When Taylor and Josh reached out about their engagement session after booking me for their Beauport Hotel wedding, I was so excited. They wanted to shoot in the Boston Seaport, which is honestly one of my favorite spots in the city. The mix of modern buildings, waterfront views, and cool urban vibes makes it perfect for couples who want something a little different from the typical park setting.

A Love Story That Started in College

Taylor and Josh first met back in 2019 at Assumption College in Worcester. Their story is the kind that feels really genuine and relatable. No dramatic first date or fancy setup. They just started hanging out naturally, the way college kids do. Dorm hallways, parties, study sessions that turned into late night talks. Before they knew it, they were spending all their time together.

Five years later, here they are planning a wedding. It’s pretty sweet when you think about it. They grew up together through those important college years and early twenties. Now they just bought a house together and are starting this next chapter.

The Perfect Cape Cod Proposal

This past September, Josh planned a proposal that fit them perfectly. His parents live on Cape Cod, so he brought Taylor down to Falmouth for the day. They walked down to the beach, and with the ocean right there, he asked her to marry him.

What makes this even better is that both their families were waiting back at his parents’ house to celebrate. Taylor admitted she had a feeling something might be happening because Josh isn’t usually the type to plan things down to every detail. But even knowing something was up didn’t make the moment any less special.

And yes, he totally nailed the ring choice. Score one for Josh.

Why the Boston Seaport Works So Well for Engagement Photos

The Seaport has become such a popular spot for Boston engagement photos, and for good reason. You get this perfect blend of old Boston charm and new modern style. The glass buildings and clean lines give you that contemporary edge.

The water is right there too, which adds something special to the backdrop. That natural light bouncing off the harbor creates the most beautiful glow, especially during golden hour. As someone who loves bright and airy photography, I’m always thinking about how light plays with the surroundings.

Another thing I love about the Seaport is the variety. You can shoot in so many different spots without walking super far.

Starting the Session Dressed Up

Taylor and Josh came ready to look their best for the first part of our session. Taylor wore this gorgeous white dress that photographed beautifully. Josh had on a blazer that made him look sharp and put together. They both looked amazing.

We started walking around finding good light and interesting backgrounds. The Seaport gives you so many options that we could easily spend the whole session just exploring different spots. Taylor and Josh were naturals right away. Some couples take a little while to warm up in front of the camera, but these two were relaxed and having fun from the start.

The Magic of Golden Hour Light

We timed their session to catch that perfect golden hour lighting. The way the light hit the buildings and reflected off the water was just perfect. I could tell right away we were going to get some really beautiful shots. That warm light on Taylor’s white dress created such a pretty contrast against the urban backdrop.

Josh kept making Taylor laugh, which is exactly what I want during a session. Real smiles and genuine moments always photograph better than forced poses. When couples are actually enjoying themselves, it shows in every single image.

Switching It Up with Casual Outfits

About halfway through the session, Taylor and Josh changed into more casual clothes. This is something I always suggest to couples if they’re up for it. Two different looks gives you so much more variety in your final gallery.

The casual outfits let them relax even more. They could move around easier, sit on the ground, get closer without worrying about wrinkling fancy clothes. The whole vibe shifted to something more laid back and playful.

What Makes Great Boston Engagement Photography

Good engagement photos are about more than just pretty locations. Sure, the Seaport looks amazing. But what really makes photos special is capturing the connection between two people.

My style is all about keeping things natural and effortless. I’ll give couples some direction to get them in good light and positioned well. But then I let them just be themselves with the help of some prompting. The best shots happen when people forget they’re being photographed.

Why Outfit Changes Make a Difference

Having two different looks really does give you more options. The dressy outfits gave Taylor and Josh those elegant, formal shots. The casual clothes gave us fun, relaxed images. Now they have photos for any purpose they might need.

Want something nice for the wedding website? Use the dressed up shots. Need a casual photo for social media? Pick one from the second half. Planning to print and frame something for your home? You’ve got options that fit different styles.

It also makes the session feel less repetitive. Changing clothes halfway through creates a natural break. Couples can reset, grab some water, and start fresh with a different energy.

Tips for Your Own Engagement Session

After shooting tons of engagement sessions around Boston, I’ve learned what helps make them go smoothly. First, wear something you feel good in. If you’re uncomfortable in your outfit, it shows in photos. Pick clothes that fit your style and personality.

Think about layers and textures. Solid colors usually photograph better than busy patterns. But don’t be afraid to add some visual interest with different fabrics or textures.

Time your session for good light. Late afternoon or early evening usually works best. Midday sun can be harsh and create unflattering shadows. Overcast days can actually be great too because the clouds diffuse the light naturally.

Relax and have fun with it. I know being in front of a camera feels weird at first. But try to focus on each other instead of the camera. Talk, laugh, and just enjoy spending time together. The photos will be better for it.

Why Location Matters for Engagement Photos

Picking the right location for your engagement photos is pretty important. You want somewhere that feels like you as a couple. Taylor and Josh chose the Seaport because they love that area of Boston. It fits their style and the vibe they were going for.

Some couples prefer parks and nature settings. Others want city streets and urban backgrounds. There’s no right or wrong choice. It’s about what resonates with you and what story you want to tell.

The location should also photograph well. Not every pretty place makes for great photos. You need good light, interesting backgrounds, and space to move around. That’s another reason to hire a professional photographer who knows the best spots and how to use them.

What to Expect from a Professional Photographer

When you hire a professional for your Boston engagement photos, you should expect more than just someone with a nice camera. A good photographer knows how to read light. We understand composition and how to frame shots in interesting ways.

We also know how to work with people. Making couples feel comfortable is a huge part of the job. Some photographers just tell you to stand there and smile. I prefer to give couples prompts that create natural interactions.

The editing process matters too. After the session, I go through every image and edit them to match my bright, airy style. Colors are adjusted, skin tones are perfected, and any distractions are removed. What you get is a polished gallery that looks cohesive and professional.

The Importance of Natural Posing

Nobody wants engagement photos where they look stiff and uncomfortable. That’s why I focus on natural posing that doesn’t feel forced. Instead of having couples stand straight at the camera, I get them moving and interacting.

Walking hand in hand creates movement and feels more natural than standing still. Having couples face each other instead of the camera often results in better expressions. Asking them to do something together, like looking at the water or talking about their wedding plans, gives them something to focus on besides the camera.

Taylor and Josh were perfect examples of how this approach works. When I just let them walk and talk, the photos looked candid and real. When I positioned them in good light and asked them to get close, they still looked comfortable and natural.

Planning Your Boston Engagement Photos

If you’re getting engaged soon and thinking about Boston engagement photos, start planning early. Popular times like fall foliage season and spring book up fast. Reach out to photographers you like well before you need the photos.

Think about what style you want. Look at different photographers’ work and see whose aesthetic matches your vision. Some photographers shoot dark and moody. Others, like me, focus on bright and natural. Pick someone whose style you love.

Talk with your photographer about locations. If you have ideas, share them. But also trust their suggestions. We know which spots work well and what times of day are best for different areas.

Making the Most of Your Session

Your engagement session should be fun, not stressful. Come prepared but stay flexible. Bring that outfit change if you want variety. Wear comfortable shoes if we’ll be walking a lot. Check the weather and have a backup plan if needed.

Give yourself plenty of time to get ready. Rushing to your session feeling stressed isn’t ideal. Build in extra time so you can arrive relaxed and ready to enjoy the experience.

Trust your photographer’s guidance during the session. We see things through the camera that you can’t see. When I ask you to move a certain way or turn toward the light, there’s a reason. We’re working to make you look your absolute best.

Why Choose Sarah Surette Photography

If you’re looking for engagement photography that feels natural and looks beautiful, I’d love to work with you. My style is all about creating images that are bright, romantic, and true to who you are as a couple.

I know the best locations around Boston and the New England coast. Whether you want city streets or beach scenes, classic elegance or modern cool, I can help create the perfect session for you.

The goal is always the same: make you comfortable, capture your connection, and give you photos you’ll treasure forever. Taylor and Josh trusted me with their engagement photos, and I’m so glad they did. Their Seaport session turned out beautiful, and I hope they love these images for years to come.