July 10, 2024
There’s a certain kind of magic that only happens at golden hour, especially in late summer in Montana. The air starts to cool, the light turns soft and golden, and everything slows down in the most beautiful way. Grace and Landon’s engagement session landed on one of those perfect evenings—warm sun, golden skies, and the kind of light that makes everything (and everyone) glow.
I always say that the best sessions are the ones where couples can just be themselves, and that’s exactly what Grace and Landon did. From the start, they were completely present with each other—laughing, talking, holding hands, and genuinely enjoying the moment. There was no rushing, no pressure, just the two of them and the incredible Montana scenery around us. Honestly, it felt like we had the whole world to ourselves.
If you’ve followed my work for a while, you know I’m a little obsessed with golden hour. It’s that dreamy window of time right before sunset when the sun sits low in the sky, casting everything in a warm, golden light. It’s soft and flattering and makes colors pop in the best way.
Grace and Landon’s session took place during the last stretch of summer, that sweet spot when the days are still long but you can feel fall just starting to peek around the corner. The light was chef’s kiss—wrapping them up in that golden glow and making the whole landscape feel extra romantic.
They chose one of my favorite Missoula locations with wide-open fields, tall grasses, and a view of the distant mountains that seemed to fade into a dusky blue as the sun dropped lower. We walked, we laughed, we stopped to soak in the light, and we captured so many little in-between moments that felt real and effortless.
There’s something really special about the way Grace and Landon are with each other. Their love doesn’t shout—it’s steady, comfortable, and full of those quiet, meaningful glances that say more than words ever could. I didn’t have to give much direction; they naturally gravitated toward each other, moved in sync, and filled every frame with connection.
They’re the kind of couple that makes my job easy. I love photographing people who don’t feel the need to perform for the camera—people who just show up as they are and trust me to capture them honestly. Grace and Landon did exactly that, and it shows in every single photo.
Missoula never runs out of beautiful places for photos. Whether we’re in the middle of the forest, down by the river, or out in a wide-open field like this one, there’s something for every couple and every vibe. The golden grass, the way the light filtered through the trees, the mountains off in the distance—it was all just so Montana.
One of the best things about shooting locally is knowing all the little pockets of beauty that most people wouldn’t think to seek out. I love when couples trust me to pick the perfect spot for their photos, and I’m always scouting new locations that will feel like you and look incredible on camera.
So many people think of engagement photos as an optional extra—but they’re honestly one of the most important parts of the wedding photography process. Not just because you’ll walk away with beautiful photos of this once-in-a-lifetime season, but because they help set the tone for everything to come.
Engagement sessions are the perfect opportunity for us to get to know each other before your wedding day. You get to see how I work, what it feels like to be in front of my camera, and how relaxed and natural the whole experience can be. There’s no rush, no timeline to stick to, no wedding-day pressure. Just a chance to slow down and be fully present with each other.
For many couples, this is the first time they’ve had professional photos taken together—and that can feel a little intimidating. But I promise, within a few minutes, you’ll forget the camera is even there. I’ll guide you through everything with prompts and direction when needed, but I’ll also give you space to just be. That’s when the real magic happens.
By the time your wedding day arrives, we’ve already built that trust. You’ll know what to expect, you’ll feel comfortable in front of the camera, and you’ll be able to enjoy every moment knowing your photos are in good hands.
It’s easy to get caught up in all the planning and logistics of getting married, but I always encourage couples to take a step back and enjoy the engagement season too. It’s such a fleeting chapter, and it deserves to be remembered just as much as the big day itself.
Engagement sessions give you the chance to hit pause and soak it all in. Whether you choose to take your photos in the mountains, downtown, in your backyard, or somewhere completely off the grid, this session should feel like you. Some couples dress up and go glam, others keep it casual and cozy—there’s no right or wrong way to do it.
What matters is that the photos reflect your relationship, your personalities, and this unique chapter of your story.
If you’re newly engaged and thinking about scheduling a session, I’d love to chat with you. Engagement sessions can be booked on their own or with my wedding packages. Whether you already have a vision in mind or want help dreaming something up, I’m here to walk you through the whole process.
Not sure what to wear? I’ll help you choose outfits that photograph beautifully and feel true to your style. Need help choosing a location? I’ve got plenty of ideas—Missoula has no shortage of scenic options. Want to bring your dog or include a cozy picnic or activity you love doing together? Let’s do it.
Whatever your vision looks like, we’ll create something that feels meaningful and true to your relationship.
Hi there,
I’m a wedding and family photographer based in Missoula, Montana ready to capture every season of your life. My approach is warm, nostalgic, and focuses on what makes you you. I would love nothing more than to document your memories, together.
Your life is a beautiful, unfolding narrative—and I’d love to help you capture it. If you’re planning a wedding, engagement, or family session, let's chat so we can start crafting the visual legacy of your love and connection. Together, we’ll create images that you and your loved ones will treasure for generations.
Authentic storytelling of your life's precious moments
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