Engagements

Truly Perfect JC Raulston Arboretum Engagement Photos

Danielle Defayette Photography Raleigh Arboretum Engagement 0005

JC Raulston Arboretum Engagement Photos in Raleigh, North Carolina

If you’re looking for the perfect spot in Raleigh, North Carolina for your engagement session you need to check out the JC Raulston Arboretum. It’s part of the NC State Campus and is a nationally acclaimed garden in the Southeast United States. The arboretum will take you through multiple different parts of the world in just a short walk through and it’s truly magical for an engagement session!

I met with James and Michelle for their JC Raulston Arboretum engagement photos in Raleigh, North Carolina. Until their session I never knew this beautiful place existed, but I was truly enamored with every different landscape. We walked through the Asian Valley and Japanese Gardens; admiring all of the fascinating horticulture. The most unusual part of all was the scree garden that appeared to have been plucked straight from the desert! (I absolutely loved it for Michelle’s ring shot!)

James and Michelle were an absolute blast to be around during their JC Raulston Arboretum engagement session and I am just too excited for their upcoming nuptials this fall!

Danielle-Defayette-Photography-JC-Raulston-Arboretum-Engagement-NC_0005.jpg
Danielle-Defayette-Photography-JC-Raulston-Arboretum-Engagement-NC_0009.jpg
Danielle-Defayette-Photography-JC-Raulston-Arboretum-Engagement-NC_008.jpg
Danielle-Defayette-Photography-JC-Raulston-Arboretum-Engagement-NC_010.jpg
Danielle-Defayette-Photography-JC-Raulston-Arboretum-Engagement-NC_006.jpg
Danielle-Defayette-Photography-JC-Raulston-Arboretum-Engagement-NC_004.jpg
Danielle-Defayette-Photography-JC-Raulston-Arboretum-Engagement-NC_003.jpg
Danielle-Defayette-Photography-JC-Raulston-Arboretum-Engagement-NC_035.jpg
Danielle-Defayette-Photography-JC-Raulston-Arboretum-Engagement-NC_002.jpg
Danielle-Defayette-Photography-JC-Raulston-Arboretum-Engagement-NC_13.jpg
Danielle-Defayette-Photography-JC-Raulston-Arboretum-Engagement-NC_012.jpg
Danielle-Defayette-Photography-JC-Raulston-Arboretum-Engagement-NC_017.jpg
Danielle-Defayette-Photography-JC-Raulston-Arboretum-Engagement-NC_021.jpg
Danielle-Defayette-Photography-JC-Raulston-Arboretum-Engagement-NC_020.jpg
Danielle-Defayette-Photography-JC-Raulston-Arboretum-Engagement-NC_016.jpg
Danielle-Defayette-Photography-JC-Raulston-Arboretum-Engagement-NC_015.jpg
Danielle-Defayette-Photography-JC-Raulston-Arboretum-Engagement-NC_023.jpg
Danielle-Defayette-Photography-Raleigh-Arboretum-Engagement_0022.jpg
Danielle-Defayette-Photography-Raleigh-Arboretum-Engagement_0011.jpg
Danielle-Defayette-Photography-Raleigh-Arboretum-Engagement_0024.jpg
Danielle-Defayette-Photography-Raleigh-Arboretum-Engagement_0027.jpg
Danielle-Defayette-Photography-Raleigh-Arboretum-Engagement_0030.jpg
Danielle-Defayette-Photography-Raleigh-Arboretum-Engagement_0026.jpg
Danielle-Defayette-Photography-Raleigh-Arboretum-Engagement_0028.jpg
Danielle-Defayette-Photography-Raleigh-Arboretum-Engagement_0031.jpg
Danielle-Defayette-Photography-Raleigh-Arboretum-Engagement_0025.jpg
Danielle-Defayette-Photography-Raleigh-Arboretum-Engagement_0032.jpg
Danielle-Defayette-Photography-Raleigh-Arboretum-Engagement_0033.jpg

If you’re looking for a Raleigh wedding photographer for your upcoming nuptials, I’d love to be considered! Get in touch to inquire about availability and talk wedding photography details! My calendar fills quickly!!

Or, if you’re looking for more engagement session inspiration, you should check out the blog! You should definitely hop over to see these Gorgeous Historic Yates Mill County Park Engagement photos in Raleigh, North Carolina!

Hi there—

i'm danielle

I'm a Virginia-based wedding & portrait photographer capturing photos that look like actual ART. 

If you're hoping for the inside scoop, my newsletter is where it's at. 

explore services →

see my work →

subscribe to 

The Sunday Scoop

Thank you for subscribing!

hi, i'm danielle—

In the past 10+ years as a Wedding & Portrait Photographer, I’ve found that, aside from arming myself with my cameras to catch swoon-worthy moments of my couples on their day, I’m also bringing a few other unexpected things. 

Like my tough love mom-voice that will keep your bridal party in check, my air of calm if you’re feeling overwhelmed, and the corniest jokes so no one has the jitters in front of the camera!

Because so much more goes into getting those gorgeous wedding photos than just hitting “click!”

and I'm not just bringing my camera to your big day.

FREE WEDDING SHOPPING STYLE GUIDE

Wondering where to find the best outfits for your aesthetic?

I'll show you. 

Download my FREE Wedding Shopping Style Guide to find out where to shop to uncover the most unique fits — for both you and your partner — so you don’t have to settle for the same stores you’ve seen everyone else shop from.

© danielle defayette Photography LLC, 2025

copy by btl

|