Samar and Griffin are the kind of couple who exude warmth, love, and a deep connection. So, it was a joy to be able to work with them for their Stone Tower Winery engagement session. I cannot wait for their upcoming wedding day either! They’re currently living in Northern Virginia, and with their wedding planned for next spring at Herrington on the Bay (one of my favorite spots!), they wanted engagement photos that reflected both their love for nature and their favorite weekend pastime: visiting wineries. Naturally, Stone Tower Winery in Leesburg, VA was their top pick. With sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, hydrangea-lined paths, and a touch of Tuscan charm, it’s one of the most scenic engagement session locations in the area. 

Stone Tower Winery Engagement Session

The day of their engagement session brought intense summer heat and a nearly 100% chance of severe thunderstorms. With a forecast calling for a heat index of 108 degrees, we knew we had to pivot quickly. We moved their session up by several hours to beat the worst of the weather, and I’m so glad we did. Even in the heat, Samar and Griffin were absolute naturals in front of the camera. Their chemistry was effortless, and they embraced every suggestion I provided. You’d never guess we were racing the clock and dodging storms from the photos! I am so grateful they trusted me to create these gorgeous portraits! 

Tips for Stone Tower Winery Engagement Photos

If you’re planning your engagement session at Stone Tower Winery, a little preparation goes a long way. The light here is absolutely magical during golden hour, so I always recommend scheduling your session about a few hours before sunset to take full advantage of the soft, romantic glow over the vineyards. As we learned at Samar and Griffin’s session, keep an eye on the weather leading up to your photo session. Don’t be afraid to adjust your session time if needed. 

Outfit Inspiration for Winery Engagement Session

Dressing for the landscape also makes a big difference; flowy dresses, soft neutrals, and comfortable shoes work beautifully with the natural, rustic setting (and make walking on gravel paths much easier!). Samar’s gorgeous floral dress is a great example! She looked beautiful and stayed cool in the heat. Finally, consider turning your session into a little celebration: bring a picnic or stay for a wine tasting to make the most of your time at this beautiful location. I tell all of my couples to turn their engagement session into date night when we’re done, but there’s really no excuse not to enjoy a glass of wine at a place like this! 

I truly enjoyed capturing Samar and Griffin’s love story at this gorgeous vineyard. The variety in scenery provided endless opportunities for romantic, timeless images and we had a blast, despite having to run from the heat and incoming storms. It was a beautiful evening – and I can’t wait to capture their wedding day next spring at Herrington on the Bay!

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