There’s something extra special about photographing people who’ve shared pieces of your past. I met Lexi and Sam separately through middle and high school band — and like most small-town stories go, we were never super close, but of course, we knew each other. That’s just how it goes when everyone’s somehow connected.
Fast forward to now, and I had the honor of capturing their engagement photos — a session full of laughter, nature, and memories that felt more like play than posing.
The Heart of Their Love
Lexi and Sam are the kind of couple who radiate joy. They're playful, sarcastic in the best way, and constantly laughing with each other. You can tell how comfortable and genuinely happy they are together — the kind of relationship where nothing feels forced.
They met in our small town (no surprise there!) and got engaged at Rising Park, a local hiking spot that overlooks Lancaster, Ohio. Sam even recruited a friend to hide in the bushes for surprise photos — 10/10 dedication. It sounded like the most joyful, "just us" kind of day.
A Change of Plans, A Better Outcome
They sent me inspiration filled with lush greens and natural, woodsy backdrops. We originally planned to shoot in the heart of Hocking Hills — known for its breathtaking nature — but when I arrived, everything was still brown and lifeless from the late bloom. Cue full panic mode.
So I did what any determined photographer would do: I drove. All across the county, back roads and all, scouting with hope. Nothing felt quite right… until I remembered a little spot behind my old high school softball field. I used to play there, and I remembered the creek, the woods, the way the light fell just right. I took one look and thought, this is it.
I texted Lexi and Sam with about an hour’s notice: “It’s a weird spot, but trust me.” And they did.
The Magic of the Moment
We got the most perfect overcast sky — soft light, no harsh shadows. It had rained for days before, and we’d already rescheduled once due to flooding, but somehow it all dried up just in time.
They were so easy to work with. I had them tell me stories, joke with each other, and just be. My favorite moment? When I asked Sam to point at something random in the sky. He did it with full personality, got Lexi giggling, and I barely had to lift my camera — the smiles were already there.
And when they danced? That was it. The wind, the movement, the laughs — probably 20% of their gallery came from that three-minute moment. My favorite shot is Sam spinning Lexi around, turning a simple prompt into an actual memory. Pure magic.
Full Circle
This shoot meant a lot to me. I haven’t stayed connected with many people from my hometown since graduating five years ago, but coming back to photograph such a huge moment for two people I shared a past with felt healing. It reminded me that I can still love where I came from while being proud of where I’m headed.
Lexi & Sam, thank you for trusting me — not just with your vision, but with your story. From the band room to this next chapter, I’m so excited to see where life takes you. You deserve all the good things.
Coming Soon...
PS — I’ve got some graduation photos coming up in early May, and I can’t wait to share more beautiful stories with you all.
