Some sessions begin with perfect plans. Others begin with a little adventure. Jacqulin and Mickey’s Yosemite engagement session had a bit of both.
They flew me out to Yosemite for their engagement photos.
The original plan was to photograph them at Glacier Point. It is one of the most iconic viewpoints in the park. But the night before their session, an early season snowstorm rolled in. And just like that, the Glacier Point Road closed unexpectedly.
Instead of canceling, we pivoted.
Yosemite Valley still offered incredible views. And sometimes the best moments come from a change of plans. Plus now they will forever have a story to tell about the snowstorm that changed their plans!
These two looked like a dream for their Yosemite engagement session.
Jacqulin chose to wear traditional clothing, which looked gorgeous among the national park landscapes. Her outfit featured a soft gold lehenga with delicate embroidery. A flowing mint green dupatta added movement and color. Gold jewelry and bangles completed the look and caught the light beautifully.
One of my favorite details were her shoes.
She wore the heels she plans to wear on her wedding day, and they were stunning. A pale blue moment, with the most intricate floral details. I’m forever obsessed with them now, I might need a pair myself. (They’re an Arabella Block Blue Blossom shoe, if you’re wondering!)
Mickey kept his look classic and simple.
A navy sweater and tailored gray trousers allowed Jacqulin’s outfit to stand out while still feeling polished. Together, their styles felt effortless and natural against Yosemite’s landscape.
With Glacier Point closed, we explored other areas of the valley for their Yosemite engagement session.
Towering granite cliffs surrounded us. El Capitan rose in the distance. Autumn trees glowed with warm shades of gold and amber.
As a destination wedding photographer, I’ll never get tired of photographing beautiful people in beautiful places.
We stopped along scenic overlooks where the valley stretches endlessly, and then walked through quiet meadows framed by tall pines. We also spent time by the Merced River, where smooth stones and calm water created a peaceful backdrop.
Even with the change of plans, the scenery was breathtaking.
Sessions like this are why I love photographing couples in national parks. Nature always adds a sense of adventure. It also reminds us that beautiful moments often happen when we stay flexible and work with whatever curveballs get thrown our way.
Jacqulin and Mickey embraced the unexpected.
Their connection, their laughter, and the stunning fall landscape allowed us to capture the most beautiful portraits for this uniquely special season of life.
