When Rachel and John reached out to me for their engagement session, I was beyond excited. They had already booked me as their wedding photographer but last minute decided to add on an engagement session. As a wedding photographer, it’s always so helpful when your couple adds on an engagement session. You get to know the couple even more and they get a feel for how I work. It really sets them up for success and a more efficient wedding day when they’ve already done some of the poses a head of time.

A Love Story that Feels Like Home

Rachel is a Beverly native who went to Salem State, and John attended Endicott College. They both have roots in the North Shore area, which made their Beverly engagement photography session even more special.

The two met while working at The Pickled Onion in Beverly. Rachel was already working there, and John joined the team a little later. Their friendship started with Rachel training John, and after a while, their friendship turned into something more, and they’ve been inseparable ever since.

For the past four years, Rachel and John have been navigating life together, with John serving in the military through ROTC and eventually being deployed to Korea. The two spent a couple of years in Savannah before John’s deployment, and now that he’s retired from the military and settling into his first office job, they’re ready to embark on the next chapter of their life—marriage.

The Big Proposal: A Surprise for Rachel

If you think keeping a secret from your partner is hard, try doing it when your partner is a meticulous planner like Rachel. She’s the kind of person who can sniff out surprises from a mile away, so John had to get extra creative to pull off the ultimate surprise proposal.

Rachel knew that John would be proposing this year, but she thought it would be after the holidays. John had been planning the proposal for months in secret, and he managed to keep it under wraps as well as 75 other people. That’s right—75 friends and family members were in on the secret.

John had told Rachel they were going to a military ball. She even had a friend helping her pick out the perfect outfit for the occasion. When they arrived at the Cambridge Boathouse, Rachel was completely caught off guard when John dropped to one knee and proposed. Of course she said! And realized there was no military ball…After the proposal, the couple made their way to Tia’s on the Waterfront in Boston, where 75 of their closest friends and family were waiting to celebrate their engagement in a surprise engagement party.

Incorporating Louie: The Couple’s “Son”

If you’ve ever met Rachel and John, you know how much they love their dog, Louie. He’s their fur baby, their “son,” and of course, he had to be part of their engagement photos.

We started their session at The Pickled Onion, where they met, because duh. While it wasn’t the prettiest spot or the best lighting, we needed a few photos in front of the spot they first met. Then we moved onto Independence Park, a picturesque location that overlooks the Beverly Channel. Louie, being the star of the show that he is, was absolutely adorable as he posed alongside Rachel and John, soaking up the attention and giving us plenty of sweet moments to photograph. Then he got to hang along with BOTH his grandmas! And his auntie who all tagged along with us for the engagement session.

Rachel and John: A Perfect Match

Rachel and John were absolutely natural in front of the camera. As we wrapped up their session, I couldn’t help but feel thankful that I had the chance to get to know them better before their big day. Engagement sessions are always a great way for couples to feel more comfortable in front of the camera, and it was clear that Rachel and John were already pros. Their love for each other—and for Louie—was contagious, and it made for an unforgettable session.

Why Beverly, MA, is the Perfect Location for Your Engagement Photos

Beverly, MA, holds a special place in my heart as a photographer. The town offers so many stunning locations for engagement sessions, from the scenic waterfront parks and of course Lynch Park. And I went to college there! Fun Fact: I went to Montserrat College of Art!

Beverly’s coastal views also make it a great location for couples who love the beach and the water but want to avoid the crowds that often come with more popular beaches.

Planning Your Own Engagement Session

If you’re planning your own engagement session, here are a few tips to make the most of your experience:

1. Pick a meaningful location – Whether it’s a place you love to visit together or a hidden gem like Rachel and John’s boardwalk spot, choosing a location that means something to you will make your photos feel even more personal. But if you don’t have any ideas, I’ve got plenty of gorgeous spots!
2. Bring along your pet – If you’re as obsessed with your dog as Rachel and John are with Louie, don’t hesitate to include them in your session. Pets are part of the family! Cats! Bunnies? A giraffe? Anything is fine with me.
3. Relax and have fun – The best photos happen when you’re comfortable and enjoying each other’s company. Don’t stress about being “perfect”—just focus on being in the moment with your partner.
4. Trust your photographer – A good photographer will guide you through the session and help you feel at ease. Trust their vision and enjoy the experience!