The Philbrook: An Italian Villa in the Heartland

Abbie & Matt’s nostalgic engagement session

I never get tired of the pull Philbrook has. It balances luxury with a sense of scale that feels genuinely global. Because the estate is so expansive, it offers an endless variety of backgrounds—from manicured drama to raw, architectural grit. It’s the perfect canvas for a couple that wants their session to feel less like a local park and more like a cinematic escape. 

The light and the stone

The iconic loggia at Philbrook is my favorite area to photograph couples in.

The masonry here is a dream for any photographer. Specially the soft, moody glow at dusk, the venue acts as a natural studio, as an exotic escape from the Americana of it all. It’s the perfect backdrop for a couple who wants their photos to feel elevated and worldly.

The scale of the gardens

Emily and Connor stroll at dusk, creating a cinematic still for their engagement session

I’m always drawn to the sheer vastness of the estate. While close-up intimacy has its place, I love using the distance of the gardens to create a cinematic scale. Pulling back allows the architecture and the landscape to swallow the frame, making the couple feel like they’re part of a much larger, grander narrative. On film especially, these wide shots capture a sense of place that feels both editorial and incredibly nostalgic.

Let’s also not forget about the well manicured lawns and unbelievably lush flower displays on the spring and summer. It makes for a whimsical space that feels very luxurious without sacrificing the personality and artistic flair of the property.

A details shot where flowers really bring an element of whimsi to this sweet and tender moment

The European soul in the details

A bird’s eye view for my free-spirited client Mimi

You don’t have to leave Tulsa to find that old-world aesthetic. It’s in the heavy iron of the light fixtures and the deep-set, arched windows. These architectural features provide the drama I’m always looking for. There’s a weight to the stone and a texture to the glass that grounds the luxury of the venue, giving every frame a worldly, sophisticated edge.

A final note

No matter how many times I walk these grounds, Philbrook never feels the same twice. Each session is a fresh hunt for new nooks and crannies—finding a pocket of light I hadn't noticed before or a textured backdrop that perfectly mirrors a couple's energy. For me, it isn’t about hitting the 'standard' spots; it’s about using the vastness of this estate to find new opportunities for creativity. My goal is always to move past the expected and create a look and vibe that is as layered, nostalgic, and unique as the love story we’re telling.

As a lover of architecture, drama and European charm, this feels like the best hideaway for my creativity.

I cannot wait to hear from you and your vision, together, we can build a very unique and special concept at this gorgeous venue, so let’s chat!