St. Augustine Engagement Photos | Why I Include a Mini Engagement Session After Every Proposal

proposal
Written By Teresa Geraghty

The part most people don’t think about when planning a proposal

When you’re planning a proposal, most of the focus is on the moment itself. You focus on the logistics such as: where it will happen, what you’ll say and how to keep it a surprise; but, there’s a part right after that most people don’t think about and it ends up being the part they love the most.

It is the engagement portraits that I capture after each and every proposal. Your special moment is not over once she says yes; in fact, that is when the real fun starts. I include a short engagement mini session immediately after every proposal that I photograph in St. Augustine and Jacksonville.

man on his knee proposing to girlfriend in front of the ocean at sunset
Learn more about Proposal Planning

Why I include an engagement mini session after every proposal

The energy right after a proposal is completely different. Your nerves have finally calmed down, time slows down and the moment starts to feel real. You are not thinking about anything, but rather, just taking in the moment together as a couple. It is a feeling and an anergy that simply can not be recreated last in time. This special type of joy that you feel right after being engaged is the greatest feeling in life. The engagement mini session gives you a little space to stay in that feeling and, even better, capture the joy of that moment for you to return to year after year. photoshoot.

woman staring at each other while seated on the beach in Ponte Vedra after getting engaged
Romantic engagement portrait of couple at Guana middle beach after proposal

It doesn’t feel like a photoshoot

This part is simple and relaxed. I’ll guide you just enough so you don’t feel awkward, but most of it is just letting you stay close, move naturally, and be together. There is no pressure or overcomplicated posing, just space for you to take in this moment and feel the new bond you share as a couple. It is a time to capture the joy and emotions of this moment in life. A lot of couples tell me afterward that this part felt like their favorite part of the entire experience.

couple holding hands running down a hill at sunset on the beach in front of a dune and they are both laughing
man holding hand of woman with engagement ring on at sunset in front of a dune at guana preserve and she is looking at him and smiling

These are the photos people come back to

The proposal photos capture the moment you asked, but the engagement portraits right after capture how it felt. They will capture the intimacy, excitement, joy, and love of this moment. They are the images that tend to stay with you.

Soft romantic engagement photo of couple in natural light at Guana Preserve
Close-up of engagement ring during beach engagement session in St. Augustine

You don’t have to plan anything extra

It all happens right after your proposal. There are no outfit changes, location shifts or any added stress. You can sit back and relax and just enjoy this special time you have together in the place where it all happened.

Couple embracing after proposal during engagement photos in St. Augustine
woman running on the sand to her fiancé and he is laughing
Inquire about an Engagement Session

You can also book an engagement mini session on its own

Even if you’re already engaged, this kind of session is still worth having. It’s shorter than a full session, but still gives you:

  • A relaxed, guided experience

  • A mix of candid and lightly directed moments

  • A full gallery of images that feel natural and true to you

couple on the beach at sunset and a flock of birds are overhead
Couple walking along the beach after their engagement in Ponte Vedra Florida

These engagement sessions are perfect if you:

  • Want something simple without committing to a full session

  • Are visiting St. Augustine or Jacksonville and want photos while you’re here

  • Prefer a more low-key, natural experience

Whether you are newly engaged, dating, or married for several years, every couple should book a photo session. Learn why here:

couple holding hands and leaning head to head in front of a sand castle at guana beach at blue hour with a pink and blue sky
couple walking out of the ocean hand in hand with their reflections in water and pink and blue sunset sky

Best locations for engagement photos in St. Augustine & Jacksonville

Beach sessions (my specialty)

Soft, open, and naturally romantic

  • Best at sunrise or sunset for privacy and the most beautiful light

  • Ideal if you want something relaxed and unhurried

  • Popular areas include Ponte Vedra, Mickler’s Landing, and St. Augustine Beach

Historic St. Augustine

More textured and classic

  • Great for couples who want something a little different

  • Best early morning or quieter evenings

  • Adds a timeless feel to your images

Learn more about the best locations to propose in St Augustine here.

couple leaning up against entrance to guana preserve with a pink and blue cloudy sky at sunset

If you’re planning a proposal, the Engagment photos are the part you don’t want to skip

You only get this moment once, but photos help you hold onto it. If you’re planning a proposal or newly engaged, and want to learn more about a session, click the button below.

Start Planning Your Proposal Session
Teresa Geraghty

I’m a family and newborn photographer based in Ponte Vedra, Florida, serving St. Augustine, Nocatee, Jacksonville, and the surrounding coastal areas. My work is centered on connection, emotion, and the beauty of real life. 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.

https://www.teresageraghtyphotography.com
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