Engagements are such a special part of the journey toward marriage, and I’m thrilled that Christen and Alex chose to trust me to document their love story. What’s even more wonderful is that all of my wedding packages include a complimentary engagement session. Christen and Alex decided to seize the opportunity to capture the beginning of a new chapter during a winter engagement amidst the enchanting settings of the Huyck Preserve and downtown Rensselaerville. Allow me to take you on a whimsical journey with winter engagement photoshoot ideas at Huyck Preserve in Upstate NY.
![Candid photo of a couple walking on a snow covered bridge in Huyck preserve in Rensselaerville New York!](https://courtneystannard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/IMG_6367_websize.jpg)
Capturing Christen and Alec’s Journey Amidst Natural Beauty in Upstate New York
I can’t even express how deeply connected I am to The Rensselaerville Falls. It’s where I spent my entire childhood, just a stone’s throw away, and even now, I call it my home, just minutes down the road. Normally, this spot is crowded with people, but during the winter, it’s a whole different world, a serene sanctuary with far fewer souls braving the cold.
The Rensselaerville Falls is a hidden gem nestled within the embrace of the Huyck Preserve. It is not only a natural wonder but also an integral part of my life. In fact, it shares its borders with my own property, making it all the more special for me to photograph.
![Detail shot of an engagement ring during snowy engagement photoshoot at Huyck preserve!](https://courtneystannard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/IMG_6315_websize.jpg)
![Stunning snowy winter engagement photos at Huyck preserve in Rensselaerville New York!](https://courtneystannard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/IMG_6412_websize.jpg)
![Candid photo of a couple walking on a snow covered bridge in Huyck preserve in Rensselaerville New York!](https://courtneystannard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/IMG_6347_websize.jpg)
![Stunning snowy winter engagement photos](https://courtneystannard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/IMG_6376_websize.jpg)
![Beautiful couple share a moment during their stunning snow covered winter engagement photoshoot](https://courtneystannard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/IMG_6296_websize.jpg)
![Engagement wedding ring shot during dreamy winter engagement photoshoot](https://courtneystannard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/IMG_6310_websize.jpg)
![Beautiful snowy winter engagement photos at Huyck preserve](https://courtneystannard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/IMG_6629_websize.jpg)
![Stunning snowy winter bridge engagement photos at Huyck preserve in Rensselaerville New York!](https://courtneystannard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/IMG_6717_websize.jpg)
Navigating the Winter Trails at Huyck Preserve
Despite its undeniable beauty, winter casts an enchanting, treacherous spell over the trails. The ice and snow can turn them into a slippery and perilous labyrinth. A few days before our shoot, I hiked those very trails, capturing videos along the way. Christen and Alec had never visited this magical place, and I wanted to ensure that they were comfortable with the location before arriving. So, I became their guide, showcasing the terrain and trails to give them a sense of what to expect.
![Beautiful couple share a kiss during their stunning snow covered winter engagement photoshoot](https://courtneystannard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/IMG_6671_websize.jpg)
![Beautiful couple share a kiss during their stunning snow covered winter engagement photoshoot](https://courtneystannard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/IMG_6452_websize.jpg)
![Detail shot of the engagement ring during a snowy winter engagement photoshoot](https://courtneystannard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/IMG_6303_websize.jpg)
![Couple share a kiss in the snow during their winter engagement photoshoot!!](https://courtneystannard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/IMG_6491_websize.jpg)
![Beautiful couple stop for a moment on a striking red bridge in the snow during their winter engagement photos at Huyck preserve](https://courtneystannard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/IMG_6318_websize.jpg)
![Beautiful couple share a kiss during their snowy winter engagement photoshoot!](https://courtneystannard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/IMG_6637_websize.jpg)
![Candid photo of a couple walking on a snow covered bridge in Huyck preserve in Rensselaerville New York!](https://courtneystannard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/IMG_6339_websize.jpg)
![Candid walking photo during engagement photoshoot at Huyck preserve!](https://courtneystannard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/IMG_6536_websize.jpg)
![Candid walking photo during engagement photoshoot at Huyck preserve!](https://courtneystannard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/IMG_6547_websize.jpg)
![Intimate moment during engagement photoshoot at Huyck preserve](https://courtneystannard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/IMG_6746_websize.jpg)
![Stunning snowy winter engagement photos at Huyck preserve in Rensselaerville New York!](https://courtneystannard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/IMG_6731_websize.jpg)
Exploring Rensselaerville’s Timeless Treasures: The Grist Mill and Artistic Heritage
After we’d had our feel of the breathtaking falls, we ventured into the heart of Rensselaerville, a charming town in Upstate NY. Its streets are lined with homes and buildings that have witnessed centuries of stories unfold. The crown jewel of the town is the Grist Mill. It holds a special place in my heart, as it’s where I’ve showcased my art many times before. This quaint little mill is lovingly cared for by the Rensselaerville Historical Society. It hosts the annual art shows that bring the community together in celebration of creativity. It’s a place where memories are etched into the fabric of time, just like the memories we were creating that day with Christen and Alec.
![Couple pose together outside a historic Rensselaerville New York building during their dreamy winter engagement photoshoot](https://courtneystannard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/IMG_6938_websize.jpg)
![Stunning snowy winter engagement photos at Huyck preserve in Rensselaerville New York!](https://courtneystannard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/IMG_6810_websize.jpg)
![Couple shares an intimate moment during their dreamy winter engagement photshoot!](https://courtneystannard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/IMG_6875_websize.jpg)
![Stunning snowy winter engagement photos](https://courtneystannard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/IMG_6877_websize.jpg)
![Ring and wildflowers during a stunning snowy winter engagement photoshoot](https://courtneystannard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/IMG_6988_websize.jpg)
![Couple sits outside a historic building during their winter engagement photoshoot in Rensselaerville New York!](https://courtneystannard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/IMG_6865_websize.jpg)
![Couple share a romantic kiss during their dreamy engagement photoshoot](https://courtneystannard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/IMG_6900_websize.jpg)
![Couple sit together during their dreamy winter engagement photoshoot in Rensselaerville New York!](https://courtneystannard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/IMG_6907_websize.jpg)
![Couple share a kiss over some wildflowers during their stunning winter engagement photoshoot!](https://courtneystannard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/IMG_6976_websize.jpg)
![Couple pose for a sitting shot during their winter engagement photoshoot!](https://courtneystannard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/IMG_7001_websize.jpg)
![Stunning snowy winter wildflower engagement photos](https://courtneystannard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/IMG_6969_websize.jpg)
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!