When planning your engagement session, finding a location that reflects your love story while providing beautiful, timeless backdrops is key. For Allie & Chris, Newfields is one of the best places to take pictures in Indianapolis. This iconic Indianapolis venue, known for its expansive gardens, stunning architecture, and breathtaking sunsets, provided the ideal setting for their engagement photos. Not only did the location add elegance, but it also allowed them to incorporate personal elements into their session.
In this blog, we’ll walk through Allie & Chris’s stunning engagement session at Newfields, sharing insights and helpful tips for other couples planning their own engagement photos here. We’ll also dive into how they matched their wardrobe to the picturesque surroundings and how we timed the session for the perfect golden hour lighting. Newfields is also one of the best places to take pictures in downtown Indianapolis.
Newfields Engagement Session: Why Newfields Was the Perfect Location for Allie & Chris'
Newfields is well-loved for a reason. Its beautifully manicured gardens, historic architecture, and versatile photo spots allow for both romantic and fun moments. Allie and Chris were drawn to Newfields for its charm and the ability to reflect their personalities—romantic, elegant, and down-to-earth. From the iconic Lilly House to the serene gardens, Newfields gave us plenty of options to capture a variety of moods and emotions.
Whether you're a couple looking for more formal portraits or candid, playful shots, Newfields offers the best of both worlds. The gardens provide lush greenery and open spaces, while the architectural elements lend themselves to timeless, elegant photos. We encourage all our couples to take advantage of these features when planning their engagement session at Newfields
Tip #1: Planning for Golden Hour Magic at Newfields
One of the top tips we always give our clients is to schedule their engagement session around the golden hour. For those who might be unfamiliar, golden hour refers to the period shortly before sunset when the lighting is soft, warm, and incredibly flattering.
For Allie & Chris, we planned their session to start about an hour and a half before sunset. This gave us enough time to capture a variety of shots before that magical glow kicked in, but also to ensure that the timing was perfect for when the light turned golden.
Why is Golden Hour So Important?
The warm, soft light of golden hour creates a romantic atmosphere that adds depth and texture to your photos. The sun’s angle casts long, flattering shadows and enhances skin tones. For engagement sessions, this is particularly important because it helps make the couple stand out against their surroundings, creating a dream-like quality in every shot.
At Newfields, the expansive gardens and reflective water features make golden hour even more magical. As we moved through different locations, the sunlight filtered through trees, illuminating Allie & Chris in a way that enhanced the natural beauty of the gardens and their connection. The resulting images were glowing, vibrant, and full of life.
Tip #2: How to Match Your Wardrobe to Newfields’ Scenic Backdrops
Another essential tip for an engagement session at Newfields is carefully choosing your wardrobe. The backdrop of Newfields can range from colorful gardens to neutral-toned architectural spaces, so coordinating your outfits to complement these surroundings can take your engagement photos to the next level.
For Allie & Chris, we discussed the overall mood they wanted to convey. They wanted something formal but not overly stiff, a look that felt timeless but also reflected their personalities. Together, we settled on outfits that perfectly matched the elegance of Newfields without taking away from the serene beauty of the location.
How Allie & Chris Chose Their Outfits
Allie opted for a flowing dress, which looked stunning against the vibrant greens of the gardens. The dress’s simplicity and clean lines allowed her natural beauty to shine without competing with the intricate floral backgrounds. Chris wore a classic white shirt and navy slacks, which contrasted beautifully with Allie’s dress while also complementing the more neutral-toned areas around the Lilly House.
When planning your own Newfields engagement session, here are a few wardrobe tips to keep in mind:
Neutral tones work best: Stick to neutral, pastel, or jewel tones that complement the greenery and architecture rather than clash with it.
Keep it simple: While bold patterns can sometimes work, simpler clothing choices usually translate better on camera and allow the surroundings to take center stage.
Coordinate without matching: Rather than wearing identical colors, opt for outfits that complement each other. For example, Chris’s navy suit paired beautifully with Allie’s white dress, adding contrast and elegance to the overall aesthetic.
Think about comfort: Newfields offers many photo locations that may involve walking on paths or standing for extended periods. Choose outfits and shoes that will keep you comfortable and confident throughout the session.
The result for Allie & Chris was a harmonious blend of formal elegance and relaxed vibes that made their photos feel timeless.
Why Newfields is One of the Best Locations for Engagement Photography
If you’re considering Newfields for your engagement session, it’s hard to go wrong. With its mix of nature, art, and history, it provides versatile backdrops that can accommodate various styles. Couples looking for both formal and candid moments will find plenty of options to explore.
A major bonus of choosing Newfields is how well it works in any season. Whether you're planning a springtime session surrounded by blossoms or capturing fall’s rich colors, the venue is always stunning. For Allie & Chris, summer was in full bloom, and the gardens gave us endless opportunities to capture their love.
More than Just a Pretty Location
In addition to its scenic beauty, Newfields is a space that inspires creativity. During Allie & Chris's session, we made use of iconic spots like the Lilly House steps, garden paths, and a few lesser-known corners that provided intimacy and a more personal touch.
For couples thinking about having their session here, we recommend allowing plenty of time to explore different areas of Newfields. The venue is vast, and you never know what hidden gems you might stumble upon!
Allie & Chris’s Journey to JPS Events at Regions Tower
After their dreamy Newfields engagement session, Allie & Chris will tie the knot at JPS Events at Regions Tower this weekend, a stunning rooftop venue with unparalleled views of downtown Indianapolis. Their love for combining elegance with fun, open spaces has influenced their choice of both venues, making their wedding day a perfect extension of their engagement session.
For couples considering a unique mix of nature and city elegance, the combination of Newfields and JPS Events is unbeatable. These venues allow for a perfect blend of lush, garden settings and sleek, modern city vibes.
Final Tips for Your Newfields Engagement Session
Plan for Timing:
Be mindful of the lighting and how the time of day will impact your photos. Early morning or late afternoon sessions will often yield the best light.
Bring Props:
Whether it's something personal like a picnic basket or a blanket, props can add a fun element to your photos and create moments of interaction.
Work with Your Photographer:
Discuss the vision for your photos with your photographer ahead of time. This way, you can collaborate on locations and ensure your outfits and props fit the setting.
Be Ready to Explore:
Don’t be afraid to walk around and find different spots. Some of the best photo locations at Newfields aren’t the obvious ones!
Have Fun:
Engagement sessions should be a fun experience that reflects your personalities. Relax, enjoy the moment, and trust your photographer to capture the magic.
Like what you see here? Check out other engagement sessions at Newfields from DeLaney & Billy's summer engagement session at Newfields and Katia & Jacob's spring engagement session at Newfields!
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