August 5, 2026
You can in fact make magic – you plan a golden hour engagement session
There is something so fun about sunset!! Well actually the hour & a half right before sunset- it’s known as golden hour, where the sun is low & everything just kind of glows. When Izzy came to me with her ideas I knew this would turn into an amazing golden hour engagement session.
Izzy wanted Tuck Everlasting vibes.
In case you’re wondering, “wtf is Tuck Everlasting” – it’s a book, turned into a movie, and now a stage production!
It’s known as one of a classic of modern children’s literature. The main character runs away into nature to escape growing up. She meets another character in the beginning of August, and they fall in love together and spend time in nature together.
He however can live forever, and she can’t. She is offered to also live for forever (by drinking from a spring, not by becoming a vampire lol) but she decides to allow herself to grow old.
The story is set in 1881, so when chatting outfits we made sure to find vintage-inspired clothing. The long sleeves on Izzy’s dress really I think sealed the deal with this look!!!
So the theme is like, nature, immortality, and soft romance. Do you kind of see where the vision is coming from now???
I got to Evergreen Lake early to scout out some spots for photos and WOW am I so glad I did.
I always have this cream colored blanket in my car for engagement sessions like these!!
Planning your golden hour engagement session
Sunset changes throughout the year!! That’s why I have this time & date website bookmarked on my computer.
If I’m planning an engagement session for a month or two in advance, I always double check to see what time the sun will set for the date we choose. Then I plan backwards for my session with my clients.
golden hour vs blue hour
The other FUN part about midwest evenings- is blue hour.
Fun fact: blue hour is just another word for twilight.
During this time, the sun has dipped down over the horizon, but there is still light shining on us. It casts a different kind of light, less of a glow, but it’s very even.
My favorite blue hour light comes from a clear sky, no clouds.
Luckily there was not. a cloud in sight this evening!
Izzy’s heart-shaped necklace is special to her. Inside of it are photos of her & Jack in a photo booth, when he told her for the first time that he loved her!
We had a great time hanging out for their engagement session. I am SO excited for their wedding next summer!!
See like this photo with the lake?? Blue hour. UGH LOVE.
If you’re ready for the next steps to book your own engagement session you can reach out via my contact page here!
We would have a BLAST I promise. 🙂
let’s plan your dreamy engagement session
Other dreamy golden hour sessions I’ve planned & photographed:
All love is affirmed & celebrated here.
Rachael Marie Photography values inclusivity and will never discriminate against your gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religion, body type, or abilities. You are wonderful, beautiful, and loved here.
For the people who would rather be living the moment than posing for it.
I'm Rachael (she/her) by the way.
I'll give you direction when you need it and space when you don't. I believe the best photos aren't always the ones where everyone is looking at the camera.
Sometimes they're the ones where your best friend is crying. Your grandma is laughing.
Your partner is looking at you when you aren't paying attention. And someone is absolutely losing their mind on the dance floor.
Those are the photos I want to make.
