Setting the Mood: From Pinterest Pins to Real-Life Romance

My client, Valerie and I met up virtually to dream up the vibe of the shoot. Together, we crafted a mood board that helped guide everything from wardrobe choices to shot composition. We wanted to focus on soft florals, intimate glances, effortless style, in a summer aesthetic and the kind of glow you can only get from that magical hour before sunset.

We wanted their personalities to shine while embracing the natural elegance of the garden. Valerie’s love of subtle vintage tones mixed beautifully with her fiancé's cool, grounded presence. The mood board wasn’t just visual—it became a map for emotional storytelling.

The Golden Hour Magic

Timing is everything in photography—and for this session, golden hour delivered. As the sun dipped low, the light poured through trees, wrapped around flowers, and kissed their faces with a warm, golden hue that elevated every moment. The changing light helped us build a visual narrative—starting with vibrant, joyful shots and ending with moody, romantic silhouettes.

Golden hour turned the botanical garden into a dreamscape, and Valerie and her fiancé made it come alive with their playful chemistry and quiet tenderness.

A Session Full of Heart

Throughout the shoot, we laughed, wandered, and paused often—allowing the couple to simply be themselves. Some of the best shots came during those in-between moments: a spontaneous twirl, a forehead kiss under the trees or a shared smile after an inside joke.

From idea to execution, this session was a reminder of why I do what I do—helping couples feel seen, celebrated, and beautifully themselves.

Valerie and her fiancé rocked it.

Interested in booking your own custom engagement session? Whether you’re planning a garden shoot, a downtown adventure, or a cosplay couple moment—I'm here to help you create something gloriously you.

A couple shares an intimate moment sitting in a vibrant orange window frame on a rustic wooden porch.
A couple embraces and smiles while sitting next to a red window frame against a rustic wooden wall.
Affectionate couple hugging together in sunshine wearing light blue and white at outdoor sunset engagement session.
A couple holding hands and smiling while walking together in a garden setting during golden hour.
A couple shares a romantic dance moment together in a lush garden setting.
A couple wearing turquoise blue and white outfits smile at each other in front of lush green garden foliage.
Couple embraces on garden path beside rustic cabin during golden sunset with evergreen trees and flowers.
A couple walks along a gravel path surrounded by green trees while sharing a loving glance.