Alumni Center Engagements with Rylie & Hunter | Lafayette, Louisiana

Let me tell you about the kind of evening that reminds me exactly why I do this work. These Alumni Center engagements with Rylie & Hunter happened on one of those golden Lafayette evenings where everything just clicks—the light, the vibe, the connection between two people who are genuinely each other’s favorite human.

And here’s the thing: I knew within the first five minutes that this session was going to be something special.

Film photography engagement session showing natural connection at UL campus
Groom-to-be kissing Rylie's forehead beneath an oak tree, and the couple embracing at the wrought-iron gate on 35mm film
Rylie and Hunter walking hand in hand under the oaks toward the UL Alumni Center, and a black and white photo of them strolling the brick path
Black and white photo of the couple embracing under the oaks, and Rylie and Hunter kissing outside the white Alumni Center entrance
Rylie smiling at Hunter in front of the historic white architecture of the UL Alumni Center in Lafayette

The Kind of Light That 35mm Film Dreams About

Can we talk about this light for a second? We had the most beautiful weather, and a golden hour glow that 35mm film absolutely loves. I’m not exaggerating when I say these are some of my favorite film images I’ve ever captured.

There’s something about shooting film in perfect natural light that digital just can’t replicate. The tones become richer, the shadows softer, and everything takes on this dreamy quality that feels both nostalgic and completely fresh. When conditions align like this, I remember why I still prioritize film alongside digital capture.

Rylie leaning on Hunter's shoulder, and a close-up of her emerald-cut engagement ring resting on his chest
The couple standing close on the sidewalk outside the Alumni Center, and a detail of their hands resting together
Lafayette engagement photographer captures authentic moment at Alumni Center
Couple walking hand in hand past the bay window at the UL Alumni Center, and a black and white photo of them kissing
Rylie and Hunter kissing on a brick path beneath the oaks, and embracing in the rose garden at the Alumni Center
Couple embracing on the lawn in front of the UL Alumni Center, and white roses blooming in its gardens

A Foundation of Friendship

I could tell right away that Rylie and Hunter are the best of friends. You can always spot it—the inside jokes, the way they check in with each other, how natural their affection feels. My favorite moment was watching them laugh at something only they understood while I just kept shooting.

Couples like this make my job easy. They’re not performing for the camera; they’re just being together while I document it. I already know they’ll be starting their marriage on a rock-solid foundation because of it.

Rylie and Hunter sharing a laugh during their Alumni Center engagement photos in Lafayette Louisiana
The couple sitting together on a wooden bench, and slow dancing in golden evening light on 35mm film
Golden hour portrait of engaged couple at UL Alumni Center captured on 35mm film
Wide view of Rylie and Hunter on the iron footbridge beneath sprawling live oaks at the UL Alumni Center
Couple embracing on a garden path at sunset, and a sun-flared close-up of her ring hand on his shoulder
Rylie and Hunter holding hands among the tall trees, and walking down a brick path through the Alumni Center grounds
Hunter kissing Rylie's cheek between the white columns and green shutters of the Alumni Center, captured on film
The couple leaning into each other against the white brick wall of the Alumni Center on 35mm film
Rylie and Hunter walking hand in hand across the lawn at golden hour as the sun sets behind the oaks

Book Your Own Alumni Center Engagement Session

If you’re planning a Lafayette engagement session and want that perfect blend of classic architecture and gorgeous Louisiana light, the Alumni Center should absolutely be on your radar. And if you want a photographer who will prioritize authentic connection, who shoots both film and digital to give you images with real soul, I’d love to hear from you.