Julie and Kevin @ the North Shore’s Mexican War Streets (engagement session)

Julie and Kevin remodeled their gorgeous home on Pittsburgh’s North Side (on the Mexican War Streets), so of course they wanted me to photograph their engagement session there with their sweet sheepdog pup. We hung out in their living room, backyard, and took a walk to the park nearby. Here are a couple of my favorites. <3

Though my clients hire me for my hands-off documentary approach on their wedding day, that definitely does not mean I avoid portraits! I do LOVE photographing couples, especially in their natural environments where they are most comfortable.

Previously I’d blogged the ONLY reason to do an engagement session, but I think I might have been wrong (*GASP*). Yes, engagement photos are a fantastic tool to help us create beautiful wedding-day portraits, but there’s MORE to the photoshoot than just practice for the wedding day… it holds tremendous value on its own, as a way to document the simplicity of your lives together before everything changes after marriage. Engagement sessions tell the story of who you are TODAY.

That’s why I think every couple should be photographed in a location that is important to them: where they met, live, or spend much of their time. Bring your animals, your home decor, and your favorite coffee joint. Let’s tell the story of who you are right now.