A Romantic Engagement Session in Arles, France: Shirley, Sam & Tofu’s Morning Stroll Through History

karina leigh - engagement photo session in arles, france with poodle

A Romantic Engagement Session in Arles, France: Shirley, Sam & Tofu’s Morning Stroll Through History. After I photographed Sam & Shirley’s surprise proposal in Provence at the Chateau des Alpilles, I was thrilled to welcome the newly engaged couple and their fluffy baby, Tofu, a toy poodle to my charming and historic town of Arles.

There’s something undeniably magical about choosing southern France as the backdrop for your engagement photos. The golden light, the textured stone, the vibrant shutters, the quiet rhythm of daily life—it all comes together in a way that feels both cinematic and deeply personal. I knew this morningwas going to be something special.

This wasn’t just a photo session—it was a morning of discovery, connection, and celebration in one of the most charming towns in Provence. I love photographing animals, and Tofu was so adorable. The love Sam and Shirley have for each other is magnificent, and wandering around Arles together was a joyful experience!

Table of Contents

Why Arles is Perfect for an Engagement Session

Arles is one of those places that feels like it exists in layers. Around every corner, there’s a story—Roman ruins, medieval churches, quiet courtyards, and sunlit alleyways painted in soft pastels and bold ochres. For couples looking for a unique and romantic location for their engagement photos in France, Arles offers something truly special. It has a bit of something for everyone.

Unlike busier destinations in Provence, Arles has a slower pace. It allows space for genuine moments to unfold naturally, without the pressure of crowds or tight timelines. For Shirley and Sam, this meant they could simply enjoy being together—walking hand in hand, laughing, and soaking in the atmosphere along with their ‘baby’.

Starting the Morning with Soft Light

We began early in the morning, when the light in Arles is at its most flattering—soft, golden, and gently wrapping around the buildings. The streets were still relatively quiet, with a few locals opening cafés and sweeping their doorsteps. It almost feels like you’re discovering the town for the first time, even as someone who’s been living here, each day is a gift in Arles, fresh and new and full of possibilities.

Shirley arrived in a white flowing dress that moved beautifully with the breeze, while Sam kept things effortlessly elegant in a neutral-toned outfit that complemented the warm tones of the city. And then there was Tofu—perfectly groomed, curious, and ready to explore. His bow tie collar was just too cute!

We started slowly, allowing them to ease into the experience, our first stop was the ancient Roman arenès, pausing to consider the history its seen and the modern day usage of this incredible monument. As an English speaking professional engagement and couples photographer in Provence, I feel engagement sessions should never feel rushed or overly posed. Instead, I guide couples gently, giving direction when needed while leaving plenty of room for natural interaction.

Exploring the Roman Heart of Arles

One of the things I love most about photographing in Arles is the way history becomes part of the story. As we walked, I pointed out some of the city’s most iconic landmarks and shared a bit of their history, at least what I know of it!

We passed ancient Roman ruins that have stood for over two thousand years—silent witnesses to centuries of love stories, daily life, and change. There’s something incredibly grounding about incorporating these elements into a session. It adds depth and meaning without ever feeling forced. Visitors from the United States and Canada especially love visiting these old Provençal towns because they have an old-world charm that’s a bit more difficult to find back home.

Shirley and Sam were genuinely curious, asking questions and taking in the details. These moments—when couples are fully present—are always the most beautiful to photograph. Not to mention, I had a ton of fun chatting with them!

Colorful Streets and Quiet Corners

After exploring some of the historic sites, we wandered into the smaller streets of Arles. This is where the town really comes alive visually. Soft blue shutters, terracotta walls, trailing greenery, and little bursts of color around every turn. I especially love the greenery — which is present in all seasons. There’s something incredibly calming about these cute little lanes, too.

These streets are perfect for creating a relaxed, editorial feel. Instead of posing in one spot, we kept moving—walking, pausing, turning, laughing. I encouraged Shirley and Sam to interact naturally: whispering to each other, adjusting a strand of hair, holding hands a little tighter.

Tofu, of course, stole the show more than once. Whether trotting ahead confidently or sitting patiently between them, he added such a joyful, personal element to the session. Including pets in engagement sessions always brings an extra layer of authenticity—and a few unexpected, delightful moments. I couldn’t help but call out to him and even held him at one point!

The Beauty of a Relaxed, Documentary Approach

One of the things Shirley and Sam mentioned early on was that they didn’t want anything too stiff or overly styled. They wanted their photos to feel like them—natural, connected, and true to the experience of being in Arles together, celebrating their connection and engagement the night before.

This is exactly how I approach engagement photography.

Rather than focusing on perfect poses, I focus on creating an environment where real moments can happen. I give gentle guidance—where to stand, how to move—but I always leave space for spontaneity.

For Shirley and Sam, this meant their session felt more like a morning stroll than a photoshoot. And that’s exactly why the images feel so genuine and personal to them.

A Sweet Pause: Ice Cream in the Sun

One of my favorite moments from the session happened completely organically. As we walked through a sunlit square, they decided to stop for ice cream.

It was such a simple, spontaneous choice—but it became one of the highlights of the morning. I love photographing couples having fun in the moment, and this was super fun.

There’s something about sharing an ice cream cone in the middle of a quiet French town that just feels like pure joy. Shirley laughed as Tofu tried to sneak a taste, Sam teased her about getting ice cream on her nose, and the whole moment unfolded naturally as they strolled the colorful streets.

These are the kinds of memories that make engagement sessions so meaningful. It’s not just about the photos—it’s about the experience itself. As a Provence engagement photographer, I try to ensure every experience with me is relaxing and enjoyable.

Capturing Connection in Motion

As the morning continued, we leaned into movement. Walking shots, gentle spins, quiet pauses against sunlit walls—these create a sense of flow and life within the images.

Arles is perfect for this kind of storytelling. The light shifts beautifully as you move through the streets, creating different moods within just a few steps.

Shirley and Sam were incredibly in sync with each other. They didn’t need much direction—their chemistry came through effortlessly, which is always the goal and I tried to allow them just to be effortlessly, them, without barking out commands on how to pose.

Including Your Dog in Your Engagement Photos

Tofu wasn’t just an accessory—he was part of the story. I especially enjoyed photographing this little cutie in the garden.

For couples considering bringing their pet to their engagement session, I always say yes—with a little planning. Choose a location where your dog can feel comfortable, bring treats, and be ready for a bit of unpredictability.

In this case, Tofu added so much personality. Some of the most charming images came from unscripted moments—him looking up at them, weaving between their legs, or simply sitting proudly as if he knew he was part of something important.

Why a Destination Engagement Session is Worth It

Shirley and Sam traveled to Arles specifically for this session, and it made the experience even more meaningful. Sam had proposed in nearby Saint Remy-de-Provence, so Arles was perfect and natural for a more casual engagement session.

A destination engagement session isn’t just about beautiful photos—it’s about creating a memory in a place that feels special. It becomes part of your story as a couple.

Whether it’s wandering through historic streets, discovering local cafés, or simply enjoying a slower pace, these sessions allow you to connect in a different way than you might at home.

And from a photography perspective, it offers a unique visual narrative that reflects both your relationship and the place itself.

The Light in Provence

It’s impossible to talk about photographing in southern France without mentioning the light.

There’s a softness to it, even in the brightness of the morning. It reflects off the pale stone, warms the colors of the buildings, and creates a natural glow that feels almost painterly. I felt it the minute I visited Arles, and as a resident, I still feel it every day.

This is one of the reasons Provence has inspired artists for centuries—and why it continues to be such an incredible location for photography.

During Shirley and Sam’s session, the light evolved beautifully as we moved through the city, giving us a variety of tones and moods within a single morning.

Ending the Session on a Joyful Note

As the streets began to fill and the day picked up pace, we slowly wrapped up the session.

There’s always a moment at the end of an engagement shoot where everything feels a little more settled. The initial nerves are gone, replaced by a sense of ease and familiarity.

Shirley and Sam lingered for a bit, taking in the surroundings, holding Tofu, and reflecting on the morning. It felt less like the end of a photoshoot and more like the end of a shared experience. I didn’t want it to end!

Planning Your Engagement Session in Arles

If you’re considering an engagement session in Arles, here are a few things to keep in mind:

Timing matters: Early morning offers the best light and fewer crowds.
Dress for movement: Flowing fabrics and comfortable outfits work beautifully in this setting.
Embrace the experience: Treat the session like a date rather than a photoshoot.
Stay flexible: Some of the best moments come from unplanned stops—like ice cream.

A Morning to Remember

Shirley and Sam’s engagement session in Arles was everything an engagement shoot should be—relaxed, meaningful, and filled with genuine connection.

From wandering through Roman ruins to laughing over melting ice cream, every moment felt natural and unforced. And with Tofu by their side, it became even more personal and memorable.

These are the kinds of sessions that remind me why I love what I do. It’s not just about capturing beautiful images—it’s about preserving a feeling, a place, and a moment in time.

Looking for an Engagement Photographer in Arles, France?

If you’re dreaming of a romantic engagement session in Provence—whether in Arles or elsewhere along the French Riviera—I’d love to help you create something just as meaningful.

Your story deserves to be told in a way that feels authentic, effortless, and true to you.

Because at the end of the day, the most beautiful photos aren’t just about where you are—they’re about how you feel together.

Check out my web site at www.karinaleigh.com, learn more about my photography packages and reach out with questions. I can’t wait to meet you in Arles!