Just a few days before Christmas, I met up with Gianna and Anthony for their engagement session at Lake Eola Park — and honestly I couldn’t have asked for a better way to wrap up the year.
Lake Eola is always a beautiful spot but during the holidays, it’s on another level. The floating Christmas tree in the middle of the lake, the twinkle lights wrapped around the palms, the cozy winter energy (yes, even in Florida!) — it all came together to create something really magical for these two.
Because it’s holiday season, Gianna and Anthony made it feel like they came from a hallmark Christmas movie. the second we started walking through the park, it felt like they were just enjoying an evening together — and I happened to be there with a camera.
Why Lake Eola Was the Perfect Backdrop
This park gives you a little bit of everything:
- City vibes with skyline views
- Lakeside calm with swan boats and the water’s reflection
- And how can we forget the holiday magic, from the lights and decorations
We caught the light just before sunset, and as it shifted into that soft blue hour glow, the park started lighting up all around us. It felt peaceful — like a little escape right in the middle of downtown.
We shot during the middle of the day, and even with the sun high overhead, Lake Eola still delivered that soft, glowy light in all the right places. The way it reflected off the lake and bounced through the trees gave us the kind of natural light that makes it look beautiful. and even though the park was full of people out enjoying the holidays, Gianna and Anthony had this calm, grounded energy that made everything else fade away.
If You’re Thinking About Winter Engagement Photos…
This time of year is underrated for engagement sessions. Cooler temps, softer light, fewer crowds — and if you time it right, you get the glow of holiday lights without the chaos of peak season.
So if you’re newly engaged and wondering when or where to take your photos, don’t sleep on December in Orlando — especially around Lake Eola.
💌 Let’s Capture Your Story
I approach every session the same way: connection first, and photos that feel like home. Whether you’re planning a winter session downtown or a golden-hour shoot in the spring, I’d love to help tell your story.
If you’re looking for an Orlando engagement photographer who keeps things easy, natural, and true to you — let’s chat.