Graduation season is always a magical time, and capturing those moments at the crack of dawn brings a special kind of serenity and beauty to the experience. Recently, I had the pleasure of photographing Courtney’s graduation session at Boston University, starting at Marsh Plaza, moving to the BU Beach, and concluding at the Alumni Center—a castle-like structure nestled just behind Commonwealth Avenue.

Our day began early, just after sunrise. Marsh Plaza, with its iconic statue inspired by Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Had a Dream” speech, and the beautiful arches of the Marsh Chapel, was the perfect backdrop for Courtney’s first set of photos - and we had the entire place to ourselves! The morning light cast a soft, golden hue over the plaza, creating a serene and almost ethereal atmosphere.

The plaza was nearly empty at this hour, giving us the freedom to explore different angles and perspectives without any distractions. We captured a mix of traditional posed shots and candid moments, our bottle pop echoing through the streets along with our laughter.

That Trader Joe’s champagne though am I right?

Next, we made our way to the BU Beach—a charming misnomer, as it is not a beach but a scenic strip of green space along the Charles River. The view from here is stunning, with the river reflecting the early morning light and the city skyline in the background.

Courtney’s energy was infectious as we strolled along the greenery, capturing moments of her basking in the tranquility of the morning. The gentle breeze added a touch of movement to Courtney’s hair and gown, creating dynamic and lively photos that truly encapsulated the joy of the moment.

Our final stop was Boston University’s Alumni Center, a stunning castle-like structure nestled just behind Commonwealth Avenue. This historic building is a favorite of mine, and fun fact - it’s also a wedding venue!

We explored the grounds, capturing both close-up shots that highlighted Courtney’s features and wide-angle photos that showcased the grandeur of the BU Alumni Center. The combination of the historic architecture and the fresh morning light resulted in a series of images that were both classic and contemporary, perfectly mirroring Courtney’s journey.

Congratulations, Courtney, and thank you for letting me be a part of your special day!

If you're looking to capture your own special moments, whether it’s a graduation, engagement, or any other milestone, feel free to reach out. There’s nothing quite like the beauty of a sunrise session to start your day with a smile and create memories that will last a lifetime.