Leading up to engagement sessions, I always reach out to my couples so we can collaborate on a vision for their photos. When I reached out to Haley, she sent over the perfect inspiration. I immediately saw that she was going for what felt like a scene from a 90s romcom at Washington Park in Springfield, IL.

Washington Park in Springfield is SOOOO BIIIIIIG, which means there are lots of features to focus on. As someone who has spent a lottttt of time in Washington Park, it was extra fun to get creative with Haley and Daniel.

Fall at Washington Park

Because there are so many trees in the park, they all transition at different times! Look at the next two photos- some trees were bright orange, while others were just turning yellow. I always like to wait until the end of October for fall centered sessions to get the most amount of fall leaves possible.

We planned their session at the perfect time. We were at the peak transition from summer to fall. The air was crisp, leaves covered the ground, there’s a sort of romantic coziness to the air.

We played a LOT with movement, and I encouraged them to act like kids running through the park.

My favorite spots at Washington Park

Here are some of my fave spots to romp around at the park:

• the botanical gardens
• the gazebo
• the lagoons & ponds
• the rose garden

I’ve been to this park soooo many times, but never photographed from this angle before. I loved the feeling of rolling hills for these moments.

H&D are really really sweet together!!

Engagement Photos at a Springfield Cidery

For the second location Haley wanted a lot more of a relaxed atmosphere. Her vision included a cozy patio, clinking beers, a more casual date night vibe. We chose a local cidery owned by Obed & Isaac’s, for this portion of their engagement session and it was the perfect way to end their night.

We kept things low pressure, fun and relaxed mixing candid interactions with a moodier, more romantic side to the evening.

Collaborating with my couples on their vision for their engagement session is one of my favorite parts of the process. Merging their vision for their photos with their personalities is SO much fun.

What to Expect from An Engagement Session with Rachael Marie

From the get go, I always let my couples know that their photos are a collaborative experience. Yes you can absolutely show up to your session and I can tell you where to put your hands and smile at the camera, but the magic happens when we do the work before hand.

We start off with a vision. It can be inspiration pulled from Pinterest, a favorite movie, or even just a location you love. From there, I take some time to pull some options that fit your vision and we start to put together a plan.

I get to know your love story, what you want out of your session and what you want to think about when you look back at this time together and we put together your session. We pick out outfits, choose a time of day and date on the calendar that fits the vision for your session.

Daniel got a splinter in his finger LOL so I had to get a picture of Haley trying to get it out.

My books do fill up fast though in the spring and fall months, so if you’re hoping to plan an engagement session at this time of year, you have to reach out early.

Haley & Daniel reached out to me in July for their October session. You may think “wow that’s a little early!!”— but for my calendar it was not!! 📆 I’m so glad they reached out in the summer.

I LOVED documenting this sweet time for these two this past fall and I am in love with how their session turned out.

If you’re ready for the next steps to book your own engagement session you can reach out via my contact page here! I cannot wait to start working on your session.

Check out these other fall-focused engagement sessions:

• M&R at Allerton Park
• O&C at Lincoln Memorial Gardens

check out this moody & rainy nighttime engagement session in downtown Springfield