Sari and John’s easygoing, happy, nature-filled engagement session

Hello, friends! I’m really happy to introduce you to Sari and John today and share pictures from their engagement session! Sari and John are having a very small wedding this fall up North. They were excited to have a lifestyle-esque engagement session that would feel candid and storytelling. Sari and John carefully picked a few locations that were really meaningful to them as a couple, and I think it makes their photos extra-special! 

We started the session in their home, which they’ve lived in for just over a year. It was so fun to take pictures of them in their first home together -- it’s such a special thing to document! Photographing their home also meant I got to meet their sweet puppy, Ruby.

Sari and John’s home 

We started the session in Sari and John’s backyard. Sari and John harvested tomatoes and cucumbers from their garden while Ruby happily rolled around in the grass. It felt like such a sweet, happy moment to capture, and I felt right at home as a gardener myself! They took a break from harvesting to cuddle in the grass with Ruby while I snapped away. 

After spending some time in the garden, we headed inside Sari and John’s beautiful house. Sari and John had prepared a tasty spread of cheese, bread, and produce, which they added their freshly-picked vegetables to. They lingered and hung out at the kitchen table as they chatted and enjoyed some food together. The moment felt super warm and relaxed, and it all felt really authentic to their life together.

I took a few pictures of them snuggled up in their living room, as well as in their sunroom.  Ruby was being super cute (which she’s a champion at!) and sat snuggled up on a rug nearby. Sari put on a record, and she and John took in a sweet, tender slow-dance moment together. 

Sari’s parents’ garden

After wrapping up photos at Sari and John’s home, we headed to Sari’s parents’ home. Sari’s parents won’t be physically present at the wedding this fall due to covid- and health-related concerns. Because Sari’s parents are really close to her and are a big part of Sari and John’s lives, the couple really wanted to involve them in their engagement photos. It was really unique to involve parents in a session like this, and I thought it was so, so special and beautiful that Sari and John chose to have Sari’s parents present in the engagement photographs that they’ll treasure forever. 

Sari’s parents still live in the same house Sari grew up in, and the garden is really special to her! A huge swath of wildflowers are growing over part of the yard, and the flowers were super lush and pretty.  We spent a little time taking pictures by it right as the sun was getting low in the sky -- it was such a stunning time of day and place to photograph. 

We went into the backyard and Sari’s parents came outside. Sari’s parents had set up two round tables in their backyard that were a really safe distance (20-30 feet apart) from each other. The two couples had a glass of wine together and talked for a little bit while I took a few candid pictures. It was a really meaningful moment; even while needing to be mindful of covid, their family found a way to spend time together during this special time in Sari and John’s relationship. 

I also used a special compositing technique to get a picture of Sari, John, and Sari’s parents together! While standing super still, I took a picture of Sari and John together, had them step away, and then took a picture of Sari’s parents right next to where Sari and John had stood. Later on, I used Photoshop to composite the two pictures together to create a picture of Sari, John, and her parents all closer together than they physically were able to be. 

Cedar Lake

Sari’s parents live close to Cedar Lake, so Sari, John, and I walked over there to take a few final pictures -- such a wonderful location choice for them as nature lovers! 

We took a few pictures walking around Cedar Lake in a spot that feels like a park and then went right to the edge of the water. The sun was behind the trees, and the colors were dusky and soft. A bit of sunlight reflected on the water. It felt so calm and serene. 

Sari and John snuggled up together as they took in the sunset. They took their shoes off and stepped into the water. Siri found a rock to stand on, and the two of them climbed on top of it and enjoyed another moment of dancing together. 

Sari and John, you are such a joy to spend time with. You are both so compassionate and thoughtful towards those around you! Your love for nature, your family, and each other are so beautiful to witness! Thank you for trusting me with your engagement photos -- I can’t wait to photograph your wedding this fall.