Cinematic Waterfall Engagement Photos

Engagement sessions are all about capturing the essence of a couple—their story, their vibe, and the things they love. For Erin and Alandre, a waterfall setting was the perfect way to showcase their love of adventure, making their April engagement session a true reflection of their easygoing, romantic nature, filled with laughter and candid moments.

Celebrating 22 Years of Love and Adventure

Erin and Alandre have been together for over 22 years. Over two decades of life’s milestones and challenges, they've not only grown as individuals but as partners, always finding new ways to support and love one another. Their proposal took place during a quiet moment at home after a busy morning. Erin says, “It was intimate and special and represented who we are.” Their favorite dates include hiking in Topanga Canyon, dinner on top of a mountain in Arizona, and renting a movie theater for just the two of them during the pandemic.

Choosing the Perfect Location for Your Engagement Session

For their engagement session, Erin knew exactly what she wanted—a stunning waterfall location with a sense of natural drama. I sent several options her way, and when I described this particular spot—with its gorgeous waterfall, meandering creek, lush moss-covered stones, steep ravine walls, and one-of-a-kind, cinematic feel—the vision came to life instantly for both of us. The combination of textures, movement, and atmosphere made it feel like stepping into a hidden world, and Erin knew right away it was the perfect match for the kind of session they had envisioned.

Trusting the Process: Why Timing Matters for Engagement Sessions

I’m so grateful for the trust they placed in me during the planning process! If someone suggested an 11:30 AM start time for an outdoor session, I’d typically hesitate (to say the least), but Erin and Alandre trusted me completely. The light in the steep ravine was absolutely perfect, allowing me to create cinematic images that made them look amazing against the dark cliffs and mossy rocks.

How Location Shapes Your Engagement Photos

The session was laid-back, candid, and relaxed—just like Erin and Alandre. There was a lot of laughter, playful moments, and a few tender glances exchanged as they explored together The sound of the waterfall gently cascading over the rocks, the scent of fresh earth and moss in the air, and the quiet rush of wind between the trees—these moments added to the magic of Erin and Alandre's session, bringing their love for nature to life in every frame.

Start Planning Your Dream Engagement Session

Whether you're dreaming of a quiet forest escape, a bold architectural backdrop, or a one-of-a-kind waterfall like Erin and Alandre’s, the right location can help tell your story in a way that feels true to you. I’ve scouted and photographed some of the most unique engagement session locations across Kentucky—explore them here—and if something catches your eye (or sparks a new idea), I’d love to help bring it to life. Ready to start planning your own meaningful, cinematic session? Reach out here, and let’s create something unforgettable together.

Autumn Red River Gorge Hiking Elopement

Is there anything more romantic than leaves crunching under your feet, the smell of fall in the crisp air, & light filtering through colorful foliage as you walk down a trail you’ve never explored before? As I drafted up a few options for how we could spend Kate & Ben’s elopement day I had that idea in mind, but of course it ended up being even more magical than I could have imagined. We spent the afternoon hiking a couple of different trails and were rewarded with stunning views that included a sea of yellow leaves floating along a stream that led to an arch across the water, deeply textured lichen-covered sandstone, and a waterfall surrounded by golden leaves where Kate & Ben pulled off their boots to wade and dance in the water. We saved the cliffside trail for sunset and they watched the sky turn from red to magenta to blue. They snuggled on their blanket as the moon rose. We drove the windy road back to their cabin and shared potato soup on their porch from a safe, responsible, distance. Ben got a fire going and they ended the night enjoying s’mores under the stars.

My spouse Joyce captured video of the day as well which gave the whole experience a very double-date feel that I highly recommend. We swapped stories of our favorite trips—they also love Peru. They hiked the Inca Trail when they visited which isn’t accessible during the rainy season when I was there...so now I’m looking forward to another visit if I can convince Joyce that hiking for several days at a high elevation is a fun idea. 

As is the case with most weddings right now, this wasn’t the original plan for the day. At first, they were going to have a more traditional ceremony & reception at Yew Dell Botanical Gardens in September and then we were going to go to RRG the next day for a day-after session. In June, they asked if I’d be free for a backyard wedding in a couple of weeks. Everything came together quickly & beautifully and they were able to have a small backyard ceremony with their closest friends and family that Joyce and I were able to document. They were still going to wait and see if in September it would be safe enough to have a larger group gather for a reception. As the date got closer and it became apparent that it was not getting any safer, our current plan was formed. Their ability to go with the flow, never get discouraged, and to focus on the most important parts of it all reminded me why I love what I do. Kate was in the middle of finishing up school & getting her nurse practitioner license while all of this was happening. I am beyond impressed that she managed to juggle it all with so much grace and compassion. 

For all of you who are planning your wedding or elopement during this chaotic time— focus on each other, embrace adventure, and everything else won’t seem quite as daunting. Hint: It helps to have a photographer who is down to help you dream and plan your perfect day. This elopement planning guide is also full of resources to help you along the way and I also have an elopement guide specific to Red River Gorge here!

Adventurous Red River Gorge Hiking Elopement

Back in early February, Shannon & Tim reached out to me while planning their intimate wedding. I was immediately excited since they wanted to collaborate on locations— they were looking for something woodsy & adventurous, but also somewhere that would be easy for folks carrying kiddos and older family members to get to. So, I made a list of accessible options that still felt natural and wild for them to choose from!

Originally the idea was for twenty or so family members to join them as they said their vows, but then everything changed in March. Since their original plan would involve a whole lot of people traveling, they made the decision to get married in their backyard with family, and then come down to Kentucky with just the two of them to explore, read letters to each other, and have an elopement day full of adventure.

Once the location we choose didn't need to allow for a group, Red River Gorge moved to the top of our list! Shannon and Tim had never been to RRG before, so for their elopement, I acted as both photographer and tour guide. I had so much fun planning their day and even more fun actually getting to hike around with them! Our goals were to see some cool rock formations (Shannon teaches about rocks to her students), interesting water features, and some expansive views...and y'all I don't want to toot my own horn, but I think we nailed it. We got really lucky and had a gorgeous foggy sunrise with almost all the trails totally to ourselves! I don't think the day could have been any more perfect.

If you're in the process of planning your own Kentucky elopement and don't know where to start, I made a blog post outlining how to elope in Kentucky that should be helpful! I also offer location assistance, help building timelines, and feedback on just about anything for all my wedding and elopement clients. Contact me and let’s start making magic!