I love making connections before I shoot any engagement session, especially when I already know half of the couple! Dakota and I both work for the same company, Sunrise Cooperative in Ohio. I work in the marketing department and he in the energy department. His area of expertise deals with propane gas, fuel delivery, off road diesel, and lubricants for tractors, trucks and semis, among other things. We met a few years ago when he was hired at the company. Sunrise is an agricultural cooperative that has 430 full time employees, ranging from the Ohio River to Lake Erie.

….that’s where I work! 😉 I’m the company’s photographer, so Dakota has gotten used to being in front of my camera. He is great to work with at Sunrise and is always willing to work hard for anything I ask him to do. I was excited when his fiancé, Ashley, reached out about scheduling an engagement session this past December!

One of my favorite places to take photos in the area is the Norwalk Reservoir in Norwalk, Ohio. It’s such a great outdoor location, perfect for fishing, walking and biking trails, and outdoor sports such as Frisbee golf. The Norwalk Reservoir is very diversified with where you can shoot. We were so lucky with their session because it snowed the weekend before. I love shooting here when the trees are in full bloom. However, this location is just as beautiful in the winter when it snows. We started their session at the dock and then moved to the rocky shoreline of the lake for some sitting photos. It was freezing while we were shooting, but Ashley and Dakota braved the cold!

I couldn’t resist taking some ring shots in the snow! They turned out so pretty! We walked along the fence line and eventually made our way to the tree area at the reservoir. It takes a while for spring to come to Ohio, with all the beautiful green colors of the newly growing trees. So I loved that the snow really brightened up the brown tree trunks behind them! I loved when Dakota dipped Ashley back for some of their last photos of the session. It just shows how much fun they have together, even while taking pictures! Even if he does mimic what NOT to do! 🤣

Most of my couples don’t know this, but I actually own a snow machine! Even though Mother Nature cooperated for Ashley and Dakota’s engagement session, I offer my couples this option in case they want some winter themed photos. However, in order to use it, we have to be close to an outlet since connecting to a car or diesel truck doesn’t give enough power. (I learned that during this session.🤪) I’m hoping to use this fun option for my couples for future sessions!

Congratulations Ashley and Dakota on your engagement! If you’re recently engaged and would like to schedule a winter session, fill out my form so we can start planning!