Can I tell you guys a secret? *Whispers* You don’t have to be an ENP Bride and Groom to be an ENP Couple 😉 Rebecca and Matthew are officially living proof. Rebecca found me online through a quick Google search, but I think I was a little luckier than just that. These two got married a little more than a year and a half ago in New York. They’re now living in NoVa rocking their law careers. We met at Bon Air Memorial Rose Garden to celebrate their two-year anniversary with a garden-themed portrait session!
If I have ever regretted not knowing an ENP Couple sooner, it’s Rebecca and Matthew. They told me about their beautiful wedding day, and it only made their anniversary session location feel all too perfect. Since their session was the end of May, the garden was in FULL bloom for these two. It felt full circle after learning their wedding flowers were roses!! How perfect was that happy accident?! Rebecca even wore the same shoes she wore when she walked down the aisle (Badgley Mischka, too!!! One of my faves). When she told me that, I just had to borrow them for a detail shot.
To put the cherry on top, we’re both rose gold lovers. I got to photograph her beautiful rose gold wedding rings while showing off my own rose gold bling and exchanging proposal stories.
Needless to say, we hit it off well and got some gorgeous portraits in the meantime. I just love when sessions become more like hanging out with friends than just pointing a camera at people. The connection between me and my clients is that secret ingredient that turns a pretty session into a beautiful one. And it sure can’t hurt to have such photogenic clients as well.
Rebecca and Matthew, I hope you enjoy these portraits for years to come. I can’t wait for the next opportunity to hang out again, and I’m excited for what year two of marriage has in store for you two!
Every couple has a unique story, and the best engagement photo ideas go far beyond posed smiles. Recently, I photographed “A” & “L’s” engagement session—an ENP couple who requested that I protect their privacy and not share identifiable images online. Their request wasn’t just respected; it opened the door for a deeply intentional session filled with quiet, meaningful moments that beautifully reflected their relationship.
As a photographer specializing in storytelling and editorial imagery, I want couples to know that your engagement session can and should feel personal. You don’t need to perform for the camera—you just need a photographer who knows how to turn your real-life love into visual poetry.
Why Engagement Photo Ideas Should Be Personal
Many couples think engagement photos are just about dressing up and smiling at the camera. While I definitely capture classic portraits, that’s only a fraction of the full story. The best engagement photo ideas come from understanding who you are as a couple—your rituals, your connection, your humor, and your journey.
For “A” & “L,” that meant starting their session in a quiet park, sitting side-by-side on a bench where they’ve spent countless hours reading their Bibles and journaling together. These aren’t just habits—they’re emotional anchors in their relationship. Photographing those rituals added a depth to their gallery that no traditional pose ever could.
And then there was the ring: “A” wears a gold band on his right hand as a symbol of engagement in his culture. On their wedding day, that ring will move to his left. It’s a tradition full of meaning—and one I made sure to feature with a detailed, editorial-style shot that tells that part of their story.
Editorial Engagement Photo Ideas for Storytelling
When we think of great engagement photo ideas, editorial photography might not be the first thing that comes to mind—but it should be. Editorial doesn’t mean impersonal or overly styled. It means refined, intentional, and expressive.
I guide my couples with subtle posing, always encouraging movement, touch, and interaction. In “A” & “L’s” gallery, I included:
Classic portraits (yes, the ones grandma wants for her mantel)
Thoughtful candids full of laughter and genuine connection
Detail shots of meaningful objects like their Bibles and both “L” and “A’s” engagement rings
Wide, environmental shots that add context and a sense of place
Quiet in-between moments that feel like stills from a film
These engagement photo ideas create a well-rounded gallery that feels less like a checklist and more like a visual love letter.
Tips to Plan Meaningful Engagement Photo Ideas
Want to make sure your session is just as unique and story-driven? Here are some ways you can help me create something truly special:
1. Share Your Love Story With Me
Before the session, I’ll send you a short questionnaire. This helps me understand your personalities, how you fell in love, what you value, and how you spend time together. The more I know, the more authentic your photos will be.
2. Bring Meaningful Props
If there’s a book you both love, a blanket from your first date, or items that symbolize your relationship (like “A’s” gold band), bring them! These kinds of details give your engagement photo ideas texture and significance.
3. Pick a Location That Matters to You
Sure, sunset fields and rooftops are gorgeous—but so is the cozy corner of your favorite café or the trail where you go on weekend walks. Let’s choose a spot that feels like you.
4. Let the Moments Unfold Naturally
My sessions are never rushed or overly choreographed. I’ll offer guidance, but the best photos happen when you’re genuinely present with each other. Laugh, talk, cuddle—just be yourselves.
How Your Love Story Inspires Timeless Engagement Photo Ideas
At the end of the day, engagement photo ideas should celebrate what’s true and beautiful about your relationship—not a one-size-fits-all concept. With “A” & “L,” we created something soft, editorial, and sacred without ever showing a full face. Their images still speak volumes, because they are layered with authenticity, intention, and emotional storytelling.
If you’re looking for an engagement session that feels deeply “you”—with all the variety, intimacy, and editorial beauty you’ve been dreaming of—I would be honored to create that with you.
