Chrislyn & Ben's Golden Hour Magic


With their wedding just around the corner, I figured it was finally time for me to share Chrislyn and Ben's engagement session in Central Pennsylvania! A dreamy location for multiple occasions, the Arboretum at Penn State is always a STUNNING backdrop with its rolling gardens, mature trees, and dreamy pathways that feel like a fairytale storybook.


 

A couple shares a romantic moment by a fountain in a garden setting with water features and green lawn.
A couple in casual attire sits close together on concrete steps during an outdoor engagement photo session.
A romantic couple embraces in a grassy field wearing white and khaki casual attire.

 

The Water Features of the Arboretum



We started the session off working our way through the variety of fountains and ponds that the location has to offer.  One of my favorite spots within the Arboretum is the Oasis Garden.  Between the lily pads on the pond and the lush greenery, it is impossible not to love any photograph captured there.  Although the weather forecast had been giving us major mixed signals all week, Chrislyn and Ben were completely ready to roll with whatever the evening brought.


 

Romantic couple in an intimate embrace outdoors with woman wearing a blue and white floral dress.
A couple in light summer attire walks together on a grassy lawn near a decorative fountain.
A couple embraces by a fountain in a garden setting, with the bride wearing a flowing white lace dress.
A couple sits together on stone steps in a garden setting during an intimate engagement photo session.
Close-up of hands with white manicured nails and diamond engagement ring on light gray fabric background.
Couple sharing romantic kisses in a lush garden setting during a summer wedding photo session.
A couple sits casually together on concrete steps wearing coordinating white and khaki outfits in an outdoor setting.
A couple in matching white outfits share an intimate moment outdoors in a romantic photo series.

 

Dancing Through the Gardens


After our fountain stops, we headed over to the event lawn for a simpler backdrop. I have found that sometimes a plain backdrop can really highlight the subject. Chrislyn and Ben's session was no exception to this, especially with their coordinated, light color palette. Although I was initially afraid to give them some untraditional prompts, they were more than willing to *quite literally* dance their way through the evening.


 

A couple walks hand in hand across a lush green lawn, with the bride wearing a flowing white floral dress.
A couple in wedding attire dances playfully across a green lawn on their special day.
A series of intimate wedding photos showing a couple embracing in white attire against a light background.
A couple playfully jumps and runs together on a green grassy hill during an outdoor photo session.
A couple embraces joyfully on a green lawn, with the person in a flowing white lace dress dancing and twirling.
A white floral sundress with blue details is shown in a sequence of close-up shots on a green lawn.
Two hands reaching out to hold each other against a blurred light background.
Couple in white and khaki outfits dancing playfully on a lush green lawn during a sunny day.

 

The Golden Hour


The rain hit just as we finished their first outfit.  I'm not going to lie: I was holding my breath hoping we'd be able to get our second look photos in. But this is where the magic really happened. The storm passed through quickly with the clouds parting just enough to allow the most absolutely GORGEOUS golden light to come streaming through. What I loved most about this entire session was getting to witness Chrislyn and Ben's connection unfold naturally. Between outfit changes and weather surprises, we had amazing conversations, and I got to see their genuine love story play out through my lens. The way they looked at each other, laughed together, and completely embraced every unexpected moment? That's the kind of authentic love I do this for.


 

A series of cropped photos showing two people embracing, one wearing white and one in yellow.
Couple in white and yellow outfits embrace while standing in a golden field at sunset.
Couple holding hands walking through a golden meadow at sunset wearing yellow dress and white shirt.
A couple shares an intimate moment in a golden meadow at sunset while sitting in tall grass.
A couple holds hands while walking through a golden meadow at sunset in romantic countryside setting.
A couple sharing an intimate moment in a series of close-up shots against a warm sunlit background.
A couple in a grassy field performs a romantic dance dip pose at sunset.
A couple shares a romantic moment under a tree at sunset in a rural setting, wearing yellow and white outfits.
People playing on a grassy hillside at sunset, creating a playful silhouette against the golden evening light.
A romantic couple in light summer attire shares tender moments under a leafy tree at sunset.
A couple shares playful moments in a golden meadow at sunset as they embrace and laugh together.

Considering booking an Arboretum engagement session?


Sometimes the most beautiful sessions happen when couples trust the process and embrace whatever Mother Nature throws their way. Chrislyn and Ben's willingness to go with the flow and focus on celebrating their love made this session absolutely unforgettable. I am counting down the days until their wedding in June because if their engagement session was THIS magical, I can only imagine what their wedding day is going to bring! These two are going to have the most stunning celebration, and I cannot wait to capture every moment.


Dreaming of your own engagement session that embraces natural beauty and unexpected magic? Let's create something as stunning and authentic as your love story!