Elk Island Engagement Session: Nicole & Aaron’s Love Story
As an Edmonton photographer, there's nothing I love more than capturing engagement photos that celebrate the genuine connection between two people in love. Recently, I had the privilege of photographing Nicole and Aaron’s engagement session at the breathtaking Elk Island National Park. This stunning location, just a short drive east of Edmonton, is the perfect backdrop for romantic engagement sessions, and it didn’t disappoint!
Getting to Know Nicole and Aaron
When I book engagement photo sessions, I always send my clients a questionnaire to learn more about their story and what they’re looking for in their photos. Nicole shared that she and her fiancé, Aaron, wanted to celebrate this special moment in their lives with a session that captured the natural, loving way they look at each other, surrounded by the beauty of nature. Their love story began a few years ago when they met online, and despite living five hours apart, their connection only grew stronger. Aaron proposed to Nicole during a trip to Jasper, and now they’re excited to take the next step in their journey together.
Planning the Perfect Engagement Session at Elk Island
When Nicole mentioned that she loved the idea of having their engagement photos taken at Elk Island National Park, I was thrilled! The park’s diverse landscapes—including open fields, wooded paths, and the picturesque Elk Island Beach with its serene dock—offered endless possibilities for creating stunning images. Nicole and Aaron wanted their photos to highlight the beautiful fall colors, tall grass, and the warm, natural setting that Elk Island is known for.
With their vision in mind, I started planning a session that would bring their love story to life. Nicole mentioned they enjoyed having tailgate dates and dancing in the headlights, which gave me the idea to incorporate these elements into the session. To create some extra magic, I also brought along my trusted photography assistant, Bri, from Capture by Bri, to help with lighting and setup.
The Engagement Session Begins: Pathways and Fields
We arrived early at Elk Island to explore and get everything ready. When Nicole and Aaron joined us, we began our engagement session on one of the park’s scenic paths, surrounded by the vibrant fall foliage. I always find that starting with a simple walk helps my clients feel more comfortable in front of the camera, and Nicole and Aaron were no exception. They walked hand in hand, sharing sweet smiles and glances, which made for some beautifully candid moments.
Next, we moved to an open field where the golden light from the setting sun highlighted their laughter and joy. The natural beauty of Elk Island, combined with the genuine connection between Nicole and Aaron, made every photo feel effortlessly romantic.
Sunset Photos at Elk Island Beach
As the sun began to set, we made our way to Elk Island Beach. The timing was perfect, and the sky was ablaze with shades of orange, pink, and purple. We headed straight to the dock, where I captured Nicole and Aaron sitting together, bathed in the soft glow of the sunset. Despite the busy beach and other visitors around, I used creative angles to ensure that the focus remained entirely on this beautiful couple and their love story.
The sunset photos were some of my favourites from the session—Nicole and Aaron's silhouettes against the stunning backdrop of the lake and sky made for truly breathtaking images. The still waters and soft evening light created a serene and romantic atmosphere that was perfect for their engagement photos.
Finishing the Session with a Personal Touch
We wrapped up the engagement session with a special set of photos that highlighted Nicole and Aaron's love for tailgate dates. We found a small, hidden parking spot where Aaron backed up his truck, and we used the headlights to create a unique lighting effect. I asked Aaron to lift Nicole, their silhouettes beautifully outlined by the glow of the lights. Then, with Nicole sitting on the hood of the truck and Aaron standing close, they shared some intimate moments that truly captured their playful and loving relationship.
For the grand finale, we set up the tailgate scene, and with the help of Bri holding a studio light, we captured some cosy, close-up shots of the couple. It was the perfect way to end this magical engagement session, with Nicole and Aaron embracing under the headlights, looking forward to their future together.
Why Elk Island is Perfect for Engagement Photos
Elk Island National Park is one of the best locations near Edmonton for engagement photos. Its diverse landscapes, beautiful sunsets, and serene settings make it an ideal choice for couples looking to capture their love in a natural and timeless way. As an Edmonton photographer, I’m always inspired by the beauty of this park and the way it brings out the best in every couple I work with.
Ready to Capture Your Love Story?
Nicole and Aaron’s engagement session was a reminder of why I love being a photographer in Edmonton. Their love story, combined with the stunning backdrop of Elk Island, resulted in a collection of engagement photos that are as unique and beautiful as they are. If you’re recently engaged and looking for the perfect location to capture your love, I’d love to help you create lasting memories that reflect your unique story.
Contact me today to book your engagement session, and let’s make some magic happen together! Whether you choose Elk Island or another stunning spot in the Edmonton area, I’m here to capture the love and joy that makes your relationship truly one-of-a-kind.
