Rolling hills, scenic vistas, and a sprawling historic landscape. The Preserve at Dundee offers a feeling of seclusion with easy access to Richmond, Charlottesville, and DC. Its prime location is just 20 miles outside the city. But it serves as a tranquil escape where weddings and engagement photoshoots unfold in an organic setting. 

Margaret and Sam chose The Preserve at Dundee to mark their next chapter together, with an engagement photoshoot that felt as effortless and ethereal as the love they share. Their connection is one that feels like it was always meant to find its way. Every smile and laugh between them solidifying their bond, fortifying their relationship over the last eight years. 

A Richmond Love Story That Started by Chance

As luck would have it, Margaret and Sam both grew up in Richmond, only a few miles apart from one another. Their high schools were within minutes of each other, and despite their close-knit circle of friends (Margaret’s best friend is Sam’s god-sister), their paths never managed to cross during their formative years.

It wasn’t until college that fate intervened. During freshman year, they were both at Ole Miss for the Ole Miss vs. LSU game. Margaret was in attendance visiting her cousin, and Sam was attending while visiting his best friend Jesse. The weekend was spent enjoying a little on-campus tailgating with their friend groups while cheering on their team. Sam eventually worked up the courage to ask Margaret for her phone number, but she turned him down.

Months later, the now-couple connected on Snapchat, and when Sam’s name popped up, Margaret’s heart skipped a beat. They quickly reconnected and spent hours talking, laughing, and getting to know one another. That summer, when break rolled around, they made formal plans to spend time together, and from that point on, their connection became inseparable.

Solidifying Their Connection

Margaret confided in me that what drew her to Sam wasn’t one thing in particular, but a thousand little things that, when added up, allowed her to feel seen, understood, and cared for. Sam’s spark for Margaret was instant. He describes her eyes as ‘lighting up the room’, and how natural it felt to speak to her. Their relationship was built on kindness, balance, and a deep understanding. For Margaret and Sam, it’s the thoughtfulness and the ability to read one another that allowed them to find love and comfort in each other’s arms.

Selecting The Preserve at Dundee for Their Engagement Photos

Once engaged, Margaret and Sam sought out a location for their engagement photoshoot that felt like a blend of their personalities. The Preserve at Dundee was the clear choice. With its pastoral setting and bucolic scenery, the preserve offered a romantic feeling layered with organic beauty.

The backdrop of the property, stretching over hundreds of acres, provided Margaret and Sam with a natural charm depicting open fields, lush greenery, and an abundance of golden light. They kept their attire classic, with an effortless appeal, allowing them to be present throughout the session while freely moving through the space in each other’s company.

It was an afternoon tailor-made for joy, with a kind of natural appeal that embodied the core of Margaret and Sam’s Connection. Spontaneous laughter, tender moments, and the warmth that radiated between them, with the golden light drenching the surrounding trees.

Engagement Photos at The Preserve at Dundee

Looking forward to their wedding day, if Margaret and Sam had any advice to share with engaged couples, it’s this: “Take time to enjoy this special season”. Though they are looking forward to their wedding day, they admit that they gave themselves a month to slow down and soak up being engaged before beginning the planning process.

If you are recently engaged and searching for a location near Richmond that offers an idyllic setting for your engagement photos, I highly recommend The Preserve at Dundee. The wide-open expanse offers a kind of solitude and privacy that can’t be experienced at locations throughout the city. For more details on the engagement photography experience I offer to couples in Richmond, Charlottesville, and DC, you can reach out to me here.