Okay, friends — let’s talk about one of my favorite engagement sessions to date. Picture this: crisp fall air, trees bursting in shades of gold, amber, and fiery red, and two wildly-in-love humans who could not stop laughing and snuggling up to each other. Yep, I’m talking about Elaine and Joe’s Engagement Session at Brookside Gardens, and it was everything.
If you’ve never been to Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, Maryland in the fall, do yourself a favor and go. The textures, the colors, the way the light filters through the changing leaves — it’s basically nature showing off, and I was 100% here for it.
From the second I met Elaine and Joe, I knew we were going to have a blast. These two brought ALL the energy. Think spontaneous spins, dramatic dips, and sneaky little kisses when they thought I wasn’t looking (spoiler alert: I totally was, and I got the shots).
They weren’t afraid to get a little silly, and Joe was all about whispering silly things while I was too far away to hear. It’s sessions like these that remind me why I love what I do — capturing real moments, genuine connection, and allll the in-between magic.
I swear, Brookside Gardens was glowing for us that day. Every path we turned down was lined with fall flowers and greenery, bold pops of color in the leaves, and these dreamy golden beams of light. It felt like we had the whole place to ourselves, which made it so easy for these to relax, be themselves, and soak in all the cozy fall vibes.
Whether we were wandering through the secret gardens, hanging by the pond, or getting lost in the maze of brilliant autumn trees, it felt like a little love story unfolding right in front of my camera.
Honestly? Fall is one of my absolute favorite seasons for Engagement Photos, and Brookside Gardens is the perfect spot for it. Between the natural textures, colorful backdrops, and wide-open spaces for playful moments, it’s a dream location for couples who want photos that feel fun, authentic, and a little bit magical. There is just a small fee to schedule your session there, and it’s super easy to make reschedule in case of rain.
If you’re dreaming of an engagement session that feels more like a laid-back adventure with your person (and your third wheel with a camera — hi, it’s me 🙋♀️), let’s make it happen. Another favorite spot for my nature loving couples is Bear’s Den. This one is a bit out towards Shenandoah, and it makes for a gorgeous spot. A quick 5 minute walk and you’re to the overlook!
Thinking about booking your own Brookside Gardens engagement session? I’m your girl. I’ll bring the hype, the jokes, and the fun documentary-style approach that lets you be you. Check out my contact page and let’s plan your session — because love like yours deserves to be photographed in a place this stunning.