Two wheelchair users hold hands during a romantic engagement session, traveling along a paved path lined with blooming cherry blossom trees near a peaceful pond in the park.
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Hannah and Christian’s Engagement Session | Creating Romantic Engagement Photos for Two Wheelchair Users

I am really excited to share some images from Hannah and Christian’s engagement session at Lewis Ginter Botanic Gardens in Richmond! For this session, it’s important to share more of the story and the work that went into creating these images together. When Hannah first reached out to me through an ad for my wedding photography business, our conversation didn’t start with dates and pricing. Instead, we talked about venue hunting and the very real challenges she and Christian faced in finding a wedding space that would truly work for them.

The search for an accessible wedding venue

Hannah and Christian’s wedding venue search illuminated some large accessibility and information gaps in the local wedding industry. As they searched for venues across Virginia, they quickly discovered that accessibility information online rarely told the full story. True accessibility is hard to come by in the wedding industry. As wheelchair users, clarity about each venue’s accessibility was essential in their venue search.

Meeting the minimum ADA requirements for accessibility does not make a venue actually usable for marriers using wheelchairs. A venue might have wheelchair access to the building, but what about the getting ready suite? Could they both navigate comfortably around the reception tables? Could they envision themselves actually getting married there, not just technically fitting inside? These questions led to dead ends and disappointing tours with many venues.

Hearing about this experience planted a seed. I knew I wanted to write more about accessible wedding venues in Virginia, but first, I wanted to explore something else: How do you capture genuine intimacy and romance in engagement photos when two wheelchairs create physical distance and new creative challenges?

A smiling couple of wheelchair users sits together under a pergola covered with blooming white flowers in a garden, enjoying their romantic engagement session amidst lush greenery and brick pathways.

Planning Hannah and Christian’s Engagement Photo Session

The honest truth is that location scouting for this session looked different than my typical engagement shoots. There simply aren’t many options in Virginia where both Hannah and Christian could access the same spaces simultaneously that weren’t overly urban. We needed wide, paved paths, beautiful backdrops, and variety, all in one place. And our goal was some blooms!

Then we found Lewis Ginter Botanic Gardens in Richmond. Their paved pathways meant Hannah and Christian could navigate together, while still being surrounded by nature and florals. It felt like finding a needle in a haystack, and we jumped at it.

Talking about couple’s posing as two wheelchair users

But the real magic happened in our planning conversations. Hannah and Christian were incredibly open about their mobility, their abilities, and their boundaries. They shared what made them feel confident, what angles they preferred, and what they weren’t comfortable with, just like every couple I work with. We talked about coordinating outfits and preparing for the session in general. We looked through Pinterest inspiration together, though I’ll be honest: we couldn’t find a single example of engagement photos with two wheelchair users. That absence felt significant. 

That’s partly why I’m sharing this story now, to be that reference for other photographers, and to show that photographing a couple who uses wheelchairs doesn’t require a completely different approach. It requires conversation, flexibility, and genuine collaboration.

This lack of representation is also what inspired Hannah to create See It Be It, a platform and community dedicated to showcasing disabled individuals living diverse, successful lives and careers. The idea is simple but powerful: when individuals with disabilities can see others like them thriving, they’re more likely to pursue their own goals and dreams. The current focus of the program is to pair teens with disabilities with mentors.

A couple of wheelchair users share a loving kiss outdoors on a pathway, surrounded by trees and greenery on a sunny day during their romantic engagement photos.

What Happened During the Photoshoot

Every single detail of the session was thoroughly planned, yet what struck me most was Hannah and Christian’s willingness to simply try things. They jumped into poses and ideas with enthusiasm. They communicated openly about what felt good and what didn’t. And they brought so much joy and playfulness to the shoot. And, candidly, we laughed together when things didn’t physically or visually work out quite as planned.

The result? Photos filled with closeness, romance, and authentic connection, the exact things that make engagement photos sing. We captured them laughing together, leaning in close, navigating their space with confidence and ease. Their love for each other was never obscured by logistics; if anything, the intentionality we brought to every moment made those feelings even more visible.

My Takeaways as a Photographer

Working with Hannah and Christian changed how I think about my work. It reminded me that accessibility isn’t a limitation to work around. It’s a detail to plan for, just like lighting or location. And when you do that work thoughtfully, you end up with images that are just as beautiful, just as romantic, and just as true. I wasn’t sure how the session would feel and flow, or if we’d get the same amount of images we usually do. But in the end, we enjoyed the session and working together, and the gallery had the same beautiful variety as we always create!

A woman and a man, both wheelchair users, sit outdoors under a pergola, smiling warmly at each other. The man gently kisses the woman's hand amid stone pillars and greenery—a touching moment from their romantic engagement session.

For Photographers and Wedding Vendors

If you’re a photographer looking to expand your skills in photographing couples with disabilities or wheelchair users, I hope these images and this story give you some inspiration and show you what’s possible. And if you’re a couple living with disabilities searching for a photographer who gets it, I hope this signals that you’re welcome here.

It’s important to realize that people with disabilities have unique and complex identities, just like everyone does. Some will be willing to discuss their disability and potential impacts on their photography or wedding needs in detail, and others will not be that comfortable or open. Build connection, trust, and ask questions about preferences and needs just like you would with any other couple. While I am happy to share prompts and general takeaways from this session, there is no universal list of poses that work for wheelchair users. Even between the two of them, Hannah and Christian had different levels of mobility and posing/movement preferences . 

For wedding vendors looking to strengthen your accessibility and inclusivity practices, I’d encourage you to connect with and follow Aisle for All, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing diversity and accessibility across the wedding industry. They offer invaluable resources and guidance for making your business more welcoming to individuals and couples living with disabilities.

Hannah and Christian’s Engagement Photos

  • Two wheelchair users sit side by side on a garden path, leaning affectionately against each other amid blooming trees and greenery on a cloudy day—a beautiful moment captured during their romantic engagement session.
  • A woman gently holds a man's neck while they gaze at each other closely during their romantic session. She is wearing an engagement ring on her left hand, and the outdoor setting features lush greenery in the background.
  • A young couple of wheelchair users sits among blooming flowers in a garden. The man gently touches the woman's face as they smile at each other, capturing a romantic engagement session by the glass-domed conservatory.
  • A woman and a man in wheelchairs sit close together outdoors, smiling and laughing. The woman has her arm around the man's shoulders in a romantic gesture of affection. The scene is warm and joyful.
  • A smiling couple of wheelchair users sits together under a pergola covered with blooming white flowers in a garden, enjoying their romantic engagement session amidst lush greenery and brick pathways.
  • A romantic moment unfolds as wheelchair users sit close on a garden path beneath an arched trellis. The man gently lifts the woman's chin, and their genuine smiles capture the warmth of engagement photos.
  • Two wheelchair users hold hands, facing a grand glass conservatory in a lush garden—an intimate scene perfect for romantic engagement photos on a cloudy day, with brick pathways and greenery all around.
  • Two wheelchair users hold hands over a brick pathway, their connection highlighted in this romantic engagement photo. Only their arms, hands, and part of the wheelchairs appear, with a blurred park scene in the background.
  • A woman sits on a man’s lap, holding his face lovingly as they gaze into each other’s eyes. In this romantic engagement session for wheelchair users, they radiate happiness outdoors amid rustic wooden structures and lush plants.
  • Two wheelchair users travel along a curved garden path lined with dry plants and white-blossomed trees, creating a serene backdrop ideal for romantic engagement photos. A bench rests beneath the blooming branches under the overcast sky.
  • A couple of wheelchair users shares an intimate kiss outdoors, gently holding each other's faces. The black and white image captures the warmth of romantic engagement photos, with rustic, blurred structures in the background.
  • A smiling couple sits closely together on a weathered wooden bench outside, with greenery and flowering bushes in the background. Radiating a romantic vibe, the woman has her arm around the man's shoulders as they pose for engagement photos.
  • A couple sits closely together on a wooden bench under blooming cherry blossoms in a park, sharing romantic smiles. Trees, shrubs, and a gazebo enhance the serene setting—perfect for engagement photos.
  • A couple sits closely on a wooden bench outdoors, smiling and looking into each other's eyes during their romantic engagement photos. The woman gently touches the man's face, both appearing happy and relaxed with greenery in the background.
  • A couple sits closely on a wooden bench under a blossoming tree, smiling and holding hands during their romantic engagement session. The woman leans towards the man, both appearing happy and surrounded by lush greenery and spring blooms.
  • A woman and man sit close together on a bench outdoors, smiling warmly in this romantic scene. The woman touches the man's cheek affectionately while he has his arm around her shoulders. Greenery and trees fill the background—perfect for engagement photos.
  • A woman and a man, both wheelchair users, sit on a wooden bridge outdoors. Smiling at each other amid early spring foliage, they create a joyful moment perfect for romantic engagement photos.
  • A woman kisses a smiling man on the cheek as they sit together on a stone wall beneath blooming trees. This romantic engagement session features bright springtime blossoms, creating a joyful and intimate atmosphere.
  • A woman and man sit on a stone bench outdoors for their romantic engagement photos. The woman hugs the man from behind, both smiling and laughing, with greenery and a domed building in the background.
  • A smiling couple sits on a stone wall in front of green bushes and blooming trees. The woman hugs the man from the side as they enjoy their romantic engagement session, both wearing casual clothing and looking happy outdoors.
  • A couple sits closely together on a stone ledge in a park, holding hands and gazing into each other's eyes—creating the perfect moment for romantic engagement photos, surrounded by greenery and a stone structure in the background.
  • A man and woman, both wheelchair users, hold hands on a park path lined with blooming cherry blossom trees. A pond and trees in the background create a serene, springtime setting perfect for romantic engagement photos.
  • A couple of wheelchair users sit closely, sharing an intimate and affectionate moment outdoors amid blooming trees and a stone wall, capturing the essence of romantic engagement photos.
  • Two wheelchair users hold hands during a romantic engagement session, traveling along a paved path lined with blooming cherry blossom trees near a peaceful pond in the park.
  • A couple of wheelchair users sits close on a scenic path under blooming cherry blossom trees, gazing at each other affectionately. The romantic engagement scene is framed by a pond and lush greenery in the background.
  • A close-up of a person’s hand with a diamond engagement ring resting on another person’s arm during a romantic session. Both individuals, casually dressed and wheelchair users, gently touch hands, capturing the love in their engagement photos.
  • Two people, including wheelchair users, sit together on a small green footbridge surrounded by trees, blooming white flowers, and lush greenery in a tranquil garden setting—perfect for romantic engagement photos.
  • A woman and a man, both wheelchair users, sit close together outdoors on a brick path, looking at each other affectionately. The woman has her arm around the man's shoulders. Green foliage frames this sweet engagement session.
  • Two people sit together on a green wooden bridge, surrounded by tall leafless trees and blooming white flowers—a romantic park scene perfect for engagement photos, overlooking a small pond in peaceful seclusion.
  • Two hands making a pinky promise, with one wearing a diamond engagement ring—captured in romantic engagement photos under a geometric glass ceiling with natural light shining through. Perfect for wheelchair users seeking heartfelt moments.
  • A couple sits under a white gazebo in a park. The woman, a wheelchair user with floral-patterned wheels, and her partner share an intimate, loving moment for their romantic engagement photos outdoors.
  • A romantic engagement photo captures wheelchair users sitting closely together under a white pergola in a garden. The man gently touches the woman's face as they gaze into each other's eyes, sharing an intimate, tender moment.
  • A couple shares a kiss in a garden gazebo during their romantic engagement session. The woman, a wheelchair user with decorative floral spokes, and her partner sit close together, looking happy and affectionate as spring flowers bloom nearby.
  • A woman and man sit closely on a wooden bench under a white trellis outdoors during their romantic engagement photos. The woman smiles warmly at the man, her hand on his shoulder, while he looks back at her as sunlight filters through the trees behind them.
  • A woman and man sit close together on a wooden bench in a gazebo. The woman smiles warmly at the man while resting her hand on his shoulder, capturing a romantic moment perfect for engagement photos in a relaxed outdoor setting.
  • A woman and a man sit closely on a bench in a garden during their romantic engagement session. The woman has her arm around the man and kisses his forehead, surrounded by a white trellis, greenery, and a large tree in the background.
  • A couple sits closely together on a wooden bench outdoors, smiling and gazing lovingly into each other’s eyes. The woman gently holds the man’s face as they share a romantic moment, perfect for engagement photos, surrounded by greenery and a white trellis.
  • A man and woman sit closely together on a wooden bench under a white gazebo in a garden during their romantic engagement photos. The man sits upright, while the woman leans against his knee. Both are smiling and appear relaxed.
  • A smiling couple sits on grass in a garden for their romantic engagement photos, with the woman leaning her head on the man's shoulder. Behind them is a white gazebo surrounded by trees and flowers.
  • A couple sits on grass in a garden for their romantic engagement photos. The man, in a black shirt, holds and kisses the smiling woman with her eyes closed and wearing a light shirt. Trees and flower beds grace the background.
  • A smiling couple, captured during their romantic engagement session, sits on the grass in a garden, leaning against each other. Behind them are a white gazebo, flower beds, and a brick path. The scene looks peaceful and bright.
  • A couple sits on the grass in a garden, facing each other and smiling affectionately during their romantic engagement session. One has their hand on the other's cheek. A white gazebo and trees are visible in the background.
  • A romantic couple lies on the grass in a garden, embracing and kissing passionately. Behind them, a white gazebo and flowering plants set the scene—perfect for engagement photos—while trees sway in the sunny background.
  • A man and a woman, both wheelchair users, sit outside in a garden. The woman gently holds and kisses the man’s hand as they share a tender, affectionate moment during their romantic engagement photos.
  • A person wearing a beige shirt and blue jeans sits in a wheelchair; their hand, adorned with a ring, rests on a wheel decorated with green leaves and white flowers—capturing the beauty of romantic engagement photos for wheelchair users.
  • A smiling couple of wheelchair users sits close together under a white garden archway, surrounded by trees and greenery on a paved path. The romantic atmosphere is bright and peaceful, perfect for engagement photos.
  • A couple of wheelchair users sits closely together under a white garden arbor, smiling and touching noses, surrounded by greenery and leafless trees on a sunny day—perfect for romantic engagement photos.
  • A couple sits closely together outdoors, sharing an intimate kiss during their engagement session. The woman gently touches the man's face, while the man, a wheelchair user, embraces her as sunlight filters through trees in the background.
  • A couple of wheelchair users sits close together on a park path, touching faces and gazing into each other’s eyes, surrounded by leafless trees and soft daylight—capturing romantic engagement photos in an intimate outdoor session.
  • A couple of wheelchair users share a loving kiss outdoors on a pathway, surrounded by trees and greenery on a sunny day during their romantic engagement photos.
  • A smiling woman and man, both wheelchair users, pose closely together outdoors in front of light-colored tree trunks and greenery on a sunny day.
  • A romantic moment unfolds as wheelchair users hold hands and lean in for a kiss, rolling down a garden path lined with blooming flowers—perfect for engagement photos on a beautiful spring day.
  • A woman smiles and leans on the shoulder of a man in a wheelchair. Outdoors on stone steps, they hold hands and look at each other warmly, capturing a romantic moment perfect for engagement photos of wheelchair users.
  • A woman and a man, both wheelchair users, sit outdoors under a pergola, smiling warmly at each other. The man gently kisses the woman's hand amid stone pillars and greenery—a touching moment from their romantic engagement session.