One of my favorite parts of being a wedding photographer is getting to know my couples before their wedding day.

So when I get the chance to spend a morning exploring Louisville with my 2027 couples for their engagement session, I’m always excited. It gives us a chance to hang out, get comfortable in front of the camera, and create something together before the wedding day arrives. Madison and Allan’s engagement session was such a good one!

We spent the morning exploring Saint James Court and Downtown Louisville, stopping along the way for portraits, wandering around the city, and getting to know each other a little better.


Their First Time in Front of the Camera

Something that made this session even more fun? This was Madison and Allan’s first time taking professional photos together.

And honestly, you could never tell. They were absolute naturals in front of the camera.

There’s always a little bit of an adjustment when you're not used to having a photographer follow you around, but Madison and Allan settled in so quickly.

The more we explored, the more comfortable they became, and eventually it just felt like the three of us were spending the morning together rather than having a formal photo session. Those are my favorite engagement sessions!

I don't want couples to feel like they have to know exactly what to do. My job is to guide you when you need it, give you space when you don't, and make the whole experience feel natural.


Exploring Louisville Together

Saint James Court was the perfect place to start our morning.

There's something about the historic architecture and quiet streets that makes it such a beautiful backdrop for engagement photos, and then transitioning into Downtown Louisville gave us a completely different feel.

I love sessions that allow us to move around and actually do something instead of standing in one spot for an hour.

Walking, talking, laughing, exploring, and stopping whenever we found a spot we loved made the entire session feel effortless. And I think that shows in their photographs!


Counting Down to The Seelbach

As much as I loved getting to photograph Madison and Allan for their engagement session, I'm even more excited knowing that this is only the beginning.

These two are getting married next summer at The Seelbach, and I already know it's going to be such a beautiful day.

One of my favorite parts of being a wedding photographer is getting to watch a relationship with my couples grow from the first inquiry, to the engagement session, all the way to the wedding day.

So Madison and Allan, thank you for spending your morning with me and trusting me to document this season of your relationship.

I can't wait to do it all again next summer.



Take a look at the gallery below to see more of this special day!

 

Smiling couple posing in front of an ornate fountain in a lush green park, woman in white dress holding mans hand.
Couple holding hands near a fountain, woman in white dress smiling, man in light blue shirt and cream pants.
Close-up of engagement ring on woman's hand with red nails resting on man's light blue shirt.
Engaged couple holding hands on a sunny street, woman in white dress lifting one foot playfully.
Couple in white outfits holding hands and smiling at each other while walking on a sunny urban street.
Couple holding hands and gazing at each other on a tree-lined urban street in coordinating white outfits.
Couple smiling at each other outdoors, man in white shirt and woman in white dress, holding hands on a sunny day.
Couple sharing a romantic kiss outdoors, woman in white mini dress and man in light blue shirt holding hands.
Smiling couple in white outfits holding hands on a sunny city street during an engagement photo session.
Couple embracing near an ornate fountain with sunlight glowing behind them in an urban park setting.
Smiling couple embracing near a fountain, woman in white dress with arms around man in light blue shirt.
Happy couple embracing outdoors near a fountain, woman in white dress with arms around mans shoulders.
Smiling couple embracing near a fountain in a sunny park, woman in white dress touching mans face.
Woman showing diamond engagement ring with red nails while embracing a man outdoors.
Happy couple in white outfits holding hands and smiling while walking near ornate iron railing in park.
A couple in white outfits walks near an ornate fountain in a lush green park on a sunny day.
Happy couple holding hands and walking along an ornate iron fence in a lush green park.
Engaged couple posing apart in front of a white building with large arched black-framed windows.
Couple smiling at each other by an arched window, woman in white cape dress leaning against white wall.
Romantic couple in matching white outfits sharing a tender moment outdoors near a building with large windows.
Couple sharing a tender kiss in front of large arched windows, woman in white dress on tiptoes.
A smiling couple in white outfits embracing outdoors near a building, woman resting her head on mans shoulder.
Happy couple embracing outdoors near white building, man hugging woman in white dress, lush green trees in background.
Happy couple embracing outdoors, man hugging woman from behind as she displays engagement ring, surrounded by green trees.
Close-up of woman's hands with red nails and engagement ring wrapped around man's white shirt.
Couple sitting together on a park bench surrounded by lush green trees on a sunny day.
Couple sitting on a park bench, woman in white dress touching mans face, surrounded by lush green trees.
Couple sharing a romantic moment on a park bench surrounded by lush greenery on a sunny day.
A couple shares a romantic kiss on a park bench surrounded by lush green trees on a sunny day.
Couple sitting on a park bench holding hands and smiling at each other on a sunny day.
Smiling couple posing on a park bench, woman in white dress embracing man from behind outdoors.
Smiling couple posing in sunny park, woman in white dress standing beside man seated on a bench.
Happy couple sitting close together on a park bench surrounded by lush green trees on a sunny day.
Romantic couple sharing a kiss on a park bench surrounded by lush green trees.
A smiling couple shares a romantic moment on a park bench, woman in white dress sitting while man gazes up at her.
Black and white photo of a joyful couple dancing outdoors, man lifting woman in white dress.
Man lifting woman in white dress outdoors, laughing joyfully in front of a historic stone building.
A joyful couple embraces outdoors, man lifting woman near an elegant stone mansion with lush gardens.
Couple in white embracing outdoors, man lifting woman near elegant stone building with balustrade.
Romantic couple embracing and kissing in front of an elegant stone mansion on a sunny day.
Joyful couple dancing outdoors, woman in white dress spinning gracefully in front of a stone building.
Couple embracing and smiling at each other on green lawn in front of a classic stone building.
Happy couple holding hands and running on grass in front of a grand historic building on sunny day.
Black and white photo of a couple holding hands and walking on grass in front of an elegant historic building.
A romantic couple shares a kiss as the man lifts the woman in a black and white outdoor photo.
Couple posing together near blooming white hydrangeas outside a classic building, woman in white dress and man in light pants.
Happy couple in coordinating white outfits gazing at each other near blooming hydrangeas outside a classic building.
Woman in white dress leaning into man in light shirt, standing near blooming hydrangeas outdoors.
Couple in white outfits holding hands walking along garden path near classical columned building.
Couple holding hands and walking past white hydrangeas near a classic building with tall columns.
Couple in coordinating white and cream outfits sharing tender moment under shaded trees outdoors.
Smiling couple posing together near white hydrangeas outside a classic white building on a sunny day.
Happy couple embracing near blooming white hydrangeas outside a grand white building on a sunny day.
Couple walking together on a sunlit path beside white hydrangeas and a classic building exterior.
A smiling couple holds hands while walking on a sunny urban sidewalk, woman wearing a white flowy dress.
Engaged couple holding hands while walking up stone steps in an urban park setting on a sunny day.
Couple in white outfits posing on marble steps near tall columns and a city building on a sunny day.
A couple poses romantically between large white columns with city buildings visible in the background.
Woman in white dress embracing man from behind against a bright white wall in soft natural light.
Smiling couple poses together against a white column, woman showing engagement ring in soft natural light.
Affectionate couple leaning against a white stone column, smiling and embracing on a sunny day.
Couple leaning together against a sunlit white stone building wall, woman in white dress smiling.
Couple holding hands walking between large white columns with city buildings visible in background.
A joyful couple holds hands and walks between grand columns in a black and white engagement photo.
Couple sharing a kiss near a vintage doorway, woman in white dress with one heel lifted romantically.
Romantic couple leaning in for a kiss while holding hands against a classic stone building column.
Man tenderly embracing woman in white dress against elegant architectural column in soft light.
Happy couple holding hands and smiling while walking down outdoor steps, woman in white dress, man in light blue shirt.
Couple sharing a tender kiss against an ornate beige stone building facade on a sunny day.
Black and white photo of couple crossing a city street, woman in white dress, urban background.
The Vendors
The Dream Team That Made It Happen


Venue: Hermitage Farm

Lead Photographer: Joia Lyn Photo

Caterer: Barn8 Restaurant

Band: Top Shelf Band

Hi, I'm Joia Lyn!

Your Wedding & Elopement Photographer in Kentucky

I’m Joia, the photographer behind Joia Lyn Photo.

I photograph weddings, engagements, and the moments that make this season of your life worth remembering.

My work is romantic, intentional, and rooted in the in-between moments - the way you look at each other, the people you love, the laughter, and all the little things that make your story yours.

Because years from now, I want your photographs to bring you right back to how it felt. Let's make something worth remembering!

Planning Your Own Louisville Wedding?

If you're planning a wedding at Hermitage Farm, somewhere around Louisville, or anywhere in Kentucky, I'd love to hear about it.

If your day is anything like Jacob and Tory's, full of good people, meaningful details, unexpected moments, and a whole lot of fun - I already know I'm going to love documenting it!


Let's chat  all about it, here!

Elegant oval monogram logo featuring intertwined JP initials in sage green script on a white background.
Woman in black long-sleeve midi dress and heels posing against white wall with elegant minimalist style.