Couples session at the beautiful Washington Oaks Gardens State Park.

A rose garden.

Mossy oak trees.

Golden sunshine shining through dense "Old Florida" brush.

Can anything be more romantic?...

Washington Oaks Gardens State Park set the stage for what could have been the setting of an old southern love story. Robert and Niki just celebrated their third wedding anniversary this past March, so we got together to commemorate their love with an evening "golden hour" session. These two may look familiar to you because I had the honor of photographing their gorgeous wedding! Cue photographs of the stunning Bride & Groom...

Couples session at the beautiful Washington Oaks Gardens State Park.

I love capturing how natural they are together. Their unconditional love for one another shines through each photograph. I was very excited when we began planning an anniversary session. Even though Washington Oaks Gardens is a bit of a drive from Jacksonville, we made a trip out of it. We stopped just outside downtown St. Augustine to grab a bite to eat at Mojo's Tacos. It's a small "hole in the wall" spot, but very delicious! We tried three of their tacos: fresh mahi, blackened shrimp, and ground beef. We added a side of guacamole and chips. Niki shared her avocado ranch dip and that tasted amazing too! Thanks to Robert & Niki for the great recommendation! Stop by the next time you're in St. Augustine. It's located just before the St. Augustine Alligator Farm.

Couples session at the beautiful Washington Oaks Gardens State Park.
Couples session at the beautiful Washington Oaks Gardens State Park.
Couples session at the beautiful Washington Oaks Gardens State Park.

We arrived at Washington Oaks Gardens right around 6:30 p.m. It is a short 30 minute drive south from Mojos Tacos. We arrived at the beginning of the golden hour and met up beside an enormous mossy oak tree. I absolutely love the photographs we snapped there. Next, we headed towards the rose gardens. There's a pretty spot right before the roses that has a beautiful fountain and landscaping..

Couples session at the beautiful Washington Oaks Gardens State Park.
Couples session at the beautiful Washington Oaks Gardens State Park.
Couples session at the beautiful Washington Oaks Gardens State Park.
Couples session at the beautiful Washington Oaks Gardens State Park.
Couples session at the beautiful Washington Oaks Gardens State Park.
Couples session at the beautiful Washington Oaks Gardens State Park.
Couples session at the beautiful Washington Oaks Gardens State Park.
Couples session at the beautiful Washington Oaks Gardens State Park.

We then made it to the rose gardens just before the park closed. There was an array of roses from red and pink to white and peach. They were all beautiful! Niki loved the peach-colored roses, so I photographed them in that area. This has to be one of the prettiest state parks in all of Florida!

Couples session at the beautiful Washington Oaks Gardens State Park.
Couples session at the beautiful Washington Oaks Gardens State Park.
Couples session at the beautiful Washington Oaks Gardens State Park.
Couples session at the beautiful Washington Oaks Gardens State Park.

Thank you, Robert & Niki for giving me the privilege of photographing your sweet love throughout the years. I pray that I may do so for many more years to come. You inspire me by your devotion and kindness to one another. Cheers to many more anniversary sessions in the future!