Film Engagement Session at Alexander Homestead

Engagement

May 15

Written By Michael Parks

Engaged couple kissing in front of giant barn doors and transom white windows Engagement session photographed on Kodak Portra 400 film at Alexander Homestead by Charlotte Wedding Photographer Michael Parks, owner of ParksPictures

Film by Charlotte wedding photographer Michael Parks

Guy swinging his fiancé in a summer dress in a field by private gardens at engagement session photographed on Kodak Portra 400 film at Alexander Homestead by Charlotte Wedding Photographer Michael Parks, owner of ParksPictures

Fiancé swinging his girlfriend around in a summer dress in a field by private gardens at engagement session photographed on Kodak Portra 400 film at Alexander Homestead by Charlotte Wedding Photographer Michael Parks, ParksPictures

Film Engagement Pictures at Alexander Homestead, Charlotte

This spring engagement session at Alexander Homestead felt like the perfect preview of everything this couple’s wedding day will be: joyful, blessed, and centered on simply being together. On a sunny April afternoon in Charlotte, we wandered the grounds of the historic Alexander Homestead, documenting this season of their lives with a softness and authenticity that only film does so well.

Later this summer, these two exchange vows at St. Gabriel Catholic Church before celebrating with family and friends back at Alexander Homestead for their reception. Photographing their engagement session at the same venue where they’ll soon celebrate their marriage made the experience even more meaningful. Every pathway, garden corner, and quiet stretch of golden light carried the anticipation of what is still to come.

A Thoughtful, Intentional Process

As a PPA-trained Certified Professional Photographer specializing in weddings, my goal is faithfully telling couples’ stories in a way that feels honest and timeless. I use digital and film photography, based on the couple’s preferences, to capture both precision and emotion in complementary ways. Kodak Portra 400 remains my favorite film stock for engagement and wedding photography because of the way it renders color and light so naturally. The greens of spring, warm sunlight filtering through the trees, and the subtle pastel tones throughout the property all translate beautifully on film. There’s a pace to film photography that encourages couples to slow down and simply enjoy being together. Instead of rushing from pose to pose, we focused on genuine moments: quiet laughter, hands intertwined, and expressions that happen naturally when two people are excited to marry each other.

Looking Forward to Saint Gabriel

I know their summer wedding day is going to be beautiful with the combination of a Catholic ceremony at St. Gabriel and a celebration at one of Charlotte’s most charming historic venues. With this engagement session as an indication, their wedding will be filled with warmth, genuine emotion, and timeless moments to document.

If you’re planning a wedding in Charlotte and are drawn to organic, timeless imagery captured on both film and digital formats, I’d love to connect and hear more about your plans.