Haunting Engagement Session at Arx Mortis Haunted Attraction in Florence, Alabama

Courtney (Doot) and Mark’s session was one of those shoots that reminds me why I love what I do.

We photographed them at the haunted house they’ve poured their hearts into in Florence, Alabama, which made the whole experience feel personal in a way you can’t fake. When a location actually means something to a couple, the photos immediately feel deeper. Less like “a session,” more like a piece of their story.

And yes, the vibe was goth. But not in a cliché way. No “Walmart Halloween aisle spooky.” No cheap props. No forced drama. Just the two of them, in a space they’ve built, with an aesthetic that feels real.

A Florence, Alabama Couples Session That Actually Felt Like Them

This is what I’m always chasing as a North Alabama engagement photographer.

I don’t want to make couples fit into a template. I want to photograph people the way they actually are— the things they love, the spaces they’ve made, the energy they carry together.

Courtney and Mark didn’t need a trendy location or a Pinterest checklist. Their version of romance is moody, bold, and a little haunted in the best way.

So we leaned into it.

Goth, But Make It Timeless

There’s a fine line between “goth” and “costume,” and Courtney and Mark nailed the difference.

Their aesthetic has depth. It’s intentional. It’s stylish. It has edge, but it still feels romantic.

That’s what made this session so fun to photograph. It didn’t need gimmicks. The atmosphere was already there.

Art-Forward, Documentary, and Cinematic

When I photograph couples, I’m always thinking about two things at once:

The art, and the truth.

I want your images to feel cinematic and timeless. I also want them to feel honest. Not stiff. Not overly posed. Not like you had to pretend to be someone else for the camera.

That’s why I shoot with a documentary approach. I’ll guide you when you need it, but I’m always watching for the in-between moments. The natural touch. The quiet laughter. The way you look at each other when you forget I’m there.

That’s where the story lives.

Engagement Photos That Don’t Feel Generic

Florence is such an underrated place for engagement sessions, especially if you want something with personality. There’s history here. Texture. Mood. It’s perfect for couples who don’t want their photos to feel overly bright, overly posed, or overly “wedding industry.”

Courtney and Mark’s session is a perfect example of what happens when you make your engagement photos personal.

You don’t need a million outfit changes. You don’t need a trendy location. You just need something that feels like you.

Looking for an Editorial Engagement Photographer in Florence, Alabama?

If you’re planning engagement photos in Florence, Alabama (or anywhere in North Alabama) and you want something art-forward, romantic, and honest, I’d love to connect.

Whether you’re drawn to a darker aesthetic, want a session with cinematic mood, or just want photos that feel like the real version of you, this can be that.

MEET YOUR LGBTQIA-CELEBRATING, BIRMINGHAM ELOPEMENT/WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

Hi, I’m Milly. If you’re looking for a photographer to personalize your entire wedding experience, you’ve found her. Let’s create engagement photos that feel like YOUR LOVE— not a copycat version of what everyone else is doing. I want you to have the engagement and wedding season you deserve.