Hey friends! Today we’re sharing Marilyn and Matt’s arcade and boathouse waterfront engagement session here on the Southside of Richmond. Think Midlothian, arcade vibes, and a sunset by the water. This one felt like the perfect mix of playful and meaningful, and honestly, it’s exactly why we love being Richmond engagement photographers.

Southside Richmond Engagement Session in Midlothian

So this session took place in the Southside/Midlothian area of Richmond, and what we loved most right from the start is that these locations weren’t just “pretty”. They actually meant something to Marilyn and Matt. And you can always tell. When couples choose places that reflect their story, everything feels more natural, more comfortable, and way more them.

We’ll always love the classic Richmond engagement photo locations, but sessions like this are a reminder that personal always wins.

Arcade Engagement Photos at Uptown Alley

We started the session at Uptown Alley, and this part of the shoot was such a fun reflection of their relationship. It’s where they had their first date, so right away, you knew it was going to be meaningful and also just a really good time.

Now, quick behind-the-scenes moment: we almost didn’t get in. Even though everything online said they were open, it turns out… they weren’t. We’re on the phone trying to figure it out, Marilyn calls saying the doors are locked and then, somehow, everything falls into place.

The operations manager, Nicole (absolute hero), saw them at the door and offered to reopen the entire place just for us.

So yes… we had this massive arcade and bowling alley completely to ourselves.

And it was incredible.

We’re talking bowling lanes, arcade games, neon lights… the full experience. It felt like being kids again, running around capturing moments while Marilyn and Matt just fully relaxed into a space that already meant so much to them. You could see how comfortable they were, and how easily they interacted with each other.

Those are the kinds of engagement photos that feel effortless.. because they are.

Waterfront Engagement Photos at The Boathouse at Sunday Park

After the arcade, we headed over to The Boathouse at Sunday Park in Midlothian, right along the Swift Creek Reservoir. Total shift in vibe, in the best way.

From colorful arcade energy to soft, romantic waterfront sunset.

We spent time around the garden wedding venue space and made our way down to the docks, which is actually where Matt proposed. That alone made it special, but of course… there was someone standing on the exact dock we needed.

We tried circling, waiting, hinting… nothing.

So eventually, we asked and thankfully, she moved, and we were able to grab a few photos right where it all happened.

And it was so worth it.

That golden light coming over the water, paired with the meaning of that spot, created some of the most genuine, emotional moments of the entire session.

Why Personalized Engagement Locations Matter

This session is such a perfect example of why we always encourage couples to choose locations that reflect their relationship. Whether it’s around arcades, which is what you did for your first date or a waterfront dock where you got engaged, those places bring out something special.

And that’s what makes engagement photos stand out.

Marilyn and Matt were completely themselves the entire time.. laughing, playful, relaxed, and just so clearly in love. Marilyn has this contagious joy about her, the kind that makes everyone around her smile, and Matt matched her energy in the sweetest way.

Richmond Engagement Photographers – Arcade and Boathouse Waterfront Engagement

As Richmond engagement photographers, sessions like this are everything we hope for. From Uptown Alley’s arcade energy to the peaceful waterfront at The Boathouse at Sunday Park, this Midlothian engagement session had it all and it couldn’t have been more “them.”

We seriously cannot wait for their wedding day. If it’s anything like this session, it’s going to be full of joy, laughter, and a whole lot of really good moments.

For now, enjoy some of our many favorites from their Richmond engagement session. Congrats, you two!

See other Richmond engagement sessions

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