There’s something unmistakably quiet and magnetic about Atlanta at sunrise, and Rayne and JR’s summer engagement session at Cator Woolford Gardens made the most of every golden second. Visiting from Birmingham for a weekend getaway, they planned a slow morning shoot before the day heated up, and before heading to a Braves vs. Phillies game later that evening.

Cator Woolford Gardens is tucked just outside downtown and offers a rare combination of historic architecture and natural surroundings, perfect for couples wanting an Atlanta engagement session that feels a little off the beaten path. The gardens were still quiet when we arrived, and with no one else around, we moved freely through the staircases, ivy-covered walkways, and open lawn areas.

Rayne wore the Helsi Athena Strapless Sheer Midi Dress from Anthropologie, which caught the light beautifully and moved with her so easily as we walked the grounds. JR kept things classic in a grey houndstooth jacket, a subtle nod to their spring wedding plans outside of Oxford next year. They’re working with Emily Sanders Taylor as their planner, and after hearing more about the vision for their celebration, it’s clear these two have a strong sense of style that still leaves room for comfort and connection.

Sunrise Cator Woolford Gardens Atlanta Engagement Session on Film

As destination wedding photographers who love shooting on both digital and film, we’re always chasing honest light. Atlanta’s summer sun can be intense by mid-morning, so we met just as the first light filtered through the trees. The result: soft, dimensional tones on Kodak Portra 400 that gave their session a timeless quality.

Throughout the shoot, we leaned into slower pacing, allowing real moments to unfold: quiet conversation on the stairs, hand-in-hand walking shots across the gravel path, and a few still portraits to let the texture and tones of the garden speak for themselves. Film handles soft skin tones and dappled light so well, and this session was the kind that reminds us why we carry both formats on every shoot.

If you’re considering engagement photos in Atlanta or at Cator Woolford Gardens, sunrise is absolutely worth the early start, especially in the warmer months. The atmosphere is still, the light is crisp, and there’s a feeling of exclusivity that disappears by midday. Rayne and JR’s photos reflect that sense of ease and calm, and we can’t wait to photograph their wedding next spring.

Vendor Credits
Location: Cator Woolford Gardens – Atlanta, GA
Dress: Helsi Athena Strapless Sheer Midi Dress, Anthropologie
Planner: Emily Sanders Taylor
Photography: Hannah Forsberg (us!)