Zach & Madison – Summer Engagement Session in Columbia, SC

Zach and Madison picked one of our favorite spots in the Midlands for their engagement session, the Riverwalk in West Columbia, SC! This park sits right on the Congaree River, and it has a little bit of everything for photos, a long paved path, a wooden boardwalk, big shade trees, an open air amphitheater, and wide views of the water with the Columbia skyline in the distance. It is run by the City of West Columbia, and it hooks right into the Three Rivers Greenway, so there are miles of trail to explore if y’all want a mix of looks in one session.

We met Zach and Madison about an hour before sunset, which is what we call golden hour. That soft, warm light makes skin glow and keeps faces free of harsh shadows, so it is the best time of day for engagement photos in Columbia, SC. We started with a few posed portraits by the river so they could get comfy in front of the camera, and then we let them walk, laugh, and just be themselves. Those candid moments are always our favorite, since they show how a couple really is together. We also took some close up shots of the ring, a few fun ones on the boardwalk, and some wide shots with the river and trees behind them to show off the setting.

As Columbia, SC wedding photographers, we love engagement sessions because they give us a chance to get to know our couples before the big day. These photos work great for save the dates, a wedding website, a guest book, or just a print to hang on the wall at home. If you are planning your own session, here are a few simple tips. Bring two outfits, one a little more dressed up and one more casual. Wear shoes you can walk in, since the trail has some ground to cover. Plan for a weekday if you can, because the park gets busy on weekends.

If you are looking for other fun spots, Experience Columbia SC has a great list of parks and places around town. You can see more of our couples on our wedding portfolio, and you can learn how our full day photo and video coverage works on our wedding photography page. We are so excited for Zach and Madison and can’t wait for their wedding day! If you just got engaged and want engagement photos in Columbia, SC, or you are looking for Columbia, SC wedding photographers, reach out on our contact page and let us know your date!