible in Florida winter! The softer, golden winter light is often even prettier than the bright summer sun.
WHAT TO WEAR FOR A WINTER ENGAGEMENT SESSION
Your outfits can completely set the tone for your session. In the cooler months, I recommend dressing in layers that look stylish while keeping you warm. Here are some tips:
Rich, seasonal colors – Jewel tones like emerald, burgundy, navy, and mustard photograph beautifully against winter’s softer landscapes.
Textures that pop – Knit sweaters, wool coats, velvet dresses, or suede jackets add depth and dimension in photos.
Cozy layers – Think scarves, shawls, or even a stylish coat that you can wear for part of the session and take off for variety.
Heels and boots – Boots are perfect for natural areas, and heeled boots or booties add an elevated look without sinking into the ground.
Complement, don’t match – Coordinate your outfits so they feel cohesive but not identical. For example, one of you could wear a patterned outfit while the other wears a solid in a coordinating tone.
Don’t be afraid to dress up a little more than you normally would—an elegant dress or sharp blazer looks amazing in the cool winter light!
TIMING IS EVERYTHING FOR YOUR MERCER BOTANIC GARDENS ENGAGEMENT SESSION
The sun sets earlier in the winter, so we’ll want to plan your session a bit earlier in the day to capture that dreamy golden hour glow. I recommend starting about two hours before sunset. The softer, golden light in the winter is one of my absolute favorites—it flatters skin tones and creates a romantic, cozy vibe.
WHY WINTER ENGAGEMENT SESSIONS ARE WORTH IT
Even without snow, winter in Florida is a beautiful season for engagement photos. Cooler temperatures mean you’re not sweating through your session, and the neutral backdrop lets you be the focus of every image. Plus, gardens and natural areas are quieter in the winter, giving you a more private and intimate feel.
If you’re newly engaged and planning your session, don’t overlook winter—it might surprise you just how magical it can be.
ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A JACKSONVILLE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER?
I would love to help you plan your engagement session in Jacksonville whether it is in winter, summer, spring or fall! Every wedding day collection includes an engagement session, I believe they are SO important. You will also receive the FAMOUS Mollie Jane Engagement Session Guide to help you through every aspect of your session. Click on the link below to go to my website and send me a message! We can chat all about your wedding and engagement session.
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