When Jeff and Stasia told me they wanted their Duke Gardens engagement photos to showcase two completely different sides of their relationship, I knew we were going to have fun. These two Navy veterans met while working on MH-60 Seahawks in San Diego, and after years of deployments, moves, and building a life together, they wanted their engagement session to capture both the elegant date-night version of themselves and the jeans-and-sandals couple they are in everyday life.
Duke Gardens in Durham turned out to be the perfect backdrop for exactly that kind of session.
From San Diego to Joshua Tree to Raleigh
Jeff and Stasia's love story started in the most unexpected place—a helicopter squadron in San Diego. According to both of them, the other person was interested first (though Jeff's the one who made the first move, so you be the judge). After years together, Jeff planned a proposal that was quintessentially them. The same week Stasia returned from a month-long abroad program, he took her to Palm Springs for an early dinner—suspicious timing that didn't escape her notice—and then for "a drive" in Joshua Tree, a place Stasia loves for its peaceful stillness and harsh beauty.
While Stasia pretended to admire the Joshua trees, she knew Jeff was setting the scene. They sat with wine under the desert sky, and Jeff gave her a letter describing all the ways they'd grown together since 2016. At the end of the letter, he'd written "Y or N"—an inside joke from when they first started dating—and got down on one knee.
Fast forward to their new life in Raleigh, and these two were ready to celebrate this next chapter with Duke Gardens engagement photos that felt authentically them.
Two Outfits, Two Vibes, One Beautiful Session
Here's what I love about Jeff and Stasia's approach to their session: they came prepared with two completely different looks, and they were honest about what each one meant to them.
For their first look, Stasia wore a gorgeous floral champagne satin romper with heels while Jeff dressed in blue slacks, a green collared button down (which he specifically chose because, as a self-proclaimed sweater, he needed something breathable), and brown boots. This was their elegant date-in-the-garden vibe—polished and romantic, but still recognizably them.
Their second outfit was what they called their "San Diego us" look. Stasia changed into a white vest with blue jeans and white sandals, while Jeff went with a tan henley, blue jeans, and brown boots. This was their day-to-day, the version of themselves they are when they're just hanging out. As they put it, since moving to Raleigh, they've noticed their style has shifted from "lily pulitzer and golf clothes" to "sandals and jeans"—and honestly, I'm here for it.
The beautiful thing? They preferred way more of the laid-back outfit photos. Those images captured them acting more naturally, more like themselves. That's the magic of wearing something comfortable during your Duke Gardens engagement photos—when you feel like you, it shows in every frame.
Why Duke Gardens Works for Engagement Sessions
Duke Gardens has become one of my favorite locations for engagement photography in the Triangle area, and Jeff and Stasia's session reminded me exactly why. The 55-acre gardens offer an incredible variety of backdrops, from the formal Terrace Gardens with their structured beds and elegant fountain to the more natural, romantic spots tucked throughout the property. We were able to create two distinctly different moods for their two different outfits without ever leaving the grounds.
The changing light throughout the gardens is stunning, particularly during golden hour when the sun filters through the trees and creates that soft, romantic glow. For couples planning their Duke Gardens engagement photos, I always recommend thinking about the kind of atmosphere you want. The formal garden areas photograph beautifully for elegant, classic looks, while the wooded pathways and more secluded spots are perfect for those candid, relaxed moments.
One practical note for anyone considering Duke Gardens for their engagement session: the gardens do require a photography permit, which you can obtain through their website. The process is straightforward, and the variety of locations you get access to makes it absolutely worth it.
What Makes These Two Special
Beyond the gorgeous Duke Gardens engagement photos we captured, what struck me most about Jeff and Stasia was their intention behind this whole celebration. Neither of them has lived in their hometowns—Connecticut for Stasia, Detroit for Jeff—since they were eighteen. They've spent years serving in the Navy, building careers, and creating a life together far from where they grew up. Their upcoming wedding isn't just about the two of them; it's about bringing together everyone they love and value most, all in one place for one brief, beautiful weekend.
As Stasia put it, she's going to soak up every second of having each person there. That kind of gratitude and presence is exactly what makes their story—and their photos—so special.
Oh, and about that wedding? They're having mini horses (which Jeff lovingly refers to as "hoofy nay-nays") help serve beer during cocktail hour. I mean, if that doesn't tell you everything you need to know about how fun these two are, I don't know what will.
Advice from Jeff and Stasia
When I asked them what advice they'd give other couples about to have engagement photos taken, Stasia's response was perfect: "Wear something comfy, something you feel like you in. Spending even a second thinking about 'how do I look in this though, it's new to me' is a second taken away from that shoot's moment."
This is exactly the philosophy I bring to every session. Your Duke Gardens engagement photos should feel like you—not like you're playing dress-up or pretending to be someone you're not. Whether that means showing up in a champagne satin romper or your favorite jeans and henley (or both, like Jeff and Stasia did), the goal is to feel comfortable enough to forget about the camera and just be together.
Planning Your Duke Gardens Engagement Session
If you're considering Duke Gardens for your own engagement photos, here's what I want you to know: this location works beautifully year-round. Spring brings the cherry blossoms and abundant flowers, summer offers lush greenery, fall creates that golden, romantic atmosphere with changing leaves, and winter provides a peaceful, intimate setting. The gardens always have something blooming or some beautiful natural element to work with.
The venue's variety means you can create multiple looks in one session, just like Jeff and Stasia did. We moved from the more formal garden areas for their elegant first outfit to the natural, wooded sections for their laid-back second look, and every location felt completely different.
For couples who might feel awkward in front of the camera—and trust me, most people do—Duke Gardens makes my job easier. The beautiful surroundings give you something to interact with, places to walk, things to explore together. It takes the pressure off "posing" and puts it on simply enjoying this gorgeous space with your person.
Ready to Plan Your Session?
Jeff and Stasia's Duke Gardens engagement photos perfectly captured who they are as a couple—both the elegant date-night version and the jeans-and-sandals everyday version. That's what I aim for in every session: authentic images that feel like you, that capture your real connection, and that you'll love looking at for decades to come.
If you're newly engaged and considering Duke Gardens for your engagement session, I'd love to chat. Whether you want one look or two, formal or casual, classic or adventurous, we'll create something that feels authentically yours. Because at the end of the day, the best Duke Gardens engagement photos are the ones that capture your real story—whatever that looks like.
