Film Engagement Session on The Green

Wedding

Feb 23

Written By Michael Parks

Engaged couple on 35mm Portra 400 film on The Green by St. Peter Catholic Church in Uptown Charlotte NC

Timeless Film by Charlotte wedding photographer Michael Parks

Film Engagement Photos on The Green in Uptown Charlotte

What a joy-filled afternoon with this sweet couple in Uptown, steps away from where they’ll marry later this year at St. Peter Catholic Church. Knowing we were creating images in the neighborhood where their wedding story will continue made the session feel even more intentional. The Green is one of my favorite Uptown spots for engagement sessions when the couple’s wedding includes nearby St. Peter, The Mint Museum, or JW Marriott. Tucked among modern buildings and traditional architecture, The Green offers a mix of city energy and quiet, intimate corners. With St. Peter as our backdrop, the setting right for a couple on the cusp of such a meaningful chapter.

Engagement Photos with Dogs = Instant Ease

A favorite part of this session for everyone? The dogs! Including pets always brings an extra layer of authenticity to engagement photos. The dogs kept things playful and unposed, and result were photos that felt organic and full of genuine moments.

Pro Tip: If you’re bringing your dogs to your engagement pictures, have a friend come along to watch them. This way, you the best of both worlds—photos with your pups and photos of just the two of you.

A Thoughtful, Hands-On Film 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. Film brings unmatched softness and timeless quality, while digital contributes flexibility and control. I process the film from my lab’s negatives scans as part of my creative process to tailor the aesthetic to each couple — honoring their connection, venue, and vibe from the day. The result is imagery that feels intentional and personal.

Looking Ahead to The Wedding Day

This session was a beautiful preview of what’s to come. Photographing these two in Uptown Charlotte near where they’ll soon say “I do” made the experience so relevant to the future. I can’t wait to be back at St. Peter Catholic Church later this year to continue telling their story—one that already feels rooted in love, joy, and intentional moments.

If you’re dreaming of an engagement session that feels relaxed, personal, and truly you, choosing a meaningful location - and maybe bringing along your four-legged family members - is always a wonderful place to start. And If you’re planning a wedding in Charlotte and drawn artistic, timeless storytelling — on digital or film—I’d love to tell your story.