I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of photographing love stories like this one. Kara & Andrew’s engagement session at Crockett Park in Midland, Virginia was one of those evenings that reminds me why I love what I do—the kind where the story behind the photos is just as beautiful as the images themselves.

These two have known each other forever. Literally. Andrew has had a crush on Kara since the 7th grade, and somewhere between school dances, football games, and graduation caps tossed in the air, that little crush turned into the sweetest love story. They’re high school sweethearts who have walked through all the big milestones of life together, and now they’re preparing for the biggest one yet: marriage.

When we started planning their engagement session, we wanted something timeless and romantic, a location that gave them room to just be themselves. Crockett Park was the perfect fit. With its wide-open fields, peaceful walking paths, and the most serene lake, it gave us every backdrop we could have dreamed of.

As the sun began to dip lower, the light wrapped around them in that warm, golden glow that photographers dream about. They laughed, twirled, and soaked in the quiet joy of this season together. And then—my favorite part of the evening—we ended the session with a boat ride on the lake. The water was still, the light was sparkling, and they looked like they had stepped straight into a scene from a love story. Watching them hold hands across the boat, grinning from ear to ear, I couldn’t help but think how much 7th grade Andrew would be smiling at this moment.

Kara & Andrew, you two are such a joy to be around. Your love is steady, kind, and full of laughter—and it was such an honor to capture this little glimpse of your story. I can’t wait to see you say “I do” and step into this next chapter together.

✨ If you’re newly engaged and dreaming of an engagement session that feels personal, romantic, and true to your story, I’d love to capture it for you. Reach out here and let’s start planning your own golden hour session!