Reed and Eric’s joyful and grounded engagement portraits

I’m so excited to share Reed and Eric’s engagement portraits with you today! Reed and Eric love spending time outdoors and have a strong sense of place in their lives. They got married in the backyard of the housing co-op they call home, where they live in intentional community with folks who share their commitment to being thoughtful stewards of the earth. When planning their engagement session, they shared their hopes for the photographs to feel organic and easy-going. They envisioned the photographs looking happy, creative, and full of nature. We opted for a lifestyle approach to this session, photographing them in their natural element walking a few favorite trails near their home. They also brought along their sweet pup, who loves nature as much as they do! 

As Eric and Reed wandered the trails, I photographed them walking side by side and stopping at times to embrace one another. Surrounded by such a lush green backdrop of forest and ferns, their portraits emanate a calm, grounded energy that comes naturally for Eric and Reed. 

Halfway through the photoshoot, Eric changed from a button-up shirt to a flowy layer he loved. I always encourage clients to wear clothing that feels authentic to their personality, style, and self-expression. One of my favorite portraits captures Reed sweetly tucking a flower behind Eric’s ear. Both of them have these huge smiles, and they look truly at home with one another: enamored and at ease. 

Eric and Reed also value art and creativity. Using a double exposure, I photographed them looking at one another while heightening the focus on the flowers that surrounded them. It created such an artsy and sentimental moment. Immersed in nature and in each other’s gaze, Eric and Reed look joyful and serene.