In February 2024, I had the pleasure of capturing Joe and Melissa’s engagement session, which turned out to be a truly unforgettable experience. It all began when Joe reached out to me via Instagram, expressing his desire for engagement photos that felt authentic and reflected their relationship. Little did I know, Joe hadn’t even proposed yet! He wanted me to be there the day after he popped the question to capture their first moments as an engaged couple.
The setting for our session was the picturesque Urban Cowboy Lodge in the Catskill Mountains. Joe had rented a cozy room with a small balcony overlooking the breathtaking scenery. The morning of the session, I received a text from Joe with the exciting news – Melissa had said yes!
From the moment I arrived, it was clear that Joe and Melissa shared a special bond filled with love and laughter. They were not interested in traditional, posed photos; instead, they wanted images that captured the essence of their relationship and resembled their everyday lives together.
Adding to the charm of the day was their beloved elderly dog, Manny, who joined us for the shoot. As a dog lover myself, having Manny there was an absolute dream.
We spent a couple of hours together, exploring the lodge grounds and capturing candid moments of joy and affection. But the highlight of the day came when Melissa accidentally closed the balcony door, locking us all outside. Despite the momentary panic, we couldn’t help but laugh as we tried to flag down someone to unlock the door. It was a hilarious and memorable moment that perfectly encapsulated the fun-loving spirit of Joe and Melissa’s relationship.
In the end, the photos we captured were not just about documenting an engagement; they were a true reflection of Joe and Melissa’s love story – filled with laughter, spontaneity, and genuine connection. It was an honor to be a part of such a special day and to witness the beginning of their journey as an engaged couple.
Upstate New York Photographer | Courtney Stannard Photography
I document life, love, and the quiet in-between moments with intention, honesty, and heart. Based in Upstate New York, my work blends moody, vibrant storytelling with a deeply personal approach—creating space for you to be fully yourself in front of the camera. My goal is simple: to make images that feel true to who you are, not who you think you’re supposed to be. Let’s make something meaningful together.
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