University of Notre Dame & Saint Mary’s College Engagement Photos
There’s something so special about photographing couples where their story began. For Emily and Adrian, that meant heading back to the campuses that shaped their relationship — Notre Dame and Saint Mary’s College. These campus engagement photos felt like a full-circle moment for them.
Emily and Adrian first met in college through mutual friends while she was studying at Saint Mary’s and he was at Notre Dame. They became close during their college years but eventually went their separate ways after Adrian graduated and commissioned into the Navy. Over time, life brought them back together. They reconnected, started visiting each other whenever Adrian was on leave, and before long their friendship turned into something more.
After years of both long-distance and short-distance dating, these two are officially tying the knot next year. It only felt right to celebrate their engagement where it all began, exploring the golden halls of Notre Dame before crossing over to the peaceful beauty of Saint Mary’s College for sunset portraits!
Elegant University of Notre Dame Engagement Photos
For the first part of their session, we strolled around the University of Notre Dame campus. Emily and Adrian chose elegant, elevated outfits that matched the timeless architecture perfectly. She wore a white short-sleeved dress with button details and strappy heels, while he opted for a dark suit that gave their photos a classic feel. The contrast of their outfits against the soft lighting made these University of Notre Dame engagement photos feel so romantic.
We wandered through some of Notre Dame’s most iconic spots like the ivy-covered pergola near the Engineering building, the grand steps of the LaFortune Student Center, and the Main Building, known to most as “the dome.” We took photos beneath the archways, shared laughs outside the Basilica’s “God, Country, Notre Dame” doors, and ended this part of the evening at the Grotto, surrounded by warm light and stone textures that made the entire campus feel even more romantic!
Golden Hour Engagement Photos at Saint Mary’s College
As the sun began to set, we made our way to Saint Mary’s College for the second half of their session. Emily and Adrian changed into more relaxed outfits that fit the soft, romantic glow of golden hour. She wore a flowy white dress that moved beautifully, while he chose a casual white long-sleeve and khaki pants. It was the perfect pairing for the lush campus greenery and lakeside views!
We started on the island at Lake Marian, surrounded by twinkle lights, colorful petals, and the well-known “initials trees.” Legend says that couples who cross the bridge and carve their initials there are destined to get married. It felt like the most fitting setting for these two, who were all smiles and laughter the entire time.
As the light softened, we ended the evening with portraits in front of the iconic LeMans Hall. The golden brick, string lights, and evening breeze made this part of their session feel calm, genuine, and full of love. It was everything that makes Saint Mary’s College engagement photos so timeless.
Why Notre Dame & Saint Mary’s College Are Perfect for Engagement Photos
There’s something incredibly special about choosing a location that already means something to you. Both Notre Dame and Saint Mary’s College are filled with beauty, history, and heart. When a place is part of your story, it becomes even more meaningful. Having your Notre Dame and Saint Mary’s College engagement photos taken where you’ve studied, grown, and fallen in love adds a deeper layer to your session. It’s a way to honor where your journey began while celebrating everything that’s ahead!
My photography style focuses on genuine emotion, natural light, and the quiet in-between moments that make your story yours. Whether we’re walking by the Grotto, exploring the paths around Lake Marian, or catching golden hour in front of LeMans Hall, I love creating photos that feel like you. Effortless. Timeless. Full of heart!
Notre Dame and Saint Mary’s aren’t just perfect for engagement photos, though. They make stunning backdrops for weddings and graduation portraits too. You can see more of my work from Katy and George’s day in ‘A Faithful Notre Dame Wedding‘. I’m also a University of Notre Dame graduation photographer, capturing seniors as they celebrate their accomplishments in one of the most iconic places in the Midwest. If you’re planning your grad session, you can read ‘Your Ultimate Notre Dame Graduation Photo Guide‘ for tips and inspiration.
If you’d like to learn more about me and my approach, you can do that here. And if it sounds like I might be the Notre Dame or Saint Mary’s College engagement, wedding, or graduation photographer for you, I’d love to connect. Inquire with me here! In the meantime, you can check out more engagement sessions on the blog for more inspiration.
