A Relaxed Extended Family Session at Washington Oaks Gardens State Park
One of my favorite things about photographing families in Northeast Florida is how many people choose this area as a place to gather. Sometimes it’s for a vacation, sometimes for a milestone, and sometimes it’s simply to slow down together for a few days.
This sweet extended family was visiting the area from Virginia and was staying at Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa. The family was all here together celebrating grandma’s birthday. Because they were all together, they decided to set aside time for photos together. Those seasons where everyone can be together aren’t always easy to coordinate, which is why sessions like this feel so meaningful.
We met at Washington Oaks Gardens State Park, just north of Palm Coast and a short drive from St. Augustine. It’s one of the most beautiful places for family photos in Northeast Florida. The oak trees, stone walkways, tropical gardens, and soft filtered light create such a peaceful, timeless atmosphere. It’s quiet, shaded, and relaxed and is the kind of place where everyone can take a breath and enjoy being together.
It is best to start each session with the large extended family portrait. Although, I do capture other variations throughout the session.
Why Families Love Washington Oaks for Photos
Washington Oaks is especially wonderful for extended family sessions because there is such a variety of scenery in one location. There are garden paths to wander, oak trees that create gorgeous filtered light, and plenty of space for children to explore while still staying close by. The setting feels lush and natural, but also elevated and classic. It is perfect for portraits that you’ll want to frame and keep for years.
It also tends to feel calmer than busy beaches or crowded tourist areas, which helps families, especially grandparents, feel comfortable and unrushed.
Grandma with all of her grand babies
What Happens During an Extended Family Session
Extended family sessions tell a bigger story than a traditional portrait session. My goal is always to photograph the whole group together, and then move gently through smaller combinations so everyone is included in a natural way.
Typically, we’ll start with the entire family together. From there, we’ll create:
• Grandparents with grandchildren
• Each immediate family
• Cousins together
• Sibling groups
• Couples
• Any special pairings that matter to you
I also love to leave space for candid moments — hugs, laughter, kids exploring, and the in-between interactions that feel like real life. My approach is calm, patient, and family-focused, so no one ever feels rushed or overly posed. We take breaks when needed and allow children to be themselves.
Having all the cousins in one place is truly a special moment.
A Session Filled With Joy and Connection
This session was exactly what I hope multigenerational family sessions can be relaxed, joyful, and full of connection. There was plenty of laughter, playful little moments with the kids, sweet interactions with grandparents, and the kind of warmth that comes from simply being together.
For families who are traveling, these photos become such a meaningful keepsake. Years from now, they won’t just remember what they looked like, but they’ll also remember this trip, this season, and what it felt like to be together in such a beautiful place.
lots of time for hugs for grandpa
We give the kids some time to let loose
Visiting Hammock Beach, Palm Coast, or St. Augustine?
Many of the extended family sessions I photograph are for those who are visiting the area. Many of my clients stay at Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa, in Palm Coast, The Ponte Vedra Beach Inn & Club in Ponte Vedra, or the Casa Monica Resort and Spa in nearby St. Augustine. Regardless of the hotel, having everyone is gathered together, is such a meaningful time to schedule photos.
If you’re planning a visit, I’m always happy to help with location ideas, timing around the best light, and styling guidance so the experience feels easy and relaxed for all ages. My hope is always to create heartfelt images of your family simply being together.
Because they will always be her babies
WE take a moment to capture parents with adult children too
Why Extended Family Photos Matter
Life moves quickly. Children grow. Seasons change. I know that getting everyone into the same place at the same time isn’t always easy. Extended family photos become part of your story — something your children and grandchildren will look back on one day.
They’re not about perfection.
They’re about connection.
And Washington Oaks Gardens State Park is one of the loveliest places to do that here in Northeast Florida.
If having everyone together feels rare and special…
…it may be the perfect time to photograph it. Whether you live locally or are visiting from out of town, I’d love to help you create something meaningful for your family.
About Teresa Geraghty Photography
I’m a lifestyle family and newborn photographer based in Ponte Vedra, Florida, serving St. Augustine, Nocatee, Jacksonville, Palm Coast, Hammock Beach, and the surrounding coastal areas. My work is centered on connection, emotion, and the beauty of real life — the laughter, the in-between moments, and the season your family is in right now. Whether you live here locally or are visiting, my goal is to create a relaxed, meaningful experience that allows you to simply be together while I quietly document the moments you’ll want to remember. If you’d like to connect, you can reach out to me anytime.