Gabe and Bailey chose to have their apple blossom engagement session in a location that already holds a lot of meaning for them. The neighboring orchard, with apple blossoms bloom, their location was a spot where they often spent time together with their two dogs, Lenny and Leroy. It’s part of their routine, their story, and that familiarity made their session feel natural and completely personal.
Apple blossoms are fleeting, which made the timing even more special. The delicate white and blush-toned blooms created a soft, romantic setting that complemented their energy as a couple—playful, grounded, and warm.
The apple trees weren’t just a pretty backdrop—they were part of the couple’s everyday life. Gabe grew up playing in these orchard field and sharing this with Bailey, walking the paths together for years, and now with their dogs trotting ahead. Choosing this location brought a meaningful layer to the session. It wasn’t about finding the most scenic place—it was about choosing the one that meant something to them.
That comfort translated beautifully into their photos. They moved with ease, shared natural laughs, and fell into poses without needing much direction. Real moments are always more powerful than staged ones, and this session had plenty of them.
For the session, Bailey wore a soft, whimsical cream dress with black trim, while Gabe looked comfortable but elevated in his button down, black trousers, and loafers, perfectly complementing the spring palette around them.
We leaned into a dreamy and editorial approach—posing gently, letting the couple play and interact naturally as petals swirled around them. Their quiet glances, warm laughter, and loving and joyful presence that’s a joy to capture so purely. And while they changed outfits I was able to capture Bailey’s ring among the blossoms.
Their dogs added the perfect playful contrast. Whether they were trotting ahead like proud matchmakers or cuddling between their humans, they made the session feel even more personal. For couples wondering if they should bring their pups to their session, this is your sign: yes. Always yes.
One of the most unique parts of the session took place in the back of their GMC pickup truck. Midway through the shoot, we transitioned to a scene that felt like it was pulled from the pages of a novel or a Footloose-esque movie. They changed outfits and Gabe backed his GMC pickup in between the rows of blossoms — even with a newer truck it felt nostalgic, and surprisingly romantic.
The bed of the truck required no styling, but we did pop open the back window just in case Leroy and Lenny wanted to peek out and you guys, the most unicorn moment where they both had their cute pup faces in the window and Gabe and Bailey were in the foreground. These images turned out to be some of the most romantic of the day. It felt comfortable, classy, romantic and unforced, just like them. When elements in your session reflect your real life, it tells your story in a way nothing else can.
Curating a session to embody who you are doesn’t always mean extravagance. More often, it’s about the intention behind the details. This session embodied that perfectly. Here are some things to consider:
The Location: Choose a place rich with personal meaning
The Styling: Take the every day feel up a notch, elevate it. This could simply mean wearing nice clothes or layering an activity like popping a bottle of champagne, sharing picnic charcuterie, or bringing styled florals.
The Mood: Choosing lighting or a time of day that is romantic and relaxed, blending fine art aesthetics with editorial storytelling. If you’re outside this could be golden hour or an early morning session, or finding a moody indoor location with natural light from a window.
The Details: For Gabe and Bailey, incorporating their dogs and their truck brought authenticity and warmth to the final gallery.
At peak golden hour we went to Gabe and Bailey’s current home on the lake. It was so special to end the night with the lake views that are so familiar to them, with this gorgeous tree in bloom in their backyard. Truly a session I’ll never forget.
Inspired by this romantic shoot? Here are a few tips if you’re planning your own cherry blossom or spring session:
Timing is everything: Blossoms, Snow, Rain, Fog, etc. are fleeting. Schedule your session with flexibility in mind, and trust your photographer to help track weather for a peak time for this look.
Picking your outfits: Flowy fabrics, neutral tones, and soft textures photograph beautifully in natural environments. Remember to coordinate, not match.
Incorporate meaningful details: A picnic, a pet, a favorite vehicle—these touches elevate your session and make the story yours.
Relax and be present: The most magical images come from genuine connection, not perfect posing. Trust the process.
If you’re dreaming of a whimsical engagement session full of movement, emotion, and refined storytelling, I’d be honored to help you bring it to life. Whether it’s under the apple blossoms, along your favorite trail, or in the comfort of your own backyard, your story deserves to be told beautifully.