Starting at Tredegar with Their Sweet Pup

We’re so excited to share Clare and John’s engagement session, photographed at Historic Tredegar and along the James River in downtown Richmond. We started at Tredegar Ironworks, one of our go-to locations for its classic Richmond charm, beautiful textures, and perfect light no matter the time of day. It’s got the perfect balance between downtown historic Richmond, and natural park vibes.

With the new amphitheater nearby and construction changing the landscape, it’s a more popular and bustling area than it used to be—but still just as stunning. Clare and John brought their sweet pup Maverick for the entire session (a rarity!), and he was a total star. They came fully ready to enjoy the evening, totally laid-back, photogenic, and just fun to be around. When we weren’t including him in portraits, he just sat there on his blanket and watched! After shooting at the front of Tredegar, we wandered to the back patio near the Civil War Museum and the old watermill—always a favorite area with its beautiful reflections and great views.

Exploring the James River Waterfront and T. Pott Bridge

From there, we crossed to the T. Pott Bridge and explored the James River Waterfront. We ended up skipping Belle Isle and instead took advantage of a newly cleaned-up stretch between the bridge and Tredegar, where we had a perfect view of the water and train tracks behind them. It was shady, peaceful, and full of unexpected beauty. And this was actually our second attempt at their session—the first got rained out. Rescheduling can be tough to commit to, especially in unpredictable Virginia weather, but it turned out to be the best decision. The evening was absolutely gorgeous: golden light, warm air, and none of that late-spring humidity.

A Dream Couple – Downtown Richmond Engagement at Historic Tredegar & James River

Clare and John were up for anything—“put your hands here,” “look this way”—they just nailed it all without hesitation. They were relaxed, joyful, and so connected that everything felt effortless. We’re photographing their wedding this weekend, and after this session, we’re even more excited! These two are just so easy to celebrate. Enjoy a few of our favorites from Clare & John’s Historic Tredegar downtown Richmond Engagement session below!

Looking for more at Historic Tredegar? Check out this wedding!