An early Morning Engagement Session at Duke Gardens- Alexus & Bryce

When Alexus and Bryce met online, sparks flew instantly—so much so that Alexus didn’t waste any time asking Bryce out on a date that very day. Fast forward to December 2023, and they were officially a couple. As a senior at Duke University, Alexus spent much of her time on campus, which meant Bryce got to know Duke’s charming spots too. They shared so many memorable moments at Duke Gardens, especially in the springtime when the sun was warm and inviting.

We all agreed that Sarah P Duke Gardens was the perfect place for engagement photos. To make the most of this peaceful garden without the usual crowd, we opted for an early morning session at 8 a.m. on a weekday (pro tip for anyone planning a shoot here!). The morning light gave everything a fresh, dreamy glow, which fit Alexus and Bryce’s story like a charm.

Memories of Picnics, Studying… and Napping in the Sun!

Their favorite memories? Packing a picnic, finding a cozy spot in the Gardens, and “studying” together. (And by studying, I mean Bryce preparing for his wine certification while Alexus tackled her neurobiology class.) But more often than not, those study sessions turned into napping sessions under the warm spring sun. Sounds pretty ideal, right?

When Bryce proposed, he chose a meaningful spot back in the Duke campus woods—a little bit of a hidden gem that held so many memories for them. So, naturally, Duke Gardens was a nostalgic and beautiful choice for their engagement photos, bringing back all those lazy afternoons and dreams of their future together.

This session captured Alexus and Bryce’s journey perfectly, from their spontaneous online start to the warm, sleepy afternoons spent dreaming of what’s next. It was a reminder of how engagement photos can be more than just pictures—they’re memories in the making. Here’s to many more picnics and naps in the sunshine for these two!

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At HiShutter Photography, we’re all about capturing the love stories that make each couple unique. Whether it’s an engagement session in the serene beauty of Duke Gardens, a lively wedding celebration, or a quiet, intimate courthouse wedding, we’re here to tell your story in the most authentic way. Take a look at our Durham wedding photography services, or explore our engagement sessions to see how we can help bring your vision to life. We’d love to chat and help you plan a photo session that feels true to you and your love story!