Danielle got in touch with me on Facebook to inquire about capturing her autumn engagement photos with her childhood sweetheart. Danielle and Corey decided on having the session at her family farm, where her and Corey are in the process of building their future home (how sweet!!!)

From Childhood Fair Showcasings to Sincere Love

Danielle and Corey’s paths first crossed during their childhood, as they both participated in showcasing animals at fairs. Despite Corey not warming up to Danielle in their childhood, she held a longstanding crush on him. Danielle fondly recalls confiding in her mom about her dream of one day marrying him. Their story took a wonderful turn in high school when they reconnected, and they’ve been together since their 10th and 12th grade years, marking an enduring relationship that has spanned eight years and counting.

A Monarch’s Blessing in Autumn Engagement Photos

We headed out to a vast, beautiful field on their property, and captured most of their engagement photos here. As we approached the field’s edge, there was a tree line with trees starting to turn a vibrant shade of orange, so we headed that way to capture some photos there. We were walking towards the autumn trees and something caught my eye amidst the grass. As I looked closer, I discovered a monarch butterfly. It was a delightful and enchanting moment as the monarch graciously allowed us to capture a few photos while it peacefully rested. I vividly recall expressing that it felt like a sign, and they wholeheartedly agreed!

Danielle and Corey were incredibly open to everything I suggested. I offered plenty of spontaneous and playful suggestions to capture their most genuine selves, and it turned out to be a great success. They were enthusiastic about running around, rolling down hills, and joyfully leaping into each other’s arms. I recall expressing to them that their love felt among the most authentic and sincere I’d ever witnessed. The way they gazed at each other lingered in my thoughts all the way home and even as I meticulously edited their gallery, it sent shivers down my spine and left a continuous smile on my face.

Capturing Moments of Joy and Playfulness with Danielle and Corey

During the fall, Monarch butterflies journey from the US and Canada to Mexico, marking the return of their ancestors’ souls in Mexican tradition. Their arrival synchronizes with Dios Los Muertos, a two-day celebration signifying the reunion of the living and the departed. It felt particularly extraordinary, given these intertwined significances.

Upstate New York Photographer | Courtney Stannard Photography 

Celebrating your uniquely beautiful life with moody and vibrant documentation in Upstate New York. I love documenting life, love and everything in between in the rawest and most intentional way. My goal in this journey is to allow people to be 100% themselves and feel comfortable doing so. I want the world to see you for the amazing and unique person that you are. Let’s make some damn art together. Inquire about your date here!